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[ REPAIR GUIDE ] BROWSER ERRORS

How to fix "Your connection is not private"

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).

UPDATED NOVEMBER 20262 MIN READ7 FIXES

QUICK FIX

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 automatically; on public Wi-Fi, sign in to the network first.

What it means

Chrome could not confirm the website's security certificate, so it stopped before loading the page. The code below the message explains why, for example a wrong device clock, an expired certificate, a certificate for a different name, or something intercepting the connection.

Common causes

  • Your device's date or time is wrong
  • A public Wi-Fi sign-in page has not been completed
  • The site's certificate expired or does not match its name
  • Antivirus HTTPS scanning or a work proxy is intercepting traffic
  • An outdated operating system
  • An attacker or untrusted network interfering

How to fix it

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

FIX 01Correct your date and timeEASY

  1. Windows 11: Settings > Time & language > Date & time, turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically, then select Sync now.
  2. Mac: Apple menu > System Settings > General > Date & Time, turn on Set time and date automatically.
  3. iPhone: Settings > General > Date & Time, turn on Set Automatically.
  4. Android: open Settings, search for Date & time, and turn on the automatic options.

Why it helps: This fixes the "Your clock is ahead", "Your clock is behind" and NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID versions.

FIX 02Sign in to the Wi-Fi networkEASY

  1. On hotel, airport or cafe Wi-Fi, open a plain http:// page such as http://example.com.
  2. Complete the sign-in page or select Connect if Chrome offers it.
  3. Reload the original site.

Why it helps: Wi-Fi sign-in pages can trigger the warning until you log in.

FIX 03Try Incognito and check extensionsEASY

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

Why it helps: Some extensions interfere with secure connections.

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 bring current trusted certificates.

FIX 05Pause antivirus HTTPS scanning to testMEDIUM

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

Why it helps: Chrome Help lists HTTPS scanning as a known cause.

FIX 06Remove the expired DigiCert certificate (Mac only)MEDIUM

  1. Only do this if Chrome shows the message Delete Expired DigiCert Certificate.
  2. Open Keychain Access with Spotlight.
  3. Choose View > Show Expired Certificates, select Certificates, and search for DigiCert.
  4. Select the expired DigiCert High Assurance EV Root CA certificate and delete it.

Why it helps: An old expired root certificate on some Macs triggers this warning.

// RUN THIS SITE? FIXES FOR SITE OWNERS

FIX 07Renew or fix the site's certificateADVANCEDSITE OWNERS

  1. Check the certificate's expiry date and renew it if needed; turn on automatic renewal.
  2. Make sure it covers every hostname visitors use, including www.
  3. Install the full certificate chain on the server and retest.

Why it helps: Expired or mismatched certificates show this warning to every visitor.

Check it's fixed

  • The site loads without the warning.
  • The address bar shows no "Not secure" label.
  • Other secure sites load without warnings.

When to get help

Do not enter passwords or card details while this warning shows. If it appears on many sites on one network, leave that network; on a work device, contact IT.

Questions

Is it safe to click Advanced and Proceed?

Not on sites where you sign in, shop or bank. Proceed only on a page you fully trust, such as your own router.

What does "Your clock is ahead" or "Your clock is behind" mean?

Your device's date or time is wrong, so certificates look not yet valid or expired. Turn on automatic date and time.

Why does it only happen on one site?

That site's certificate has likely expired or is set up wrong. Only the owner can fix it.

What is NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID?

The certificate was issued for a different address than the one you visited. It is normally a site setup problem.

Related fixes

How to fix NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALIDSign 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 thHow 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 fix ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCHThis is almost always the website's problem: its server needs modern TLS settings or a valid certificate. As a visitor, update your bro

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