Loading...“SSL_ERROR_RX_RECORD_TOO_LONG” is one of the most common errors on the Mozilla Firefox browser and usually points to an issue with the SSL/TLS setup on the server.
In this article, we will look into the possible reasons behind this error as well as provide a detailed guide on how to fix it.
What does this error mean?
The “SSL_ERROR_RX_RECORD_TOO_LONG” error message appears when Firefox encounters an unexpected response from the server while trying to establish a secure connection. This issue can arise for various reasons, such as:
- Incorrect SSL/TLS settings on the web server.
- The server is not being set up to listen on the correct port (typically port 443 for HTTPS).
- A problem with the SSL certificate itself.
- Firewall or security software interfering with the connection
How to fix
Solution 1: Check Server Configuration
Check server configuration to begin resolving this error, check your web server configuration. Make sure that the server is properly configured to handle HTTPS requests.
For Apache Servers: Confirm that the SSL module is enabled and that your virtual host configuration includes the necessary directives for SSL.
<VirtualHost *:443>
ServerName yourdomain.com
SSLEngine on
SSLCertificateFile /path/to/certificate.crt
SSLCertificateKeyFile /path/to/private.key
SSLCertificateChainFile /path/to/chainfile.pem
</VirtualHost>
For Nginx Servers: Check that your server block for port 443 is correctly configured.
server {
listen 443 ssl;
server_name yourdomain.com;
ssl_certificate /path/to/certificate.crt;
ssl_certificate_key /path/to/private.key;
}
Solution 2: Verify Port Settings
Make sure your web server is set up to listen on port 443 for HTTPS requests. If it’s not configured to use this port, clients won’t be able to get a secure connection.
To see which ports are open and actively listening, you can use commands like netstat or ss on
Linux systems:
or check the particular port 443:
or:
Windows:
Solution 3: Inspect SSL Certificate
A misconfigured or expired SSL certificate can also lead to this error. Ensure that:
- The SSL certificate is valid and has not expired.
- The certificate is properly installed on your server.
- The certificate chain is complete, including any intermediate certificates.
You can use online tools like SSL Labs SSL Test (https://www.ssllabs.com/ssltest/index.html) to check your SSL configuration and identify any issues.
Solution 4. Clear Browser Cache
Cached data in your browser can sometimes cause connection problems. Clearing your browser cache might help fix the issue.
To clear the cache in Firefox:
Click on the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the upper right corner.
- Navigate to “Options” > “Privacy & Security.”
- Under “Cookies and Site Data,” click on “Clear Data.”
- Select “Cached Web Content” and click “Clear.”
Solution 5. Check the Firewall settings
In some instances, Firewall settings or security software can disrupt secure connections. It is NOT recommended to disable the Firewalls or security applications to check if they are the source of the issue, however, you can always ask your system administrator to check the settings in more detail.
Solution 6. Disable Extensions
To see if the issue is specific to Firefox, try accessing the website using other browsers like Chrome or Edge. If those browsers connect without problems, the issue may be linked to Firefox settings or extensions.
Try to disable extensions:
- Open Menu -> Add-Ons.
- Beside each extension, click a Disable button.
- Restart the browser and retry opening the website.
Solution 7. Update Firefox
Make sure you are using the latest version of Firefox. Older versions may have bugs or compatibility issues that can result in errors.
Check for updates by going to the menu > Help > About Firefox.
Conclusion
If you continue to experience issues, consider reaching out to your hosting provider or our support team for further assistance. Remember, maintaining a properly configured SSL/TLS setup is crucial for ensuring secure connections and protecting user data.
Please note that the command examples provided above may vary or may not be available in different operating systems.
