Chrome is one of the most popular, convenient and efficient browsers out there. However, occasionally, you may encounter an error message saying
“ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID”. This type of error signifies that Chrome can’t verify the SSL certificate. In most cases, this issue is easily fixable.
From this article, find out how to fix the “ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID” SSL error.
How to troubleshoot Google Chrome SSL certificate errors?
There are several things you can try to fix the “ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID” SSL error.
Option one: check if your device displays the correct time and date
Chrome may not be able to verify the SSL certificate because of the inaccurate time and date settings on your device — and this is why you are seeing the ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID error on your screen.
If this is the case, update the time and date on your device. On a Windows PC, do the following:
- Find the time and date in the bottom right corner of your screen and double-click it.
- In the new window, click Change date and time settings…
- In the Date and Time Settings window, update the date and time.
- Click OK to confirm and apply the changes.
Option two: check your anti-virus or firewall software
Your anti-malware program may be blocking suspicious SSL certificates or connections. In order to fix this, you will need to uncheck the Enable https scanning option in your anti-virus software or firewall. Typically, you can do that via the program’s dashboard or settings. However, if you cannot find this option on your anti-virus program, it is recommended that you try temporarily disabling the software altogether. Check if the error has disappeared — if it has, your antivirus program is causing the issue.
You could try switching to another anti-malware program like Auslogics Anti-Malware. The software offers top-notch protection from a variety of malicious items and will keep your PC secure. With that, Auslogics Anti-Malware is compatible with Windows and can run alongside your primary anti-virus without any conflict.
Option three: try using Chrome in Incognito mode
This one may be helpful only if you are opening Chrome on a PC. Here’s how you can browse in Incognito mode:
- Use a keyboard shortcut to open a new window in Incognito mode: for the Windows, Linux, or Chrome operating system, press Ctrl + Shift + n with Chrome open; on a Mac, press Command + Shift + n on the Chrome screen.
- In the Incognito window, enter the address of the website you want to visit.
If you can now access the website without the “ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID” error popping up, this means that the issue was probably caused by your Chrome extensions.
In this case, it is recommended you turn off your Chrome extensions. Here’s how to do that:
- In your Chrome window, click the three dot icon in the top right corner.
- Select More Tools > Extensions.
- In the new window, you will be able to toggle off the extensions one by one until you locate the one causing the error.
What other errors have you encountered when using Chrome? Share in the comments below.
