We’ve all had the experience of being unable to access certain websites or links using our web browser. The error “ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH” may have shown. When we try to access a specific page, we get an error.
We will be unable to access and, as a result, use the website or web page due to this problem. The issue commonly appears in Google Chrome or Internet Explorer, although it can also appear in other browsers.
The error code is more likely to show on a website that needs users to provide sensitive information such as credit card numbers or login credentials. When we try to connect to a website, our browser validates the SSL certificate.
SSL certificates are a way of verifying that a website is legitimate and that necessary protocols have been applied to keep the connection secure. When the protocols configured on the website server are not secure, ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH happens.
Our browser’s ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error prevents us from accessing websites that use insecure protocols and certificates.
It’s also possible that the websites are using an older or ancient protocol version that our browser does not recognise as safe. This is why websites that ask for sensitive information are more likely to display this error.
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What Does ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH Mean?
ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH is a Chrome error code that appears when there is a compatibility issue between the browser and the SSL certificate or encryption settings used by a secure website.
In simpler terms, the browser cannot establish a secure connection with the website due to differences in encryption protocols or cipher suites.
Causes of ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH Error
Several factors can lead to the ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error:
- Outdated Browser: Using an outdated version of Chrome that does not support the website’s encryption protocols.
- Incorrect Date and Time: Incorrect system date and time settings can cause SSL certificate verification failures.
- Website Configuration: The website may have misconfigured SSL/TLS settings or an expired SSL certificate.
- Browser Extensions: Some browser extensions or add-ons may interfere with SSL connections.
- Firewall or Antivirus: Overly restrictive firewall or antivirus settings can block SSL connections.
How To Fix Google Chrome’s ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH Error
We can’t do anything about it because the websites’ choice of protocols isn’t under our control. However, there are a few methods that entail removing the SSL tests. The following are some of them:
Solution 1: Modify Google Chrome’s Preferences
You can set your browser to disregard any warnings about SSL and TLS versions that are out of date. If the targeted website is using an older version of the protocol, it will solve your problem. This, however, will only work with Google Chrome.
This solution will not work with the most recent versions of Google Chrome. In the most recent versions of Google Chrome, the flag that we need to set to a different value is not available. In Google Chrome 45 and later, this option is no longer available.
Solution 2: Disable SSL Scanning
If you have antivirus software or any other type of security software installed on your computer, the SSL scan could be the source of the problem. An SSL scan is performed by these security tools. You can disable it in the options.
Turning on SSL scan will assist in removing the problem from the website. This step varies depending on the software, however your anti-virus should have an option to disable SSL scan.
We’ll show you how to disable SSL scanning in Bit Defender step by step.
Step 1: From the icon tray, double-click the Bits Defender icon.
Step 2: Navigate to the modules page.
Step 3: Choose a web protection option.
Step 4: Turn off the SSL scanning option.
Solution 3: Experiment Eith Older Versions
Your browser is returning the ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error because it has been upgraded to the most recent standards and is designed to reject any certificate protocols that are no longer valid.
As a result, you might be able to get by with an older version of the browser. If you are unable to follow step 1 due to the current Google Chrome upgrade, you can utilise an older version of Google Chrome.
To update the settings described in step 1, you can download an older version of Google Chrome, most likely v40.
How to Bypass ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH on Chrome
While it’s important to resolve the underlying issue causing the error, you can temporarily bypass it in Chrome:
- Reload the Page: Sometimes, the error is transient. Try refreshing the page (Ctrl + R or F5) to see if it resolves.
- Access in Incognito Mode: Open a new incognito window (Ctrl + Shift + N) and try accessing the website. This mode disables most extensions and can help bypass certain errors.
- Disable Security Software: Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall to see if they are causing the issue. Ensure you re-enable them afterward for security.
- Update Chrome: Make sure you are using the latest version of Chrome. Outdated browsers may not support the latest encryption standards.
How to Check Your SSL Certificate
You can check the SSL certificate of a website in Chrome:
- Click on the padlock icon in the address bar (to the left of the URL).
- Select “Certificate.”
- In the Certificate Viewer, you can examine details about the certificate, including its validity and issuer.
How to Clear Your SSL State in Chrome
Clearing your SSL state in Chrome can help resolve SSL-related issues:
- Open Chrome and go to “Settings.”
- Scroll down and click on “Advanced.”
- Under “Privacy and security,” click on “Clear browsing data.”
- Choose “Browsing history,” “Cookies and other site data,” and “Cached images and files.”
- Click “Clear data.”
How to Fix SSL Protocol Error in Chrome
To fix SSL protocol errors in Chrome, consider these steps:
- Update Browser: Ensure you are using the latest version of Chrome.
- Check Date and Time: Verify that your system’s date and time settings are correct.
- Enable SSL/TLS Protocols: In Chrome settings, ensure that SSL and TLS protocols are enabled.
- Disable QUIC: In Chrome, go to “chrome://flags” and disable the “Experimental QUIC protocol” option.
- Clear Cache and Cookies: Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
- Check Website URL: Ensure you are entering the correct URL with “https://” at the beginning.
- Check Website Configuration: Contact the website administrator to verify SSL certificate and encryption settings.
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Conclusion
Here are the solutions to the ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH fault. Any of the three ways listed above are available to the user.
The ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error in Chrome can be caused by various factors, including outdated browsers, incorrect date and time settings, website misconfigurations, and interference from security software.
While you can temporarily bypass the error using certain methods, it’s essential to address the underlying causes for a permanent solution. Regularly updating Chrome, verifying SSL certificates, and ensuring correct system settings are key steps in maintaining secure and error-free browsing experiences.
