12 Ways to Fix the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID Error

The NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error in Google Chrome and other browsers indicates that there is an issue with the SSL certificate of the website you’re trying to visit. This error often appears when the date and time on your device or the certificate itself are not synchronized, or the SSL certificate has expired. It can prevent users from accessing websites, especially those using HTTPS. Here’s a guide to 12 methods that can help resolve this error.

1. Check Your System Date and Time

One of the most common causes of the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error is an incorrect date and time on your computer.

1. Check Date and Time:
   • Windows: Right-click the date and time in the system tray and select Adjust date/time.
   • Mac: Go to System Preferences > Date & Time.
2. Ensure that the date, time, and time zone are correct, or enable Set time automatically.
3. Restart your browser and try accessing the website again.

2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Outdated cache and cookies can interfere with SSL certificate validation.

1. Open Chrome and go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
2. Select All time as the time range and check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
3. Click Clear data.

Restart your browser and see if the issue is resolved.

3. Update Your Browser

An outdated browser can have compatibility issues with SSL certificates.

1. Update Chrome:
   • Click on the three dots menu (⋮) > Help > About Google Chrome.
   • Chrome will automatically check for updates and install the latest version.
2. Restart the browser and try visiting the website again.

4. Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Some antivirus software or firewalls have features that interfere with SSL certificates, like HTTPS scanning.

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall software.
2. Try accessing the website again.

If the issue is resolved, you may need to adjust the settings in your antivirus software to exclude SSL scanning. Remember to re-enable your antivirus or firewall afterward.

5. Check for Browser Extensions

Certain browser extensions, especially security and privacy tools, can block SSL certificates.

1. Disable all extensions:
   • Go to Settings > Extensions.
   • Toggle off all extensions.
2. Restart your browser and try accessing the website.
3. If the error is gone, enable each extension one by one to identify the one causing the issue.

6. Flush DNS Cache

Clearing your DNS cache can help resolve network issues that might be causing SSL errors.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator:
   • Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. Run the following command:
   ipconfig /flushdns
3. Restart your computer and try visiting the website again.

7. Adjust SSL and TLS Settings

Adjusting SSL/TLS settings can help if the issue is related to older or incompatible protocols.

1. Open Chrome and type chrome://flags in the address bar.
2. Search for TLS and ensure that TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 are enabled.
3. If you are using Internet Explorer:
   • Go to Internet Options > Advanced tab.
   • Scroll down to Security and enable Use TLS 1.2 and Use TLS 1.3.

Restart the browser and check if the issue persists.

8. Verify SSL Certificate Expiration Date

If you are the website owner or have access to its SSL certificate:

1. Check the certificate expiration date by clicking on the padlock icon in the address bar and selecting Certificate or View certificate.
2. Verify the Valid from and Valid to dates.
3. If the certificate is expired, you will need to renew the SSL certificate through your hosting provider or certificate authority.

9. Use Incognito Mode

Incognito mode can help you identify if a corrupted cache or a specific extension is causing the issue.

1. Open Incognito mode in Chrome by pressing:
   • Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + N
   • Mac: Command + Shift + N
2. Try accessing the website in Incognito mode. If it works, the issue may be with your cache or an extension.

10. Use a Different Network

Sometimes, the issue can be related to the network you’re using.

1. Switch to a different Wi-Fi network or try using a mobile hotspot.
2. If the website loads properly on a different network, the issue could be with the DNS or firewall settings of the original network.

11. Clear SSL State

Clearing the SSL state can fix SSL-related issues on Windows.

1. Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Internet Options.
2. Go to the Content tab and click on Clear SSL state.
3. Click OK and restart your browser.

12. Contact the Website Administrator

If you have tried all of the above methods and the issue persists, the problem might be on the server side:

1. Reach out to the website’s support team or administrator and inform them about the SSL issue.
2. They may need to check if their SSL certificate has expired or if there is a misconfiguration on their server.

Summary

The NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error can be caused by various issues, including incorrect date and time settings, browser cache problems, or SSL certificate expiration. By following the 12 methods outlined above, you can troubleshoot and resolve the error, whether the problem lies with your device or the website’s server. If the issue persists after trying all of these solutions, it may be best to reach out to the website’s support team for further assistance.