How to Fix “Secure Connection Failed” Error in Firefox

If you’re a recurring Firefox user, you’ve probably seen the “Secure Connection Failed” error notice when browsing the web. This vexing issue happens when Firefox fails to establish an encrypted connection with the website you intend to visit.

This might be due to “n” several reasons, including incorrect system setups, security software interference, network connection difficulties, and so on.

As previously said, this issue might be caused by “n” several reasons; hence, in this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective troubleshooting options for dealing with Firefox’s “Secure Connection Failed” problem.

What is a Secure Connection Failed Firefox Error?

The “Secure Connection Failed” error arises when Firefox cannot establish a secure connection with a website. This error is typically caused by an issue with the website’s SSL certificate or a mismatch in encryption algorithms and protocols. It should be noted that this is a Firefox-only error that does not exist in any other web browser.

Why does the Secure Connection Failed Error Occurs?

The Secure Connection Failed error in Firefox can be caused by several factors. Some of the most prevalent explanations are:

SSL Certificate issues

If the website’s SSL certificate, which is required for creating a secure connection, has problems, such as the SSL certificate being invalid, expired, or incorrectly set – it might cause the error.

Encryption Protocol Mismatch

The browser and the website may support different encryption protocols. If they cannot agree on a standard protocol for secure communication, the Secure Connection Failed error can occur.

Firewall or Security Software Interference

Sometimes, firewall settings or other security software on the computer can interfere with the browser’s ability to establish a secure connection, leading to the error.

Network Connectivity Problems

Issues with the network or internet connection can also trigger the error. Unstable or unreliable connections can disrupt the establishment of a secure connection.

Browser Configuration or Add-ons

Incorrect browser settings or incompatible add-ons/extensions can interfere with the secure connection process and result in this error.

Note: These are just some possible reasons, and troubleshooting methods may vary depending on the specific circumstances and specifications.

How to Fix Secure Connection Failed Firefox Error?

We advise starting with the first method and moving on to the next if the first one doesn’t work.

• Deactivate the security software’s HTTPS scanning function.
• Modify your Firefox browser’s SSL settings.
• Check your Firefox connection settings to ensure that no Proxy connection is enabled.
• Deactivate the DoH protocol.
• Permit the TLS 1.0 and 1.1. (HTTPS Version)
• Disable Add-ons
• Make a Fresh Firefox Profile
• Check the system’s time and date.

Deactivate the Security Software’s HTTPS Scanning Function

Most third-party security software includes HTTPS scanning, which intercepts and scans encrypted connections. However, this feature can periodically cause conflicts and lead to the “Secure Connection Failed” error.

Note: The steps may differ depending on the security software that you are using. Here we are using Avast antivirus as an example.

Follow the steps given below to deactivate the HTTPS scanning function:

• Click the Avast icon twice.
• Select Settings from the Menu list.
• Click “Protection,” then in the center pane, click “Core Shields.”
• Within the Configure shield settings area, click “Web Shield.”
• Uncheck the option next to “Enable HTTPS Scanning.”

Modify your Firefox Browser’s SSL Settings

You can change the SSL settings in Firefox to allow the usage of trusted root certificates from your operating system. This guarantees that websites’ certificates are recognized and trusted by the browser.

Follow the steps given below to modify the browser’s SSL settings:

• Launch Firefox and create a new tab.
• Type about:config into the address bar and click Enter.
• Check that the option “Warn me when I attempt to access these preferences” is selected.
• Accept the risk and proceed by clicking the “Accept the Risk and Continue” option.
• Enter security.ssl.enable_ocsp_stapling in the “Search preference name” bar.
• Click twice on the phrase “True.”
• Verify that the setting has been set to  False, and try accessing the site again.

Check your Firefox Connection Settings to Ensure that no Proxy Connection is Enabled

Firefox provides options for configuring network connections. Make sure that no Proxy connection is enabled in Firefox’s settings. By disabling proxy settings, you confirm that your browser connects directly to websites without any intermediary servers.

Follow the steps given below to turn off the Proxy connection:

• Launch Mozilla and open a new tab.
• After clicking the three horizontal lines icon, select “Settings.”
• Navigate to the bottom of the window and click the “Network Settings” section’s “Settings” button.
• Click “OK” after selecting the “No Proxy” radio choice.

Deactivate the DoH Protocol

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a protocol that encrypts DNS queries to improve privacy and safety by protecting you from cyber attacks, such as eavesdropping.

However, enabling this feature in Firefox can lead to connection problems. You can disable DoH in Firefox settings to see if it resolves the error in question or not.

Follow the steps given below to disable the DoH protocol:

• Launch Firefox and create a new tab.
• After clicking the three horizontal lines icon, select “Settings.”
• Within the “Network Settings” section, click “Settings.”

Uncheck the “Enable DNS over HTTPS” option situated at the bottom and click “OK.”

Permit the TLS 1.0 and 1.1.

Despite decreasing popularity, outdated websites still use insecure TLS 1.0 and 1.1 protocols. You may have trouble connecting to these websites using an updated Mozilla version ( 78 or above).

This is because your browser’s default TLS version is 1.2. The mismatch in TLS versions can prevent access to these websites, causing the issue you’re facing.

Follow the steps given below to enable the older TLS version:

• Click Enable TLS 1.0 and 1.1 on the error page, and refresh the page if necessary.

Note: This option has been withdrawn from the Mozilla version 97. If you are using this version, you need to contact the owner of the website to get the issue resolved.

Disable Add-ons

To discover the add-on triggering the issue, restart the Firefox browser and enable them separately. If the error disappears, you can re-enable them individually until you find the specific add-on causing the problem.

Follow the steps given below to disable an Add-on:

• Launch Firefox and create a new tab.
• After clicking the three horizontal lines icon, select “Add-ons and themes.”
• In the Manage Your Extension section, click on three vertical dots adjacent to the add-on name.
• Click “Remove.”

Make a Fresh Firefox Profile

Firefox profiles store your settings, preferences, and browsing data. Sometimes, a corrupted profile can lead to connection issues. Creating a new profile allows you to start with a clean slate, free from any profile-specific issues that may be causing the “Secure Connection Failed” error.

Follow the steps given below to make a new Firefox profile:

• Launch Firefox and create a new tab.
• Type about:profiles into the address bar and click Enter.
• Click “Create a New Profile.”
• Follow the steps in the “Create Profile Wizard” dialog box, and click “Launch profile in new browser.”

Check the System’s Time and Date

SSL connections (secure connections) also rely on your computer’s accurate time and date settings. If your system’s clock is incorrect, establishing secure connections can cause issues.

Ensure that your computer’s time and date settings are accurate to avoid any discrepancies that may trigger the error.

Follow the steps given below to set the time zone automatically:

• Click on the Search button placed on the taskbar.
• Type Set the time zone automatically and press Enter.
• Click on the toggle button placed adjacent to the Set time automatically.
• Click on the toggle button placed adjacent to the Set time zone automatically.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by following the recommended troubleshooting options, Firefox users can effectively resolve the “Secure Connection Failed” error and establish secure website connections.

By taking these actions, users can overcome the challenges posed by the “Secure Connection Failed” error and browse the web securely using Firefox.

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