How to Fix NET::ERR_SSL_OBSOLETE_VERSION (Google Chrome)
Quick Answer
The NET::ERR_SSL_OBSOLETE_VERSION error indicates that your browser is attempting to connect to a website using an outdated and insecure version of the SSL/TLS protocol. The fastest fix is to ensure your Chrome browser is up to date and that your system's date and time settings are correct.
What Causes This Error
- Outdated browser version: Older versions of Google Chrome may not support modern TLS protocols or might be configured to use deprecated SSL/TLS versions.
- Incorrect system date and time: A discrepancy between your system's clock and the actual time can cause SSL certificate validation failures.
- Antivirus or firewall interference: Security software can sometimes intercept and interfere with secure connections, leading to SSL errors.
- Outdated operating system: An older operating system might lack the necessary security updates or support for current SSL/TLS standards.
- Corrupted browser profile: A damaged Chrome user profile can lead to various browser malfunctions, including SSL errors.
- Server-side misconfiguration: The website's server may be configured to use an obsolete SSL/TLS protocol, which modern browsers reject for security reasons.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1Update Google Chrome to the Latest Version
- Open Google Chrome on your computer.
- Click the three vertical dots (Menu) icon in the top-right corner of the browser window.
- Navigate to 'Help' and then select 'About Google Chrome'.
- Chrome will automatically check for updates and download them. If an update is available, it will prompt you to 'Relaunch' the browser.
- Click 'Relaunch' to apply the updates and restart Chrome. After restarting, attempt to access the website again.
2Correct System Date and Time Settings
- For Windows: Right-click on the date and time in the taskbar and select 'Adjust date/time'. Toggle 'Set time automatically' and 'Set time zone automatically' to 'On'. If they are already on, toggle them off and then back on. Ensure the displayed date and time are correct.
- For macOS: Go to 'System Settings' (or 'System Preferences' on older versions), then select 'General' > 'Date & Time'. Enable 'Set date and time automatically'. If prompted, enter your administrator password.
- After adjusting, close the settings window.
- Restart your computer to ensure the changes are fully applied.
- Open Chrome and re-attempt to visit the website that displayed the NET::ERR_SSL_OBSOLETE_VERSION error.
3Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall
- Locate your antivirus software icon in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (macOS) and right-click it.
- Look for options such as 'Disable Protection', 'Pause Protection', or 'Stop Firewall'. Select the option to temporarily disable your antivirus and/or firewall.
- Confirm the action if prompted. Note the duration for which you are disabling it; choose a short period (e.g., 10-15 minutes).
- With the security software temporarily disabled, open Google Chrome and try to access the website.
- If the website loads correctly, re-enable your antivirus/firewall immediately. You may need to investigate your security software's settings for SSL/TLS inspection or add an exception for the website if this was the cause.
4Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
- Open Google Chrome.
- Click the three vertical dots (Menu) icon in the top-right corner.
- Go 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 can uncheck 'Browsing history' if you wish to retain it.
- Click the 'Clear data' button.
- Close and reopen Chrome, then try accessing the website again.
Advanced Fixes
Reset Google Chrome Settings
- Open Google Chrome.
- Click the three vertical dots (Menu) icon in the top-right corner.
- Go to 'Settings'.
- Scroll down and click on 'Reset settings' in the left-hand navigation pane.
- 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 most settings without deleting bookmarks, history, or saved passwords.
- Restart Chrome and check if the error is resolved.
Check for Operating System Updates
- For Windows: Go to 'Start' > 'Settings' > 'Update & Security' > 'Windows Update'. Click 'Check for updates' and install any available updates. Restart your computer if prompted.
- For macOS: Go to 'System Settings' (or 'System Preferences' on older versions) > 'General' > 'Software Update'. If updates are available, click 'Update Now' or 'Upgrade Now'. Restart your Mac if required.
- After installing updates and restarting, open Chrome and attempt to access the website again. Outdated operating systems may lack critical security patches for SSL/TLS protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does NET::ERR_SSL_OBSOLETE_VERSION mean?
This error indicates that your browser, Google Chrome, encountered a website attempting to use an outdated and insecure version of the SSL/TLS protocol for establishing a secure connection. Modern browsers block these connections to protect your data from potential vulnerabilities.
Is it safe to ignore NET::ERR_SSL_OBSOLETE_VERSION?
No, it is not safe to ignore this error. Proceeding to a website with an obsolete SSL/TLS version exposes your connection to security risks, making your data vulnerable to interception by attackers. It is recommended to resolve the error or avoid the website until the issue is fixed.
Why is my browser showing this error for a specific website only?
If the error appears only for a particular website, it is likely that the website's server is configured to use an outdated SSL/TLS protocol. In such cases, the issue is on the website's end, and the website administrator needs to update their server's security configuration to support modern, secure protocols.
Does this error affect other browsers?
Yes, while the error message 'NET::ERR_SSL_OBSOLETE_VERSION' is specific to Chrome, other modern browsers like Firefox, Edge, or Safari will also block connections to websites using obsolete SSL/TLS versions. They will display their own equivalent security warnings, as the underlying security principle is universal across browsers.