How to Fix ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT Error Chrome? [7 Ways]

With its unrivaled popularity as the world’s leading desktop browser, Google Chrome has become an essential tool for countless users. Its user-friendly interface has undoubtedly contributed to its success, but even the most reliable software can encounter occasional roadblocks.

One such obstacle that users may come across is the dreaded ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT error message.

Fortunately, resolving this error doesn’t necessitate an extensive technical background. Simple solutions like updating Chrome, clearing the cache, or removing conflicting browser extensions do the trick.

This post will delve into the depths of the ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT error, exploring its causes and presenting seven straightforward methods to fix it. So, without further ado, let’s embark on a journey toward a hassle-free Chrome experience.

What is ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT Error?

When attempting to access a website through Google Chrome, encountering the ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT error message can be frustrating as it prevents you from reaching the desired page.

To comprehend this error within Chrome, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of how SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) operates. SSL is a security protocol that encrypts and verifies data transmitted from a web server to your browser.

For website owners, securing their sites with an SSL certificate is paramount. This certificate safeguards the content on the website, including sensitive information. Additionally, the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol, an enhanced version of SSL, further authenticates the server.

When you attempt to access a website, Google Chrome examines the presence of security protocols such as an installed SSL certificate. If your browser fails to establish a secure connection, it triggers the ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT error.

Why am I facing the ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT Error?

The ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT error is typically triggered when a website possesses an invalid SSL certificate. Chrome, prioritizing secure browsing, rejects access to unsecured sites.

Nevertheless, other contributing factors may lead to the appearance of this error message:

Corrupt Browser Cache:

An accumulation of corrupt or outdated data in the browser’s cache can interfere with the SSL authentication process.

Unsynchronized Time and Date on a Device:

Discrepancies in the system’s time and date settings can cause conflicts during the SSL certificate verification, resulting in the error.

Third-party Software blocking the Website:

Certain software installed on your device may block the website’s access by interfering with the SSL handshake process.

Third-party SSL/TLS Protocol Filtering:

In some cases, third-party software or network configurations might filter or modify SSL/TLS protocols, leading to the error.

Outdated Device or Chrome Version:

Using an outdated device or an outdated version of Google Chrome can create compatibility issues with the SSL certificate verification process.

While encountering the ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT error may appear daunting due to various possible causes, identifying the root cause and implementing an effective solution can be easily achieved.

Mastering the ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT Error: 7 Easy Fixes for a Smooth Chrome Experience

Encountering the ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT error can hinder your ability to access websites through Google Chrome. Fortunately, several simple troubleshooting methods can help resolve this error. Let’s explore these methods:

METHOD 1: Clear Cache and Cookies from the Browser

The ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT error can sometimes arise due to corrupted or outdated data stored in your browser’s cache. Clearing the cache can help rectify this issue. Follow these steps:

1. Click on the three-dot icon in the upper right corner of Chrome.
2. Go to More Tools and select Clear Browsing Data.
3. In the pop-up window, choose Cached images and files. You may also clear the browsing history, cookies, and other site data.
4. Click on Clear data.
5. Refresh the webpage to check if the error persists.

METHOD 2: Update your Google Chrome Browser

Using an outdated version of Google Chrome can contribute to various browsing errors, including the ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT error. To ensure you have the latest version of Chrome:

1. Click on the three-dot icon in the upper right corner of Chrome.
2. Navigate to Help and select About Google Chrome.
3. Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them if available.
4. After the update installation, click the Relaunch button to restart Chrome.
5. Attempt to reaccess the problematic website. If the error persists, proceed to the following method.

METHOD 3: Adjust Date and Time Settings

Your device’s incorrect time and date settings can interfere with the SSL certificate verification process, leading to the ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT error. To adjust these settings:

For Windows:

1. Open the Windows Settings app by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
2. Navigate to Time & Language and click on Date & Time.
3. Ensure automatic configuration is enabled for both the time and time zone settings.
4. Under Additional settings, click on the Sync Now button. This action will synchronize your device’s date and time with Microsoft servers, ensuring consistency.
5. Although date and time issues are more commonly associated with Windows, you can also check and adjust these settings on a Mac.

For Mac:

1. Open System Preferences by clicking on the Apple menu and selecting System Preferences.
2. In the System Preferences window, click on Date & Time.
3. By default, the date and time settings are set to update automatically.
4. If the information displayed is incorrect, deselect the “Set date and time automatically” option.
5. You can manually set the date and time by clicking the lock icon and entering your administrator password if prompted.
6. After making the necessary changes, save your settings.

Once you have adjusted the date and time settings on your Windows or Mac device, check to see if the browser error has been resolved.

METHOD 4: Disable Conflicting Browser Extensions

Specific browser extensions may conflict with the SSL authentication process, triggering the ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT error. Consider disabling or removing any recently installed or suspicious extensions. Follow these steps:

1. Click on the three-dot icon in the upper right corner of Chrome.
2. Go to More Tools and select Extensions.
3. Locate the extension(s) you suspect may be causing the issue.
4. Disable or remove the extension(s).
5. Restart Chrome and check if the error persists.

These troubleshooting methods can effectively address the ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT error and regain access to the desired websites.

METHOD 5: Attempt to Turn Off Anti-Virus Software (Temporarily)

Particular anti-virus software and firewalls perform SSL/TLS protocol filtering, sometimes triggering false positives and leading to errors. Consider disabling SSL/TLS-related settings or temporarily turning off the entire anti-virus software, firewalls, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and any other security software on your device.

METHOD 6: Removing Incompatible Browser Extensions

Outdated or incompatible browser extensions can cause the ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT error. Follow these steps:

1. In Google Chrome, go to More Tools and select Extensions.
2. Disable all installed Chrome extensions by toggling off their respective toggle buttons.
3. Attempt to reaccess the website. If the error is resolved, it indicates that one of the extensions was causing the issue.
4. To identify the problematic extension, re-enable each extension one by one and check if the error recurs. Remove the extension causing the error.

METHOD 7: Disabling the QUIC Protocol:

QUIC (Quick UDP Internet Connection) is an experimental protocol to enhance HTTP traffic. Although Chrome utilizes this protocol, it is still considered experimental and can lead to loading errors.

If the previous solutions did not resolve the error, consider disabling the QUIC protocol by following these steps:

1. In the Chrome browser, enter “chrome://flags/#enable-quic” in the address bar.
2. Locate the “Experimental QUIC protocol” setting and disable it using the dropdown menu on the right.
3. Relaunch Chrome for the changes to take effect.

By implementing these troubleshooting steps, you can effectively address the ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT error and restore seamless browsing functionality in Chrome.