How To Fix “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” Error?

Have you ever encountered the perplexing NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error while browsing the web? This seemingly innocuous message can bring your online activities to a screeching halt, leaving you frustrated and unsure how to proceed. But fear not, for today we embark on a journey to unravel the mystery behind this error and equip you with the knowledge to combat it effectively.

Imagine you’re navigating the vast expanse of the internet, seeking information, connecting with loved ones, or engaging in online commerce. Suddenly, a jarring message pops up, declaring “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID.” Confusion sets in, and your online endeavors are abruptly interrupted. But what exactly does this error mean, and how can you overcome it?

Picture yourself effortlessly resolving this error, restoring your online freedom. By acquiring the right techniques, you’ll become a master of error resolution, ensuring uninterrupted online exploration.

Join us as we delve into the depths of the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error, uncovering its causes, exploring its variations, and equipping you with a comprehensive arsenal of solutions.

Let’s get started!

What Does “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID Error” Mean?

The NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error message is an alert from your browser indicating that the website you’re attempting to access has an invalid SSL certificate. SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is a security protocol that encrypts communication between your browser and a website, safeguarding your data from prying eyes. An invalid SSL certificate signals that your browser cannot trust the website’s security and therefore blocks access to protect your information.

The NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error specifically indicates that the website’s SSL certificate has an invalid date. This means that the certificate was either issued in the future or has already expired. In either case, your browser cannot verify the certificate’s authenticity and will prevent you from accessing the website.

This error can occur for various reasons, including:

• Expired SSL Certificate: If the website’s SSL certificate has expired, your browser will display the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error to prevent you from accessing potentially insecure data.
• Incorrect Date Settings: If your computer’s date and time settings are incorrect, your browser may misinterpret the SSL certificate’s validity period, leading to the error.
• Interfering Browser Extensions: Certain third-party browser extensions may conflict with SSL certificates, causing the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error.
• Antivirus Interference: Sometimes, antivirus software may interfere with SSL connections, resulting in the error.
• DNS Server Issues: If your DNS server is malfunctioning, it may provide incorrect information about the website’s SSL certificate, causing the error.

What is SSL and How Does it Work?

SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is a cryptographic protocol that establishes a secure connection between your web browser and a website. When you visit a website that uses SSL, the website’s server sends your browser an SSL certificate. This certificate contains information about the website’s identity, such as its domain name and the issuing authority. Your browser verifies the authenticity of the certificate before establishing a connection.

Once the connection is established, all data exchanged between your browser and the website is encrypted using the SSL protocol. This encryption ensures that your data remains confidential and cannot be intercepted by third parties. SSL encryption is essential for protecting sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card details, and personal data.

SSL Encryption Process

• Client Initiation: When you visit a website that uses SSL, your browser initiates the connection by sending a request to the website’s server.
• Server Response: The server responds with its SSL certificate, which contains its public key and other identifying information.
• Certificate Verification: Your browser verifies the authenticity of the certificate by checking its validity period, issuer information, and digital signature.
• Key Exchange: If the certificate is valid, your browser generates a random session key and encrypts it using the server’s public key. This encrypted session key is then sent to the server.
• Secure Communication: Once the server receives the encrypted session key, it decrypts it using its private key and uses it to encrypt all subsequent data exchanges between your browser and the website.

SSL encryption ensures that your data remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access, making it essential for protecting sensitive information such as login credentials, financial data, and personal details.

Variations of the NET::ERR CERT DATE INVALID Error Message

The NET::ERR CERT DATE INVALID Error Message can appear in slightly different ways depending on your browser. Here are some common variations:

Google Chrome: NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID

This is the most common form of the error message and appears in Google Chrome. It clearly indicates that the website’s SSL certificate has an invalid date.

Mozilla Firefox: Secure Connection Failed

In Mozilla Firefox, the error message takes a more general form, stating that the secure connection failed. However, it’s often associated with SSL certificate issues, including invalid dates.

Microsoft Edge: The security certificate for this site is invalid

Microsoft Edge provides a more specific message, directly stating that the website’s security certificate is invalid. This clearly points to the SSL certificate as the cause of the error.

Safari: This site can’t be reached because its security certificate is invalid

Safari provides a more informative error message, stating that the website cannot be accessed due to an invalid security certificate.

In each of these variations, the core message remains the same: the website’s SSL certificate is invalid, preventing a secure connection and causing the error.

How to Fix the NET::ERR CERT DATE INVALID Error?

Encountering the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error while browsing can be a frustrating experience, hindering your online activities and preventing access to websites. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to tackle this error effectively and restore your seamless online experience.

1. Reload the Page

Sometimes, the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error may occur due to a temporary glitch or a minor issue with the website’s server. In such cases, a simple page refresh can often resolve the error.

To reload the page, simply press the F5 key on your keyboard or click the refresh button in your browser’s address bar. This will reload the page from the server, potentially clearing up the temporary issue and allowing you to access the website.

While reloading the page is a straightforward solution, it may not always be successful. If the error persists, you may need to try other methods to resolve the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error.

2. Switch From Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks, while convenient for accessing the internet on the go, can sometimes interfere with SSL connections and cause the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error. This is because public Wi-Fi networks may not be as secure as private networks and may be susceptible to eavesdropping or manipulation.

If you encounter the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error while using public Wi-Fi, try connecting to a private Wi-Fi network or using your mobile data connection. If the error persists, it may be due to an issue with the website itself rather than the Wi-Fi network.

Here are some additional tips for using public Wi-Fi safely:

• Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as online banking or email, on public Wi-Fi.
• Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data from prying eyes.
• Be cautious about clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources on public Wi-Fi.

Remember, switching from public Wi-Fi to a private network is a simple and effective way to resolve the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error in many cases.

3. Restart your Computer

Restarting your computer can sometimes resolve the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error by clearing up temporary glitches or conflicts that may be causing the error. This is because restarting your computer clears out the system’s memory and resets all running processes, which can sometimes resolve issues that may be interfering with SSL connections.

To restart your computer, simply click the Start button, select the Power icon, and choose Restart. Once your computer has restarted, try accessing the website again to see if the error has been resolved.

While restarting your computer is a simple solution, it may not always be successful. If the error persists, you may need to try other methods to resolve the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error.

4. Check Date & Time Settings

Incorrect date and time settings on your computer can cause the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error because SSL certificates are time-sensitive and rely on accurate timestamps to verify their authenticity. If your computer’s date and time are incorrect, your browser may not be able to verify the certificate’s validity, leading to the error.

To ensure your date and time settings are correct:

Windows:

• Click the Start button and select Settings.
• Choose Time & Language.
• Under Date & time, check if the date and time are accurate. If not, adjust them manually or enable the “Set time automatically” option.

MacOS:

• Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen.
• Select System Preferences.
• Choose Date & Time.
• Make sure the date and time are correct. If not, adjust them manually or enable the “Set time automatically” option.

Once you have verified your date and time settings, try accessing the website again to see if the error has been resolved.

5. Determine whether SSL the Certificate has Expired

SSL certificates have an expiration date, and if you encounter an error on your website, it might be because your certificate needs to be renewed. You can easily check this using Chrome.

• Click on the three dots in the top-right corner of your browser.
• Choose More Tools > Developer Tools.

• Go to the Security tab, and there you can check if your certificate is still valid.
• Click on View Certificate for more details, including the expiration date.

Also, you can use an online SSL checker tool. These tools are readily available and typically require only the website’s URL to provide information about the certificate’s status, including its issuance date and expiration date.

Here are some popular SSL checker tools you can use:

• SSL Shopper
• Qualys SSL Labs
• DigiCert SSL Checker

If the SSL checker tool indicates that the certificate has expired, you should contact the website owner and inform them of the issue. They will need to renew the certificate before you can access the website securely.

In some cases, the SSL checker tool may indicate that the certificate is valid, yet you still encounter the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error. This could be due to a caching issue or a problem with your browser or computer configuration. If this is the case, you can try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, disabling browser extensions, or restarting your computer.

By first checking the validity of the SSL certificate, you can save yourself time and effort in troubleshooting the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error and ensure that your efforts are directed towards the most likely cause of the issue.

6. Update your Browser

Using an outdated browser can sometimes lead to the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error. This is because outdated browsers may not support the latest security protocols and may not be able to properly verify the validity of SSL certificates.

Ensuring your browser is up to date is crucial for maintaining security and compatibility with modern websites. Regular updates introduce new features, security patches, and bug fixes that enhance the overall browsing experience and address potential compatibility issues.

7. Disable Your Antivirus Temporarily

In some cases, antivirus software may interfere with SSL connections and cause the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error. This interference can occur due to overzealous security measures or conflicts between the antivirus software and the SSL certificate. To check if your antivirus software is causing the issue, try temporarily disabling it and see if the error persists.

Before disabling your antivirus software, ensure you have a reliable firewall in place to protect your computer from online threats. Disabling your antivirus software leaves your computer vulnerable to malware and other online threats. Only disable your antivirus software as a troubleshooting step, and re-enable it as soon as possible.

Here’s how you can temporarily disable Anti Virus using the system settings:

• Click on the “Start” button (Windows icon) in the taskbar.
• Select the “Settings” gear icon, or press Win + I on your keyboard to open Settings.
• In the Settings window, click on “Privacy & Security” on the left sidebar.
• In the “Privacy & Security” section, click on “Windows Security” on the right.

• In the Windows Security window, click on “Virus & Threat Protection.”

• Under the “Virus & Threat Protection” settings, you will see “Manage settings” option, click on it.

• Toggle off the switch next to “Real-time protection” to temporarily disable Microsoft Defender.

• A User Account Control (UAC) prompt may appear asking for confirmation. If prompted, click “Yes” to confirm the action.

Remember to enable your antivirus protection again after completing your task or troubleshooting, as leaving it disabled exposes your system to potential security risks.

8. Check and Disable Third Party Browser Extensions

Third-party browser extensions, while providing various functionalities, can sometimes interfere with SSL connections and cause the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error. This interference can occur due to conflicts between the extension’s code and the SSL certificate validation process. To check if a browser extension is causing the error, try temporarily disabling all extensions and see if the error persists.

Steps to Disable Browser Extensions:

Google Chrome:

• Click the three dots in the top right corner of the browser.
• Select “More tools” and then choose “Extensions”.

• Toggle off the switch next to each extension to disable it.

Microsoft Edge:

• Click the three dots in the top right corner of the browser.
• Select “Extensions”.

• Toggle off the switch next to each extension to disable it.

Safari:

• Click the “Safari” menu in the top left corner of the browser.
• Select “Preferences”.
• Click the “Extensions” tab.
• Uncheck the box next to each extension to disable it.

Once you have disabled all extensions, try accessing the website again to see if the error has been resolved. If the error persists, it is likely due to another issue, and you can re-enable your extensions. If disabling all extensions resolves the issue, you can try enabling them one by one to identify the specific extension causing the conflict.

9. Clear Browser Data and Cache

Clearing your browser’s data and cache can sometimes resolve the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error by removing outdated or corrupted files that may be interfering with SSL connections. This includes temporary files, cookies, and browsing history.

To clear your browser’s data and cache, follow these instructions:

Chrome:

• Click the three dots in the top right corner of the browser window.
• Select “More tools” and then “Clear browsing data”.
• Choose a time range for the data you want to clear as “All time”.
• Check the boxes next to “Browsing history”, “Cookies and other site data”, and “Cached images and files”.

• Click the “Clear data” button.

Edge:

• Click the three dots in the top right corner of the browser window.
• Select “Settings”.
• Click “Privacy, search, and services”.
• Under “Browsing data”, click “Choose what to clear”.
• Select a time range for the data you want to clear. For the most thorough cleaning, select “All time”.
• Check the boxes next to “Cookies and other site data”, “Cached images and files”, and “Browsing history”.

• Click the “Clear now” button.

Once you have cleared your browser’s data and cache, try accessing the website again to see if the error has been resolved.

10. Clear Your SSL Cache

Your browser stores SSL certificates in its cache to improve performance by avoiding the need to repeatedly download and verify certificates for frequently visited websites. However, sometimes this cached data may become outdated or corrupted, leading to issues like the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error. Clearing your browser’s SSL cache forces it to fetch the latest certificates from the websites, potentially resolving the error.

Steps to Clear SSL Cache:

• Open the Control Panel on your computer.
• Inside the Control Panel, find and click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
• Within the Network and Sharing Center, look for “Internet Options” and click on it.
• In the Internet Properties box that appears, go to the “Connections” tab and click on “LAN settings.”

• In the LAN settings, ensure that the option “Automatically detect settings” is enabled.

• Now, click on the “Content” tab in the Internet Properties box.
• Look for and click on the “Clear SSL Slate” button.

• Click “OK” to apply the changes and close the Internet Properties box.

Once you have cleared your SSL cache, try accessing the website again to see if the error has been resolved.

11. Change DNS Server Address

The Domain Name System (DNS) is responsible for translating website domain names into IP addresses that your computer can understand. In some cases, issues with your DNS server can lead to the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error. This is because your DNS server may be providing outdated or incorrect information about the website’s SSL certificate, causing your browser to fail to verify its authenticity.

To resolve this issue, you can try changing your DNS server to a reliable and well-known provider like Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS. This can sometimes resolve DNS-related issues and potentially fix the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error.

Here are the steps on how to change your DNS server on Windows and macOS:

Windows:

• Open the Control Panel.
• Click on “Network and Internet” and Select  “Network and Sharing Center”.
• Click on the network adapter you are using (Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
• Click on “Properties”.
• Double-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”.
• Select “Use the following DNS server addresses”.
• Enter the following DNS server addresses:
• Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
• Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

• Click on “OK”.

MacOS:

• Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen.
• Select “System Preferences”.
• Click on “Network”.
• Select your network adapter (Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
• Click on the “Advanced” button.
• Select the “DNS” tab.
• Click on the “+” button.
• Enter the following DNS server addresses:
• 8.8.8.8
• 8.8.4.4
• Click on the “-” button to remove any existing DNS servers.
• Click on “OK”.

Once you have changed your DNS server address, try accessing the website again to see if the error has been resolved.

12. Reinstall Browser

Reinstalling your web browser can sometimes resolve the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error by removing corrupted or outdated files that may be causing the issue. However, it is important to note that reinstalling your browser will also erase all of your saved data, such as bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history.

If you decide to reinstall your browser, make sure to back up your data before proceeding. You can find instructions on how to back up your browser data on the website of your browser’s developer.

Once you have backed up your data, you can uninstall your browser and then reinstall it from the official website. After reinstalling your browser, try accessing the website again to see if the error has been resolved.

13. Update Your Operating System

In some cases, outdated software vulnerabilities in your operating system can lead to the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error. This is because the outdated software may not be able to properly verify the validity of SSL certificates, causing your browser to fail to establish a secure connection.

Ensuring your operating system is up to date is crucial for maintaining security and resolving potential issues like the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error. Regular updates provide security patches and bug fixes that address known vulnerabilities and improve overall system stability.

What if the SSL Certificate Has Expired?

if the SSL certificate of the website has expired than none of the above solutions will work.

If You’re the Website Owner

• Click on the error message “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” and look for the SSL certificate’s expiration date.
• Confirm your computer’s date and time. If it’s incorrect, adjust it to the right date.
• Note the expiry date of the SSL certificate. If it’s expired, renew it or get a new one.
• Choose an SSL certificate that suits your website’s requirements. Follow the validation process and update it on your site.
• Ensure your website is accessible to visitors by resolving the SSL error.

If You’re the Website Visitor

• Take a screenshot of the “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID” error.
• Send the screenshot to the website owner via email.
• Mention the URL of the site you were visiting in the email to help the owner identify and fix the issue.

NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID Error – FAQs

Conclusion

The NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error is a security warning that appears when a website’s SSL certificate is invalid. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including an incorrect date or time on your computer, an expired SSL certificate, or a conflict between your browser and the website’s SSL certificate.

In most cases, you can resolve the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in the article. However, if the SSL certificate has expired, you will need to contact the website owner to renew it.

If you are a website owner, you should regularly check your SSL certificate’s expiration date and renewal status to ensure that your website is always secure. You should also be aware of any potential conflicts between your browser and the website’s SSL certificate and take steps to resolve them.