SSL Connection Error: How to Solve It

An SSL connection error often displays a message such as “Your connection is not private.” This error prevents some webpages from loading on android devices. If you continue to a website after this error, then your data is at risk. Websites that are secured using SSL/TLS certification display a padlock symbol on the left-hand side of your browser’s address bar. Another way to check if a website has SSL protection is to look at its website address. Any site that begins with HTTPS has SSL protection. While sites only displaying HTTP do not have SSL certificates.

What Is SSL?

SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer and is a type of encryption between all communication between your browser and the website’s server. SSL certificates also authenticate the visited website’s identity. The main goal of SSL is to provide security to the user and prevent the theft of data by third parties. Android has now completely phased our support for SSL on its operating system. It is now known as a TLS certificate instead of SSL but retains the same functions. TLS stands for Transport Layer Security and is a newer version of SSL which works in the same way. The terms SSL and TLS are often interchangeable, TLS just being the new and improved version.

What Causes SSL Connection Errors?

Many factors lead to SSL connection errors, for example:

• The website could have an expired SSL certificate.
• Your internet browser might have a problem.
• The website’s SSL certificate may contain outdated information.
• The date and time on your device could be incorrect.
• The website’s SSL certificate is untrusted.
• Your phone’s antivirus could be blocking the website.

All of the factors revolving around the website encountering SSL errors are impossible for the user to correct themselves. The website owner has to resolve any SSL issues on the webserver side. 

How to Fix SSL Connection Errors on Android Phones

There are many different approaches to fix SSL connection errors on Android phones. These include the following:

1. Always begin by updating your browser, as this often rectifies the problem. After the update, you can clear your browser’s cache and stored cookies. Another thing to try is to reload the webpage using the private browsing mode of your chosen browser. For Google Chrome, this mode is known as incognito. Sometimes using the private browsing mode solves SSL connection errors.
2. Next, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi connection or try using your mobile data. Public networks are notoriously untrustworthy as they are not secure. Having a public IP address will often cause an SSL connection error.
3. Adjust the time and date on your device, ensuring it is correct.
4. Antivirus programs on your device may cause SSL errors, so try disabling the antivirus software. If the webpage then works correctly, try updating your antivirus software and turning it back on.
5. As a last resort, you can perform a factory data reset. Hopefully, this will remove anything interfering with SSL connections. However, sometimes SSL connection errors are on the side of the webserver. Resetting your device should always be considered after all of the other steps. Websites themselves can also cause SSL problems, so wait a day or two before resetting your device. Before you reset your device, please ensure that you create a backup of your data to avoid losing important information.

Why Is SSL Certification so Essential?

Without SSL protection, your data is vulnerable to being intercepted by a third party or manipulated by them. SSL is vitally important when entering your bank details on a website. It is never a good idea to browse any website without a secure connection.

Conclusion of SSL Connection Errors and How to Solve Them

During this article, we explained what SSL connection errors are and covered some ways to fix them. Hopefully, these steps help you overcome any SSL connection errors that you get on your Android devices.