What Does NET:ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error Mean?
The NET:ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error in Google Chrome indicates that the certificate authority that issued a website’s SSL certificate is not trusted. This usually happens when the certificate is self-signed, expired, or issued by an authority not recognized by Chrome. While not inherently dangerous, this error prevents you from securely connecting to the website.
Fortunately, fixing the NET:ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error is usually straightforward. This guide will walk you through the most common solutions to resolve the invalid certificate authority error in Chrome. We’ll cover troubleshooting steps for both Windows and Mac operating systems.
By the end of this guide, you should have the knowledge to diagnose the cause of the invalid certificate error and the steps to fix it. With the right solution, you can once again browse the affected website securely with Chrome.
Troubleshooting the NET:ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error
Before jumping into specific solutions, it helps to first troubleshoot and identify what exactly is causing the invalid certificate authority error. Here are some initial steps to investigate the error:
Once you’ve investigated the error, you can better determine the appropriate fix. The most common solutions involve managing your browser trust settings, updating certificates, or implementing workarounds to bypass the warnings.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix NET:ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error on Windows
Here are step-by-step instructions to resolve the invalid certificate authority error in Chrome on a Windows system:
Solution 1: Install Root Certificate
If the affected site uses a self-signed certificate or one issued by a private certificate authority, you’ll need to install the root certificate in Windows.
Use this method cautiously as it disables all certificate validation while Chrome remains open.
Final Thoughts
Fixing the NET:ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error in Chrome is usually a straightforward process once you determine the cause. Installing a new root certificate, allowing an exception, or removing a problematic certificate can quickly resolve certificate authority issues.
While bypassing invalid certificate warnings reduces security, it may be necessary as a temporary measure for certain trusted sites. Be very cautious of permissions when disabling Chrome’s certificate checks.
Following the step-by-step guide in this article, you should now have the knowledge to troubleshoot and fix the invalid certificate authority error. Just remember to think about security and only apply fixes to trusted sites.
Common NET:ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the NET:ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error:
What causes the invalid certificate authority error in Chrome?
This is most often caused by an untrusted root certificate, expired certificate, misconfigured website certificate, or blocked certificate authority. Outdated Chrome browsers can also fail to recognize newer CAs.
Is it safe to bypass the invalid certificate error?
It is not recommended to ignore the error for public websites, as doing so compromises security. Exceptions may be made for certain trusted private sites after verifying their certificates.
How do I trust a private or self-signed certificate in Chrome?
Install the root certificate into your OS trust store or browser exceptions. On Windows check Trusted Root Certification Authorities, on macOS use Keychain Access.
Why does Chrome not trust a certificate that is valid?
Even valid certificates will show errors if the issuing certificate authority is not in Chrome’s list of trusted CAs. This often happens with private CAs or CAs blocked by Chrome.
How do I re-enable a built-in Chrome certificate authority?
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Security > Manage Certificates. Re-enable any built-in authorities you want Chrome to trust again.
Can I delete or revoke a problem certificate from my browser?
Yes, you can remove specific site certificates or problematic root CAs through Chrome’s certificate manager. In Windows, use the certificate snap-in to remove distrusted certificates.
How can I inspect a certificate to troubleshoot issues?
Click the “Not Secure” warning in the address bar, then click “Certificate” to view details like validity dates, issuer, certificate path and more.
Solutions for Browser-Related Issues. Solution 1: Reload the Page. Solution 2: Open in Incognito/Private Mode. Solution 3: Clear the Browser's Cache and Cookies.
The error NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID may appear on outdated browsers that don't trust the SSL certificate of a website. The latest browser version should contain an up-to-date SSL certificate list. Thus, updating your browser could fix the error.
In the “Privacy and security” panel, click on “Manage certificates.” In the “Certificates” pop-up window, select the “Trusted Root Certification Authorities” tab. Click on the “Import…” button; this action launches the Certificate Import Wizard.
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