How to Fix ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID (Google Chrome)
Quick Answer
The ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error indicates that your browser cannot establish a secure connection to a website because the site's security certificate has expired or its validity period has not yet begun. The fastest fix is often to correct your computer's system date and time settings.
What Causes This Error
- Incorrect system date and time on your computer.
- Expired SSL/TLS certificate on the website's server.
- SSL/TLS certificate issued for a future date (not yet valid).
- Outdated browser software.
- Interference from antivirus software or firewalls.
- Corrupted browser profile or cache.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1Correct Your System Date and Time to Resolve ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID
- For Windows: Right-click the clock on the taskbar and select 'Adjust date/time'. Ensure 'Set time automatically' and 'Set time zone automatically' are both enabled. If they are already enabled, toggle them off and then back on. You can also click 'Sync now' under 'Additional settings' to force a synchronization.
- For macOS: Click the Apple menu, then 'System Settings' (or 'System Preferences' on older versions). Navigate to 'General' > 'Date & Time'. Ensure 'Set date and time automatically' is checked. If it is already checked, uncheck it, wait a few seconds, and then recheck it.
- For Linux: Open your system's date and time settings. Ensure 'Automatic Date & Time' or 'Network Time' synchronization is enabled. If manual adjustment is necessary, set the correct current date, time, and time zone.
- After adjusting, restart your browser and attempt to access the website again.
2Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
- Open Google Chrome. Click the three vertical dots icon in the top-right corner of the browser window.
- Go to 'More tools' > '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 also check 'Browsing history' if desired.
- Click the 'Clear data' button. Close and reopen Chrome, then try accessing the website.
3Update Google Chrome
- Open Google Chrome. Click the three vertical dots icon in the top-right corner of the browser window.
- Go to 'Help' > '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.
- Click 'Relaunch' to apply the update. After the browser restarts, attempt to visit the website.
4Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall
- Locate your antivirus software icon in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (macOS). Right-click the icon.
- Look for options like 'Disable protection', 'Pause protection', or 'Exit'. Select an option that temporarily disables the antivirus. Note the duration for which it will be disabled.
- If you are using a third-party firewall, temporarily disable it through its settings or by exiting the application.
- Attempt to access the website. If the error is resolved, re-enable your antivirus and firewall immediately and consider adding an exception for Chrome or the website, or consult your security software's documentation for further troubleshooting.
- Remember to re-enable your security software after testing to maintain system protection.
Advanced Fixes
Check for Certificate Revocation
- For Windows: Press 'Windows key + R' to open the Run dialog. Type 'inetcpl.cpl' and press Enter to open 'Internet Properties'.
- Go to the 'Content' tab and click 'Certificates'. Review the 'Untrusted Publishers' tab for any suspicious entries. If found, select and remove them.
- Switch to the 'Advanced' tab. Scroll down to the 'Security' section. Ensure 'Check for publisher's certificate revocation' and 'Check for server certificate revocation*' are enabled.
- Click 'Apply' and then 'OK'. Restart Chrome and check if the error persists.
Reset Chrome Settings
- Open Google Chrome. Click the three vertical dots icon in the top-right corner of the browser window.
- Go to 'Settings'.
- Scroll down and click 'Reset settings' in the left-hand menu (or 'Advanced' > 'Reset and clean up' on older versions).
- Click 'Restore settings to their original defaults'.
- Confirm by clicking 'Reset settings'. This will disable extensions, clear temporary data, and reset most settings without deleting bookmarks, history, or saved passwords. Restart Chrome and test.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID mean?
ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID means that the security certificate presented by the website you are trying to visit is either expired, or its validity period has not yet started. This prevents your browser from establishing a secure, trusted connection.
Is it safe to proceed to a website with ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID?
No, it is generally not safe to proceed to a website displaying ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID. This error indicates a potential security risk, as your connection may not be private, and data transmitted could be intercepted. It is recommended to resolve the error before proceeding.
Why does my computer's date and time affect website access?
Website security certificates have specific validity periods. If your computer's date and time are incorrect, it may perceive a valid certificate as expired or not yet valid, leading to security errors like ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID. Correct system time is crucial for certificate validation.
Can this error be caused by the website owner?
Yes, if the website's SSL/TLS certificate has genuinely expired or was not renewed in time, the ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error will appear for all users. In such cases, only the website owner can resolve the issue by installing a new, valid certificate.