How To Fix the ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT Error?

What is ERR BAD SSL CLIENT AUTH CERT Error?

ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT is a security-related bug that appears in web browsers, especially Google Chrome, due to a failure to interact with the SSL/TLS client authentication process.

This error is usually experienced as the browser tries to create an SSL connection with the server, a process referred to as SSL handshake.

The nature of this particular error suggests that the client certificate used for authentication is incorrect, expired, not trusted, or cannot be checked by the server.

Thus, the browser restricts one from getting to the website to avoid the possibility of encountering a security threat.

It occurs commonly in cases where both the client and server sides need to use certificated SSL/TLS for secure connection purposes. It occurs when the client cannot show a valid certificate or the server is not able to verify it.

Some of these are caused by certificate misconfiguration, wrong date and time of the client device, browser and system software, and interferences from browser plug-ins and anti-virus programs.

To correct this error, it requires problem-solving these possible causes to guarantee that a genuine and recognized client certificate is properly transmitted and authenticated during the SSL process.

What are the Causes?

Some causes may be the expired client certificate or the misconfiguration of its settings; the outdated browsers or operating system that the client uses; the incorrect date and time settings; and the conflict of the browser extensions and software.

Being aware of these factors is very helpful in addressing the issue, as well as limiting its presence.

Different Ways to Fix BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT Error

Updating Google Chrome

It is essential to update the browser to keep things secure and to ensure the browser functions in accordance with the latest web standards. An older version of Google Chrome may also lead to this SSL error. To update Google Chrome:

• Open Google Chrome – Click the three vertical dots in the upper right corner to access the menu.
• Visit Help > About Google Chrome – This will open a new tab that checks to see if you need to update Chrome.

• Update Chrome:  If a Chrome update is present, it will automatically begin downloading the update when it is opened. When it is done downloading, click “Relaunch” and let the update finish. 

• Check to see if Chrome is updated: Check the “About” page again to see if you need to update Chrome for SSL certification. 

Sync Your Device’s Date and Time

Your device may also have incorrect date and time settings turned on, which may interfere with the SSL certificate check, shown as ERR BAD SSL CLIENT AUTH CERT. Make sure the date and time on your device is synced correctly:

• Open your Settings: On Windows, click Settings > Time & Language and on macOS, click System Preferences > Date & Time.

• Enable Automatic Settings: Switch on automatic time settings and automatic time zone settings.

Manually Set Date and Time (if needed): If automatic settings are not working, manually set date and time, and time zone.

• Reboot Your Device: Restart the device to enable the changes.

Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

Cache and cookies can cause conflicts while checking SSL certificates and sometimes lead to the ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT error:

• Go to Chrome Settings: Click the three vertical dots in the upper right corner and click Settings.

• Go to Privacy and Security: Click on Privacy and security and go to Clear browsing data.
• Select the Time Range: Select “All time” in order to clear all the information.

• Clear Data: Toggle each option of Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files on. Click the Clear data option.
• Restart Chrome: Restart Chrome to enable your changes to take place.

Delete Conflicting Browser Extensions

It is possible that an installed browser extension is causing the issue with SSL client authentication. Disabling or deleting the strange extension can correct for this issue:

• Go to the Chrome Extensions Page: Click on the three vertical dots, then go to More Tools > Extensions.

• Disable Extensions: Disable each extension individually until the conflicting return is found.

• Remove Problematic Extensions: When an extension is disabled, if the return no longer occurs, select to uninstall the returned extension.
• Restart Chrome:  When the return is uninstalled, restart Chrome to ensure the browser is free from the return.

Update Your Device

Outdated operating systems may also affect compatibility with SSL certificates and may need to be updated.

• Check for Updates: On Windows: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. On macOS: System Preferences > Software Update.

• Update: If an update(s) is available, please download the update(s)..
• Restart Your Device: After you download the updates, restart your device for the updates to take effect as needed.

Disable the QUIC Protocol:

QUIC is a protocol used by Chrome to speed up browsing that may cause SSL errors. You are welcome to try disabling QUIC as needed.

• Access Chrome Flags: Type chrome://flags/ in the Chromes’ address bar and hit enter.
• Locate QUIC: Once the Chrome flags window has opened and you can search for QUIC.Disable QUIC: The “Experimental QUIC protocol” should read ‘disabled.’
• Reset Chrome: Close and restart Chrome after completing the previous steps.

Also Read: How to Fix the ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR?

Disable Your Antivirus Software Temporarily:

In some cases, antivirus software may interfere with SSL certificates by erroneously invalidating the certificate. Sometimes it can be beneficial to temporarily disable your antivirus software to see if that resolves it:

• Visit the Antivirus Controller: Access your antivirus software and go to the settings option.
• Disable Web Protection Option: Look for web protection settings (less likely but possible) or SSL scanning and HTTPS scanning and disable those settings temporarily.
• Start Chrome Again: Close and restart Chrome to see if your error continues.
• Re-enable your Anti-Virus Software: If the error is resolved, you may want to review your antivirus software and make changes to avoid future issues but understandably don’t leave it disabled.

Conclusion

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