Google Chrome Error Code ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID: How to Fix It

Easy 10-20 minutes High Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID
Brand
Google Chrome
Product Type
browser
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-20 minutes
The ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error appears when Chrome cannot verify a website's SSL certificate because it was signed by an untrusted certificate authority. This security feature protects you from potentially unsafe websites, but sometimes occurs on legitimate sites with misconfigured certificates.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID

  1. Check your system date and time

  2. Clear Chrome's SSL cache

    This will log you out of most websites

  3. Disable antivirus SSL scanning temporarily

    Re-enable antivirus protection after testing

  4. Reset Chrome's security settings

    This will reset all Chrome customizations

  5. Try incognito mode

  6. Disable Chrome extensions

  7. Update Chrome to latest version

  8. Check Windows certificate store

    Only remove certificates you're certain are problematic - removing legitimate certificates can break other applications
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When to Call a Professional

Contact your IT administrator if this occurs on a work computer with managed security policies. For websites you manage, consult a web developer to properly configure SSL certificates. If the error persists across all websites and browsers, consider professional malware removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to proceed to a website with ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID?
Generally no. This error indicates the website's security certificate cannot be verified, which could mean the site is compromised or using an invalid certificate. Only proceed if you completely trust the website and understand the risks.
Why does this error happen on legitimate websites?
Legitimate websites can trigger this error due to expired certificates, misconfigured certificate chains, self-signed certificates, or certificates from non-trusted authorities. The website owner needs to fix their SSL configuration.
Can antivirus software cause this error?
Yes, antivirus programs that scan HTTPS traffic can interfere with certificate validation by inserting their own certificates. Try temporarily disabling SSL scanning in your antivirus settings to test if this is the cause.
Does clearing browser cache fix certificate errors?
Sometimes yes. Chrome caches certificate information, and corrupted cache data can cause validation errors. Clearing your browsing data, especially cookies and cached files, can resolve certificate-related issues.
What should I do if only one website shows this error?
If only one website shows this error, the problem is likely with that website's SSL certificate configuration. Try accessing the site from a different network or device. If the error persists, contact the website owner about their certificate issue.

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