ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALIDGoogle Chrome

How to Fix ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID (Google Chrome)

Quick Answer

The ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error in Google Chrome indicates that your browser does not trust the security certificate presented by the website you are trying to access. This often happens due to incorrect system date/time, outdated browser software, or issues with antivirus/firewall settings. The quickest initial fix is to verify your computer's date and time settings are accurate.

What Causes This Error

Incorrect system date and time on your computer.
Outdated Google Chrome browser version.
Interference from antivirus software or firewalls.
Corrupted browser cache and cookies.
Issues with the website's SSL certificate configuration.
Network proxy settings or VPN interference.

Step-by-Step Fixes

1Verify System Date and Time Settings

On Windows: Right-click the clock in the taskbar, select 'Adjust date/time', and ensure 'Set time automatically' and 'Set time zone automatically' are enabled. If not, manually set the correct date, time, and time zone.
On macOS: Go to 'System Settings' (or 'System Preferences' on older versions), click 'General' (or 'Date & Time'), then 'Date & Time'. Ensure 'Set date and time automatically' is checked and select a reliable network time server.
After adjusting, close and reopen Google Chrome, then attempt to access the website again.

2Clear Browser Cache and Cookies in Chrome

Open Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner, navigate to 'More tools', and then select 'Clear browsing data'.
In the 'Clear browsing data' window, set the 'Time range' to 'All time'.
Ensure 'Cookies and other site data' and 'Cached images and files' are checked. You may uncheck 'Browsing history' if you wish to retain it.
Click the 'Clear data' button. After the process completes, restart Chrome and re-attempt to visit the problematic website.

3Update Google Chrome to the Latest Version

Open Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.
Hover over 'Help', then click 'About Google Chrome'.
Chrome will automatically check for updates and download them if available. If an update is installed, you will be prompted to 'Relaunch' the browser.
After relaunching, try accessing the website that displayed the ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error.

4Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall

Locate your antivirus software icon in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (macOS), right-click it, and look for an option to 'Disable' or 'Pause protection'. Select to disable it temporarily (e.g., for 10 minutes or until restart).
If you are using a third-party firewall, temporarily disable it through its settings or control panel.
With the security software temporarily disabled, try accessing the website in Chrome. If the error is resolved, re-enable your antivirus/firewall and investigate its settings for SSL scanning or certificate inspection features that may be causing the conflict. Add an exception for Chrome or the specific website if possible.

Advanced Fixes

Reset Chrome Settings to Default

Open Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner, and select 'Settings'.
Scroll down and click 'Reset settings' in the left-hand menu, then click 'Restore settings to their original defaults'.
Confirm the action by clicking 'Reset settings' in the pop-up window. This will disable extensions, clear temporary data, and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, history, or saved passwords.
Restart Chrome and check if the ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error persists.

Check for Proxy Settings or VPN Interference

Open Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu icon, and go to 'Settings'.
In the left-hand menu, click 'System', then 'Open your computer's proxy settings'. This will open your operating system's network settings.
On Windows: Under 'Proxy', ensure 'Use a proxy server' is turned off unless you specifically require one. If using a VPN, temporarily disable it and then try accessing the website.
On macOS: Go to 'Network' settings, select your active connection (e.g., Wi-Fi), click 'Advanced', then 'Proxies'. Ensure no unnecessary proxy configurations are enabled. Temporarily disconnect from any VPN.
After adjusting proxy or VPN settings, restart Chrome and re-test the website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID mean?

ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID means that Google Chrome cannot verify the legitimacy of the website's security certificate. This typically happens because the certificate is issued by an authority that Chrome does not trust, or there's an issue preventing Chrome from properly validating it.

Is it safe to proceed to a website with this error?

Proceeding to a website with an ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error is generally not recommended. This error indicates that your connection might not be secure, and your data could be vulnerable to interception by malicious entities. Only proceed if you are absolutely certain of the website's authenticity and understand the risks, such as when troubleshooting a known internal site.

Can a VPN cause this error?

Yes, a VPN can sometimes cause the ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error. VPNs route your internet traffic through their servers, which can sometimes interfere with certificate validation processes or present their own certificates that Chrome might not immediately trust. Temporarily disabling your VPN can help determine if it is the cause.

Does this error mean the website is malicious?

Not necessarily. While the error warns of potential security risks, it doesn't always mean the website itself is malicious. Often, it's due to misconfigurations on the website's server, an expired certificate, or issues on the user's end (like incorrect date/time or antivirus interference). However, the warning should always be taken seriously.