7 Quick Solutions for the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID Error

NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALIDRan into the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error and not sure what to do? This error usually pops up due to issues with SSL certificates or your computer’s date and time settings. Don’t worry, we’ve got seven straightforward solutions to get you back on track.

1. Conduct an SSL Check

The first thing you should do is check the website’s SSL certificate. An SSL certificate is like a passport for a website; it needs to be valid for secure communication.

Detailed Steps to Check SSL Certificate:

1. Navigate to SSL Shopper
   Go to SSL Shopper’s SSL Checker.
2. Enter the Domain
   In the “Hostname” field, type the website’s domain you’re having trouble with, and then click ‘Check SSL’.
3. Review the Results
   If you see green check marks next to each category, the SSL certificate is valid. If not, the certificate is either expired or invalid.

2. Clear the SSL State

Old SSL certificates can sometimes cause the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error. Here’s how to clear them:

For Windows Users:

1. Open Search Box
   Press the Windows key + S together.
2. Type ‘Internet Options’
   Click on the ‘Internet Options’ that appears.
3. Go to Content Tab
   Here, you’ll find a button that says ‘Clear SSL State’. Click it.

For macOS Users:

1. Open Spotlight Search
   Press Command + Spacebar.
2. Type ‘Keychain Access’
   Open the application.
3. Locate SSL Certificates
   In the left panel, click on ‘Certificates’.
4. Remove Old Certificates
   Look for any certificates marked with a red X, right-click, and choose ‘Delete’.

3. Check Your System Date and Time

Incorrect system date and time can also cause the error. Let’s correct it:

For Windows Users:

1. Open Start Menu
   Press the Windows key.
2. Type ‘Change the Date and Time’
   Click on the setting that appears.
3. Toggle ‘Set Time Automatically’
   Make sure this is turned on. If it’s already on, toggle it off and on again, then click ‘Sync Now’.

For macOS Users:

1. Open Apple Menu
   Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner.
2. Go to System Preferences
   Choose ‘Date & Time’.
3. Check Automatic Settings
   Make sure the ‘Set Date and Time Automatically’ checkbox is checked. If it’s unchecked, check it.

4. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Old cache and cookies can interfere with SSL certificates. Here’s how to clear them:

For Google Chrome Users:

1. Open Chrome
   Launch Google Chrome.
2. Click on the Three-dot Menu
   It’s at the top-right corner.
3. Choose ‘Settings’
   Scroll down until you see ‘Privacy and Security’.
4. Click ‘Clear Browsing Data’
   A new window will pop up. Check the boxes for cookies and cache, then click ‘Clear Data’.

5. Temporarily Deactivate Browser Extensions

Sometimes, browser extensions can interfere with SSL certificate validation. Here’s how to identify the problematic extension:

1. Open Incognito Window
   Press Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows) or Command+Shift+N (Mac).
2. Test the Website
   If the website works, an extension is likely causing the issue.
3. Go to Extensions
   Open a normal window, click on the three-dot menu, and choose ‘Extensions’.
4. Deactivate Extensions
   Toggle off each extension one by one and test the website each time to identify the problematic one.

6. Disable VPN and Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, VPN and antivirus software can interfere with SSL certificate validation. Here’s how to disable them temporarily:

1. Locate Software Icon
   Find the VPN or antivirus icon in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac).
2. Right-click to Disable
   Usually, a right-click will give you options to disable the software. Choose to disable it temporarily.
3. Test the Website
   Try accessing the website again to see if the issue is resolved.

Note: Make sure to enable your VPN or antivirus software after testing.

7. Change DNS Servers

Changing your DNS servers can sometimes resolve the error. Here’s how:

For Windows Users:

1. Open Control Panel
   Search for it in the Start menu and open it.
2. Go to ‘Network and Sharing Center’
   Click on it.
3. Choose ‘Change Adapter Settings’
   It’s usually on the left panel.
4. Right-click Your Connection
   Choose ‘Properties’.
5. Double-click ‘Internet Protocol Version 4’
   Choose ‘Use the following DNS server addresses’ and enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

For macOS Users:

1. Open Apple Menu
   Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner.
2. Choose ‘System Preferences’
   Then go to ‘Network’.
3. Select Your Connection
   Click on ‘Advanced’.
4. Go to the DNS Tab
   Click the ‘+’ button and add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

Conclusion of the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID Error

And that’s it! These are seven practical ways to resolve the NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error. Now you can get back to what you were doing, without any annoying interruptions. Happy browsing!