This error is often difficult to identify. Causes can vary from misconfigured Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to incorrect date and time settings. However, there are simple ways to fix this error, whether you are a website owner or a visitor.
What is the error “This site can't provide a secure connection”?
The “This site can't provide a secure connection” error appears when a website does not comply with the HTTPS protocol. This error usually occurs due to not having an SSL certificate on the website, not automatically using HTTPS, having an expired or invalid SSL certificate, or having an outdated SSL cache in the browser.
Cause of the error “This site can't provide a secure connection”
There are 6 common reasons why browsers display this error.
Do not install SSL certificate
The error message may appear because the website does not have an SSL certificate installed. This means you are accessing the website via an HTTP connection and the destination server sends all requests and responses in plain text.
The data is not encrypted and may be intercepted by third parties to collect information transmitted between the website server and the browser. This can leave the website at risk of cyber attacks such as malware and man-in-the-middle.
HTTPS is not required on the website
The issue can occur when you have installed an SSL certificate but have not enabled the option to force HTTPS. This way, visitors will access the HTTP version of the website instead of the secure URL.
The SSL certificate is invalid or has expired
You may see this error when a website uses an invalid or expired SSL certificate. This means that the website is currently running on an HTTP connection.
Outdated SSL cache in the browser
Outdated or corrupt SSL caches in browsers can contribute to site errors. Usually, this can happen when you are developing websites or after installing a new SSL certificate.
QUIC protocol is enabled
The Quick UDP Internet Connections (QUIC) protocol is enabled by default on the Google Chrome browser. This protocol is used to reduce connection time, improve congestion control, transport scalability and multiplexing without Head-of-line blocking.
However, in some cases, it can cause SSL problems, such as the “This site can't provide a secure connection” problem.
Date and time settings are incorrect
Incorrect date and time configuration on your computer can cause the Google Chrome browser to block websites. Inaccurate information can cause problems during website certificate validation. Therefore, an error occurs.
6 ways to fix the error “This site can't provide a secure connection”
Before you begin, you should check your Internet connection, disable Chrome extensions, and disable SSL scanning on your antivirus software and firewall. If the problem persists, here are 6 troubleshooting methods you can try.
1. Install SSL certificate
Installing an SSL certificate is one of the most effective ways to fix the Can't Provide a Secure Connection error message if you are a website owner. Depending on the web hosting service provider, the way the additional layer of security is configured may vary.
At Hostinger, you can install an SSL certificate on hPanel:
- Go to section SSL and click the button Install free SSL.
- Select the domain and click Install SSL.
- When the website address shows a green check mark and status ActiveSSL has been installed successfully. If not, make sure the domain is pointing to the Hostinger nameservers.
This method will solve the Can't Provide a Secure Connection problem on your website.
2. Force HTTPS connection
By forcing HTTPS, visitors will automatically be redirected to a secure URL once they load your website.
If you are a Hostinger user, follow these instructions to force HTTPS connections on your site:
- Access Security → SSL from the hPanel dashboard.
- Click the three-dot button next to the problematic domain and select Force HTTPS.
This will allow you to open the website. If the problem persists, try the next method.
3. Reinstall SSL certificate
Invalid or corrupted SSL settings can cause your site to display Can't Provide a Secure Connection. The best way to solve it is to reinstall the SSL certificate.
Here's how to do it on hPanel:
- Access Security → SSL from the hPanel dashboard.
- Click the three-dot button next to the problematic domain and select Reinstall.
4. Reset SSL cache and clear browser cache
If the above solutions don't work, try resetting the SSL cache on your computer and clearing your browser history. This will allow you to start a new connection.
Follow these instructions to reset SSL cache on Windows:
- Enter Control Panel on tabs Windows search.
- On the dashboard Network and Internetselect View network status and tasksthen click Internet Options.
- When the box Internet Properties opens, select the tab Content and click Clear SSL state.
To clear data on the Google Chrome browser, click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen → More tools → Clear browsing data.
5. Turn off QUIC protocol support
Another popular solution is to disable QUIC protocol support on the Google Chrome browser.
Follow these steps to do it:
- Enter chrome://flags/#enable-quic on the address bar.
- Find options Experimental QUIC protocolusually placed at the top of the page.
- Click the drop-down box and select Disabled.
- Relaunch the browser for the changes to take effect.
If disabling the protocol does not resolve the issue, proceed to the next method.
6. Check the date and time settings
Certificate validity is an important factor in the authentication process. Before accessing a website, the browser checks the signing date and expiration date of the SSL certificate using the system's date and time settings.
If incorrect, the certificate may no longer be valid. Therefore, adjusting settings is one of the most effective ways for website visitors to fix the Can't Provide a Secure Connection error message.
Follow these instructions to set the correct date and time zone on different operating systems, such as Windows and macOS.
Windows
- Click the button Windows Start and choose Settings.
- Select Time & Language.
- Turn on the button Set time automatically. Do the same for options Set time zone automatically.
- Verify changes and ensure settings are correct.
macOS
- Select the menu button Apple and click System Settings.
- Select General in the sidebar and scroll down to find it Date & Time.
- To set date and time automatically, turn on the option Set time and date automatically. To set it manually, turn off the option, then insert the current date and time.
- To set the time zone automatically, turn it on Set time zone automatically using your current location. To set manually, turn off the option, enter the nearest city, and select its full name from the list.
How different browsers display this error
Browsers may display different error messages. Here's how it looks on Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
Google Chrome
If the website you're trying to access on Chrome doesn't support the required TLS/SSL protocols, the browser will display “This Site Can't Provide a Secure Connection”. It also tells the user that the destination server sent an invalid response.
Chrome recommends 3 methods to fix the problem – check the connection, check the proxy configuration, and run Windows Network Diagnostics.
Mozilla Firefox
On Firefox, an invalid SSL certificate may take you to the Secure Connection Failed page. Description tells the user that the connection to the server was reset while the web page was loading.
Firefox also provided additional explanations, stating that the browser was unable to validate the received data and asking users to notify the website owner of the error.
The Site Can't Provide a Secure Connection error appears when the browser has problems with SSL certificates, QUIC protocol problems, or incorrect operating system settings. Depending on the browser, the notification will be slightly different.
Before attempting to fix SSL errors, check your Internet connection, disable Chrome extensions, and temporarily deactivate firewall and antivirus software settings.
Whether you are a website owner or a visitor, the article provides 6 effective methods to solve the problem:
- Install SSL certificate. Configuration through your hosting account.
- Require HTTPS on your website. Make sure visitors are redirected to the secure version of your website.
- Reinstall SSL certificate. If you appear to have an invalid SSL certificate, reinstall it through your hosting account.
- Clear SSL and browser cache. Outdated or corrupted data can cause errors.
- Disable QUIC protocol. To do this, visit Chrome's flags menu.
- Check the date and time settings. Incorrect date and time settings can cause problems during authentication.
Hopefully this article has helped you fix the Site Can't Provide a Secure Connection error. If you have questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below.
