The ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR is a common issue that users encounter when accessing websites, particularly WordPress sites. This error generally indicates that there is a problem with the SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate or the configuration of the website’s HTTPS settings. SSL certificates are essential for encrypting data between a user’s browser and your website, ensuring security and trust. Without a valid SSL certificate or a proper HTTPS setup, users might face connection issues.
What Is ERR_SSL_Protocol_Error
The ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR is a common error message that appears in web browsers, such as Google Chrome, when there is a problem with the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) connection between the browser and the website. SSL is a protocol used to encrypt data during transmission to ensure security.
This error typically occurs when there is an issue in the SSL/TLS handshake process, which is the initial communication that happens when establishing a secure connection between the client (your browser) and the server (the website). Here are some possible reasons for encountering this error:
1. Outdated SSL/TLS Version
The server may be using an outdated version of SSL/TLS, or your browser may not support the version being used by the server. Modern browsers and websites typically require newer, more secure versions of TLS (such as TLS 1.2 or TLS 1.3).
2. Incorrect System Date and Time
SSL certificates have expiration dates, and if your computer’s date and time are incorrect, it might cause the browser to incorrectly think the certificate is expired or invalid.
3. Corrupted Cache or Cookies
Sometimes, corrupted browser cache or cookies can interfere with SSL connections, causing the error.
4. Problems with the Website’s SSL Certificate
If the website has an expired, misconfigured, or self-signed SSL certificate, the connection may not be established securely, triggering this error.
5. Firewall or Antivirus Interference
Firewalls or antivirus programs may block the SSL connection or perform SSL inspection, leading to errors.
6. Proxy or VPN Issues
If you’re using a proxy server or VPN, it could be interfering with the SSL connection.
7. Browser Settings or Extensions
Sometimes browser settings, such as disabling SSL or having conflicting extensions, can cause SSL handshake issues.
How To Resolve
Here are some easy steps you can take to resolve the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR in WordPress:
1. Check SSL Certificate Status
Before diving into complex fixes, the first step is to ensure that your SSL certificate is installed and valid.
Steps:
You can check ssl by online tool like SSL Checker to confirm if your SSL certificate is installed correctly.
2. Force HTTPS in WordPress Settings
Sometimes, WordPress might still be loading the site with HTTP instead of HTTPS, which can lead to protocol errors.
Steps:
If it shows http:// before the domain name, change it to https:// and save changes.
3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Browsers often store cached versions of a website, which could cause issues with SSL/TLS certificates or misconfigured URLs.
Steps:
After clearing the cache, try loading your website again.
4. Update or Install SSL Plugin
If your WordPress site is using an SSL plugin (like Really Simple SSL or WP Force SSL), it may be misconfigured or outdated.
Steps:
5. Fix Mixed Content Issues
If some elements on your site (like images, scripts, or stylesheets) are being loaded over HTTP instead of HTTPS, it can trigger SSL errors.
Steps:
Once this is done, your site will load all resources securely via HTTPS.
6. Check .htaccess File
A misconfigured .htaccess file can cause SSL errors. WordPress uses this file to control redirection and URL rewriting, and if there are any errors, they can lead to issues with SSL.
Steps:
Make sure the file contains the following code to force HTTPS:
# BEGIN WordPress
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
</IfModule>
# END WordPress
Save and upload the .htaccess file back to the server.
7. Check SSL/TLS Settings on Server
SSL/TLS issues can also arise if your server’s SSL settings are incorrect or incompatible with modern browsers.
Steps:
If you’re unsure about server settings, contact your hosting provider for assistance or contact with TechnSols professional developer’s team.
8. Deactivate SSL/TLS on Cloudflare (if applicable)
If you’re using Cloudflare as a CDN or security service, SSL/TLS settings in Cloudflare could be causing the issue.
Steps:
After making changes, clear the Cloudflare cache to ensure the new settings are applied.
9. Contact Hosting Provider
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it may be a problem with your hosting environment or SSL configuration. Contact your hosting provider’s support team and ask them to:
Steps:
Final Thoughts
The ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR can be frustrating, but with these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and fix the underlying issue. Ensure your SSL certificate is correctly installed, your site is fully configured for HTTPS, and any potential server or browser issues are resolved. If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to seek support from your hosting provider or SSL certificate issuer.
By securing your site with SSL, you not only fix errors but also enhance the trustworthiness and security of your WordPress site.
