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[ REPAIR GUIDE ] BROWSER ERRORS

How to fix NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID

ERROR DETECTED >Your connection is not private. Attackers might be trying to steal your information from example.com (for example, passwords, messages, or credit cards). NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID

UPDATED NOVEMBER 20262 MIN READ7 FIXES

QUICK FIX

Sign in to the Wi-Fi network if you are on public Wi-Fi, update your device, and check whether antivirus HTTPS scanning is causing it. If the error appears only on one site everywhere, the site's certificate is the problem.

What it means

The website's security certificate was not issued by an authority your device trusts. That can mean the site uses a self-signed or misconfigured certificate, or something between you and the site, such as public Wi-Fi, antivirus or a work proxy, is replacing it.

Common causes

  • A public Wi-Fi sign-in page intercepting the connection
  • Antivirus HTTPS scanning replacing certificates
  • A work or school proxy whose certificate is not installed
  • An outdated operating system missing current root certificates
  • The site uses a self-signed or incomplete certificate
  • Someone intercepting the connection

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

FIX 01Sign in to the Wi-Fi networkEASY

  1. If you are on hotel, airport or cafe Wi-Fi, look for a sign-in notification, or open a new tab and visit any website to bring up the network's sign-in page.
  2. Complete the sign-in or accept-terms page.
  3. Go back to the site that showed the error.

Why it helps: Sign-in pages block secure sites until you log in.

FIX 02Try Incognito and check extensionsEASY

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac) and open the site.
  2. If it loads there, turn off extensions at chrome://extensions until you find the one causing it.

Why it helps: Some extensions interfere with secure connections.

FIX 03Check your date and timeEASY

  1. Windows 11: Settings > Time & language > Date & time, turn on Set time automatically, select Sync now.
  2. Mac: Apple menu > System Settings > General > Date & Time, turn on Set time and date automatically.

Why it helps: A wrong clock can make valid certificates look invalid.

FIX 04Update your operating system and browserEASY

  1. Windows 11: Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
  2. Mac: Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
  3. Chrome: More (three dots) > Help > About Google Chrome, then Relaunch.

Why it helps: Updates add new trusted certificate authorities.

FIX 05Pause antivirus HTTPS scanning to testMEDIUM

  1. In your antivirus, find HTTPS scanning or HTTPS protection.
  2. Turn it off, reload the page, then turn it back on immediately.
  3. If that fixed it, update the antivirus or contact its support.

Why it helps: Antivirus tools that scan HTTPS swap in their own certificates.

FIX 06Ask IT about the work proxy certificateMEDIUM

  1. On a work or school device, contact your IT team and quote the full error.
  2. Do not install certificates from unknown sources yourself.

Why it helps: Corporate proxies that inspect HTTPS need their own certificate installed by IT.

// RUN THIS SITE? FIXES FOR SITE OWNERS

FIX 07Install a complete certificate from a trusted authorityADVANCEDSITE OWNERS

  1. Replace self-signed certificates on public sites with one from a trusted certificate authority.
  2. Install the full chain (your certificate plus the intermediate certificates) on the server.
  3. Test the site in several browsers and on a phone after the change.

Why it helps: A missing intermediate certificate or self-signed certificate triggers this error for visitors.

Check it's fixed

  • The site loads with no warning.
  • Clicking the icon next to the address shows the connection is secure.
  • The site loads on a different network.

When to get help

Do not click through this warning on banking, shopping or login pages. If it appears on many sites on one network, stop using that network and tell its owner or IT team.

Questions

Is it safe to click Proceed?

Only on a site you control or fully trust, such as your own router. Never proceed on sites where you enter passwords or payment details.

Why does it happen on every site at work?

Your company's security proxy may be inspecting HTTPS and its certificate is missing from your device. IT needs to install it.

Why does my router page show this?

Many routers use self-signed certificates. That is expected for a local router page you typed in yourself.

Related fixes

How to fix "Your connection is not private"Check the code under the warning. If it says your clock is ahead or behind, or NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID, set your date and time automaticaHow to fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERRORMake sure your device's date and time are set automatically, then clear the browser's cached images and files and reload. If it onHow to fix "This site can't provide a secure connection"Set your device's date and time automatically, clear cached files and reload. If other secure sites work and this one fails on every deHow to access your router settingsConnect to your home network, check the label on your router for the admin address and login, type that address into your browser's add

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