How to Fix ‘Your Connection is Not Private’ on Chrome, Windows and Mac?

Introduction

There are some situations when you put an address in the address bar and instead of opening the site, the browser pops up a horrifying message – “Your connection is not private”.

This kind of error can be a particular irritant and its source is not always clear. So, relax because, in this article, we will explain what this error is and how you can solve it in no time.

This comprehensive guide will explain several ways of fixing the ‘Your connection is not private’ issue. Here, it is necessary to describe resolutions available for various browsers and operating systems.

What Does ‘Your Connection is Not Private’ Mean?

Depending on your browser, you may be lucky enough to encounter a 927 error message that is displayed when your browser suspects the site may not be safe to access.

This is often the case when the site’s SSL certificate is an issue, it either lacks the certificate or the certificate is expired or wrong. SSL confirms that the website claiming to be something it is, is indeed what it claims to be.

Common Causes of the Error

1. Outdated browser
2. Incorrect date and time settings
3. Antivirus software interference
4. Network issues
5. Problems with the website’s SSL certificate
6. Cached browser data

Now, let’s dive into the solutions.

Multiple Ways to Resolve Your Connection is Not Private Error

Method 1: Refresh the Page

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. Try refreshing the page:

1. Click the refresh button in your browser.
2. Or press Ctrl + R (Windows) or Command + R (Mac).

If this doesn’t work, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Check Your Date and Time Settings

Incorrect date and time settings can cause SSL certificate errors. Here’s how to fix them:

For Windows:

1. Right-click on the clock in the taskbar.
2. Select “Adjust date/time“.
3. Turn on “Set time automatically” and “Set time zone automatically“.
4. Click “Sync now” under “Synchronize your clock“.

For Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu and select “System Preferences“
2. Click “Date & Time“
3. Check “Set date and time automatically“.
4. Select your time zone.

After adjusting the settings, restart your browser and try accessing the website again.

Method 3: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Outdated cached data can sometimes cause this error. Here’s how to clear it:

For Google Chrome:

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
2. Go to “More tools” > “Clear browsing data.“
3. Select “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data“.
4. Choose “All time” for the time range.
5. Click “Clear data.”

For Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click the menu button (three lines) in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Options” > “Privacy & Security“
3. Scroll to “Cookies and Site Data”.
4. Click “Clear Data”.
5. Check both boxes and click “Clear”

For Microsoft Edge:

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
2. Go to “Settings” > “Privacy, search, and services“
3. Under “Clear browsing data,” click “Choose what to clear”
4. Select “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data”.
5. Click “Clear now”

After clearing the cache, restart your browser and try again.

Method 4: Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Firewall

Sometimes, security software can interfere with secure connections. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall:

For Windows Defender:

1. Type “Windows Security” in the Start menu search bar.
2. Click on “Virus & threat protection”
3. Under “Virus & threat protection settings,” click “Manage settings“
4. Toggle off “Real-time protection“

For third-party Antivirus:

1. Find the antivirus icon in your system tray.
2. Right-click and look for an option to disable protection temporarily.
3. Remember to re-enable your security software after testing!

Method 5: Use Incognito or Private Browsing Mode

Incognito mode can help rule out extension or profile-related issues:

For Chrome:

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
2. Select “New Incognito window“.

For Firefox:

1. Click the menu button (three lines).
2. Select “New Private Window“

For Edge:

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
2. Select “New InPrivate window“.

Try accessing the website in this mode. If it works, the issue might be with a browser extension or setting.

Method 6: Check for Browser Updates

An outdated browser can cause security errors. Here’s how to update:

For Chrome:

1. Click the three dots > “Help” > “About Google Chrome”
2. Chrome will automatically check for updates.

For Firefox:

1. Click the menu button > “Help” > “About Firefox”
2. Firefox will check for updates and install them.

For Edge:

1. Click the three dots > “Help and feedback” > “About Microsoft Edge.”
2. Edge will check for updates automatically.
3. After updating, restart your browser and try again.

Method 7: Manually Proceed (Use with caution)

If you’re sure the website is safe, you can manually proceed:

For Chrome and Edge:

1. Click “Advanced” on the error page.
2. Click “Proceed to [website] (unsafe)”

For Firefox:

1. You should go to the error page and click on the ‘Advanced’ button.
2. At the end, you should click on – Accept the Risk and Continue.

Warning: But remember, you should only use it if you are clearly sure that the website you are opening is very safe!

Method 8: Check the SSL Certificate in the Browser

You can view the SSL certificate details to identify specific issues:

1. In the address bar, you will see the padlock icon beside it; click it.
2. Choose “Certificate” or “Connection is secure”.
3. Search for something concerning the certificate and its relevant period of validity.

In a case where the obtained certificate is expired or invalid, then the client should notify the website owner.

Method 9: Clear DNS Cache

Clearing your DNS cache can sometimes resolve connection issues:

For Windows:

 The Windows key must be pressed together with the R to display the Run failure.

Write “cmd” and hit the Enter button.

First, open the Command Prompt and then type “ipconfig /flushdns” and hit on the Enter key.

For Mac:

1. Go to Applications > Utilities and hit on Terminal.
2. Type “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and press Enter.
3. Enter your admin password when prompted.
4. After flushing the DNS cache, restart your browser and try again.

Method 10: Check Your Computer’s Proxy Settings

Incorrect proxy settings can cause connection issues:

For Windows:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to “Network & Internet” > “Proxy”.
3. Make sure “Automatically detect settings” is on.
4. Ensure “Use a proxy server” is off unless you need it.

For Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu > “System Preferences”
2. Go to “Network” > “Advanced”
3. Select the “Proxies” tab.
4. Uncheck all proxy options unless you specifically need them.
5. After adjusting proxy settings, restart your browser and try again.

Method 11: Reset Browser Settings

If all else fails, resetting your browser to default settings might help:

For Chrome:

1. Click the three dots > “Settings”
2. Click “Advanced” > “Reset and clean up”
3. Choose “Restore settings to their original defaults“
4. Click “Reset settings“

For Firefox:

1. Type “about:support” in the address bar.
2. Click “Refresh Firefox” in the top-right corner.
3. Confirm by clicking “Refresh Firefox” again.

For Edge:

1. Click the three dots > “Settings”
2. Go to “Reset settings” > “Restore settings to their default values.”
3. Click “Reset”.

Remember, this will remove your extensions and customizations.

Method 12: Update Your Operating System

Outdated operating systems can cause security issues:

For Windows:

1. Go to “Settings” > “Update & Security”
2. Click “Check for updates”
3. Install any available updates.

For Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu > “System Preferences”
2. Click “Software Update”
3. Install any available updates.
4. After updating, restart your computer and try accessing the website again.

Method 13: Check for Network Issues

Sometimes, network problems can cause security errors:

1. Try accessing the website on a different network (e.g., mobile data).
2. Restart your router:
3. Unplug the power cable.
4. Wait 30 seconds.
5. Plug it back in.
6. Wait for all lights to stabilize.
7. Try connecting directly with an Ethernet cable if you’re using Wi-Fi.

If the website opens on another network, then it is recommended to contact your Internet service provider.

Conclusion

Nevertheless, the “Your connection is not private” error must not make you upset, as it is usually solvable. These are 13 methods to solve the problem. Please, do not forget that one should begin by following the ladder of prescriptive solutions.

Also Read: How to Fix ERR Connection Timed Out Error?

Every mentioned above method is often suitable when the issue is on the user’s side, but if the problem persists, then the issue could be with the website. That said, in the worst-case scenario, you should try talking to the administration of the website in question or attempt accessing the page at a later time.