Your Connection Is Not Private Error in Chrome – Causes & Easy Fixes

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by

Himanshu
in ,

If you’ve ever opened a website in Google Chrome and seen the scary message “Your Connection is Not Private”, you’re not alone. This warning appears when Chrome detects that your connection may not be secure. The browser blocks the page to protect your personal data (like passwords or credit card info).

This article explains why the error appears and how to fix it quickly on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

🔎 Why Does “Your Connection Is Not Private” Error Appear?

Chrome shows this error when it cannot validate the website’s SSL certificate. Common reasons include:

  • Incorrect date & time on your device.
  • Expired, misconfigured or self-signed SSL certificate on the website.
  • Antivirus or firewall interfering with HTTPS.
  • Public Wi-Fi networks requiring sign-in first.
  • Cached or corrupted cookies in your browser.
  • Outdated browser or operating system.

The error codes may also appear as: NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID, NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID, etc.

✅ Step-by-Step Fixes for “Your Connection Is Not Private” Error

1️⃣ Refresh the Page

Sometimes the error is temporary. Press Ctrl + F5 (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + R (Mac) to force reload.

2️⃣ Check Date and Time Settings

  • Go to Settings > Time & Date.
  • Enable Automatic time.
  • Restart Chrome.

3️⃣ Clear Browsing Data

  • Chrome menu → Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
  • Select Cached images and files & Cookies → Clear data.

4️⃣ Update Chrome

  • Chrome menu → Help > About Google Chrome.
  • Install updates & relaunch.

5️⃣ Disable Antivirus HTTPS Scanning

  • Open your antivirus (Avast, Kaspersky, etc.).
  • Turn off “HTTPS scanning” or “SSL scanning”.
  • Restart Chrome.

6️⃣ Use Incognito Mode

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac).
  • See if the site opens there — if yes, the issue is with extensions or cache.

7️⃣ Check Wi-Fi or Network

  • On public Wi-Fi (airport, café), you must first accept the portal’s terms (open a non-HTTPS site like http://example.com to trigger login).

8️⃣ Proceed with Caution (Advanced)

  • Click Advanced > Proceed to site (unsafe) only if you’re sure the site is trustworthy.
  • Avoid entering sensitive info.

📝 Quick Fix Table

IssueFix
Wrong date/timeEnable automatic time & restart
Corrupted cacheClear cookies & cache in Chrome
Outdated ChromeUpdate browser to latest version
Antivirus interferenceDisable HTTPS/SSL scanning
Public Wi-Fi loginOpen non-HTTPS page to sign in
Faulty extensionsTry incognito / disable extensions

💡 Extra Tips

  • If the error appears on every website, your device time or antivirus is almost always the cause.
  • If the error appears only on one website, it’s likely the site’s certificate — not your browser.
  • On Android/iOS, also check system updates and clear the Chrome app cache.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The “Your Connection is Not Private” warning is there to protect you. Always be cautious when bypassing it. Only proceed if you trust the website and know it’s safe.