Steps to Resolve the ‘NET ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID’ Error in Google Chrome

Here’s a step-by-step guide to fix the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error in Chrome for site owners and visitors

If you’re facing the “NET ERROR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID” (or what’s sometimes referred to as “ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID” or “NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID”) error in Google Chrome, then you’re not alone. Thousands of users around the world face this pesky SSL error, and it’s irritating to say the least. If you’re looking for a solution through this post, you’re either a website owner whose website is facing this error or you’re a user who wants to access a particular website that’s displaying this error message. In either case, this post will help you get past this error.

What Causes the NET ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error?

If you’re a website owner and your website displays this error message, then there could be two reasons why the browser says the cert authority is invalid:

• You’re using a self-signed SSL certificate, OR
• The certificate authority (CA) that issued your SSL certificate isn’t trusted by Google Chrome.

How to Fix the NET ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error in Google Chrome (For Website Owners)

There’s only one solution in either case to address this ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID issue in Chrome, and that’s to get an SSL certificate from a trusted certificate authority (CA). Getting an SSL certificate from a trusted CA will make browsers (including Chrome) trust your website.

Simple, wasn’t it?

Want some great news? SSL certificates are now cheaper than ever. Check out our selection of SSL certificates, which have prices starting as low as $5.45 per year.

How to Fix the NET ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID Error in Google Chrome (For Website Visitors)

As we mentioned moments ago, most of the time, this error exists due to a problematic SSL certificate on the website. So, the solution remains in the hands of the website administrator or owner (be sure to reach out and let them know in case they’re not aware!). However, sometimes it’s actually a user’s operating system or browser that causes the issue.

If you’re a user facing this error, try the following solutions one by one. If one doesn’t work, then try the next one on the list:

Update Google Chrome

• First, open Google Chrome.
• Now, type chrome://settings/help in the address bar.
• Let Google Chrome update by itself.

Clear Google Chrome’s Cache Memory

• Open Google Chrome.
• Click on the three vertical dots you see in the top right corner.
• Go to Settings.
• Move to the end of the page and click on Advanced –> Privacy and security –> Clear Browsing Data.
• Choose all three options (Note: It will clear all of your browsing data) and click on Clear Data.
• Close Chrome and launch it again.

Reset Google Chrome to Default Settings

• Open Google Chrome.
• Click on the three vertical dots you see in the top right corner.
• Go to Settings.
• Click on
• Now, click on Reset settings to their original defaults and reset the settings.

Clear Google Chrome’s DNS Cache

• Open Google Chrome.
• Type chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar.
• Click on the Clear host cache

Disable Google Chrome’s Extensions

First try to open the website using Google Chrome’s incognito mode. If you don’t encounter this error, the problem is likely to be in Chrome’s extensions.

• Click on the three vertical dots you see in the top right corner of your web browser.
• Now, click on More tools option
• Go to Extensions
• Turn all extensions off and check if the error persists.

Turn Off Your Antivirus/Firewall

Note: This is not a recommended option as it could make your system vulnerable to threats. Proceed only if you’re okay with it.

Temporarily Ignore the Error Message

Note: Please note that this is not a solution in any way. Performing this step will simply make your browsers ignore of the error.

To ignore the message temporarily:

• First, right-click on the Chrome icon.
• Select Properties and go to Shortcut
• Move to the Target field and write -ignore-certificate-errors after /chrome.exe.
• Click OK.
• Restart your browser.