Learn How to Fix the “Your Connection Is Not Private” Error

What does it mean when your connection is not private? When this message error appears, your browser warns you that the connection between your device and the website you are trying to visit is unsafe. This error message protects users from potential online security risks, such as personal or financial data exposure. Learn why this privacy error is caused, and let's help you troubleshoot it in simple steps and different browsers.

What Does Your Connection is Not Private Mean?

Occasionally, your access to a website may be blocked when the warning message "Your connection is not private" appears. This error means your browser can't confirm that the site is secure to visit, maybe because it doesn't have a valid SSL certificate or because the owners configured their website improperly, among various causes. Since this error indicates a privacy problem related to the encryption of the connection between your device and the server, accessing it may put your personal information at risk.

What Causes the "Your Connection Isn't Private"?

Let's explore the most common causes behind this SSL error warning below:

• Expired, invalid, or incorrectly configured SSL certificate: An SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) is a digital certificate used to authenticate a website's identity and encrypted connection. Your browser will not trust the connection with this website if its SSL certificate has expired or is not correctly configured since this can lead to interception or sensitive data exposure.
• Incorrect computer date and time: If your computer's date and time are incorrect, it can cause problems validating SSL/TLS certificates with a specific validity period.
• Using public Wi-Fi: Connecting to public networks, like Wi-Fi in coffee shops or airports, can be vulnerable to MITM attacks, where anyone can intercept the connection. Browsers issue this message warning when they detect insecure configurations on such networks to avoid accessing or entering personal information.

What Does it Mean when it says your Connection is Not Private in Different Browsers?

Google Chrome

The Chrome browser displays the message with the error "NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID)" to help identify this problem. It also provides options to "Advance" or exit the site.

Safari

Safari displays the message "This Connection is not Private." You may find more details by clicking "Show Details" or leaving the error page by selecting Go back to the previous page.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox displays the error titled "Your connection is not Secure." It allows you to view more technical details by clicking on "Advance" and an option for leaving the website by clicking "Go back."

Microsoft Edge

Edge displays a similar warning to Safari, with a simple layout detailing "Your connection isn't private." You can get more information by clicking "Advanced" or leave the site by choosing "Back to Safety."

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Troubleshooting Your Connection Is Not Private Warning Message

This error message may seem alarming, but there is always a solution. Here are some practical ways to fix it, from checking your device settings to refreshing your browser or connection. Since attackers might be trying to steal your information, avoid putting your personal information at risk by learning how to troubleshoot the issue. 

1. Check the Date and Time on Your Device

SSL certificates depend on time synchronization to be valid; changing the date and time on your device may fix this problem.

• If you're using Windows, search for the Control Panel. Then, choose Clock, Language, and Region and select Date and Time. Set the time and date, go to Internet time, and then change settings. Lastly, synchronize with an Internet time server and click Update now.
• If you use a Mac, go to the Apple menu and look for System Settings. Then click General in the sidebar and Date & Time on the right. Scroll down and turn off "Set time and date automatically," then click Set, enter the date and time, and click Set.

2. Clearing Your Browser Cache and Cookies

Corrupt caches can store older versions of SSL certificates, and this connection error may occur. To clear the cache in the browser settings, follow the steps below:

Google Chrome

1. Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner to access the menu.
2. Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
3. Scroll down and select Privacy and Security.
4. Choose Clear browsing data.
5. On the Basic tab, check the Cached images and files box.
6. Set it to All Time to clear all cached data and click Clear data.

Microsoft Edge

1. Click on the three-dot menu.
2. Click on Settings.
3. On the left side, click Cookies and site permissions.
4. Under the Manage and Delete cookies and Site Data section, click See all cookies and site data.
5. A new dialogue box will open.
6. Click Remove All.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Select the menu drop-down in the top right corner.
2. Go to Preferences.
3. Go to the Privacy and Security section.
4. Go to the Cookies and Site Data section.
5. Click Clear Data.
6. Unselect the Cookies and Site Data option, then click the Clear button. 

3. Reload or Refresh the Page of Your Browser

Sometimes, this warning error can occur due to temporary glitches in your browser or a slight interruption in your Internet connection. Reloading the page may solve the problem. This refreshes the connection between your device and the website server, eliminating problems.

4. Use the Incognito or Private Browsing Mode 

Private or incognito browsing mode may be helpful in fixing issues related to this privacy warning. When you browse without saving your history or cache, your browser does not load cookies or other stored data that could interfere with the connection. This will help determine if specific browser settings, such as conflicting extensions, corrupt cache data, or encrypted connection issues, cause the problem.

5. Disable Your Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Some security programs, such as antivirus or firewalls, are designed to protect your connection by intercepting and scanning HTTPS connections. However, this protection can sometimes block legitimate SSL certificates and cause the error "Your connection is not private." To verify if the problem stems from your security software, try temporarily turning it off and reloading the website.

6. Ensure Your SSL Certificate Is Valid

If you are the website owner generating the error, checking the status of your domain's SSL/TLS certificate is essential. A certificate that is expired, misconfigured, or issued by an untrusted authority can trigger browser warnings. There are different ways to check your website's certificates to make sure everything is running smoothly. For example, you can use free tools such as SSL Labs or Why No Padlock to identify any existing issue.

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7. Try Using a VPN

Try connecting to public networks using a VPN to rule out the problem relating to your network provider or geographic location. This can be particularly useful if the website you are trying to access is restricted or blocked.

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8. Proceed With Caution (Not Recommended)

If, after analyzing all options, you decide to proceed to the website despite the warning message, do so with extreme caution. Avoid entering personal data, passwords, or sensitive information, and only proceed if you know and trust the website. Protect your privacy while browsing.

What Does it Mean Your Connection is Not Private for Your Security?

The warning error message indicates that the browser cannot confirm if the website you are trying to access has valid security certificates. This means the site may not be safe to access, and even the website may be impersonating a reliable one to steal your personal information, such as financial data.

What to Do If You See the "Connection Not Private" Warning on Your Website

1. Verify your SSL certificate: Make sure it is active and correctly installed.
2. Check your web server configuration.
3. Use a diagnostic tool such as SSL Labs to identify problems.
4. Consult your web hosting provider if you are unable to resolve the problem.

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FAQ: What Does this Connection is Not Private Mean?

How Do I Bypass the Error Warning "Your Connection Is Not Private"?

Reload the webpage, verify your WiFi connection, verify fate and time, use incognito mode, clear your cookies and cache, use antivirus software, and proceed with caution to bypass the "your connection is not private" error.

What Does It Mean When It Says "Your Connection Is Not Private" on Chrome?

The display of this error in Chrome indicates that the browser detected cannot verify the security of the website you are trying to visit.

How Do I Fix SSL Connection Errors?

Reload the page, check your WiFi connection, ensure the date and time are correct, try browsing in incognito mode, delete cookies and cache, use an antivirus program, update your operating system, and proceed with caution when visiting the site.

What Does It Mean Your Connection to This Site Is Not Private on Safari?

In Safari, the message suggests that the site's SSL certificate cannot be verified or is unsafe and warns the user to avoid visiting the site to prevent potential threads online.

How Can I Fix My SSL Certificate?

To fix the SSL certificate, renew it if it has expired, make sure it is installed correctly on the server, configure HTTPS, and check for possible conflicts with subdomains.