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How do I fix the ssl_error_handshake_failure_alert error?

Alton Alexander
By Alton AlexanderUpdated on June 4th, 2022

The SSL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ALERT error code is typically caused by a problem with the server's SSL certificate. This can happen if the certificate is expired, self-signed, or not trusted by the client. It can also happen if the server is using an unsupported SSL protocol or cipher suite.

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  • error code: ssl_error_handshake_failure_alert
  • ssl_error_handshake_failure_alert

1. Check the date and time on your computer and make sure it is set correctly

  1. Open the Control Panel and click on System and Security.
  2. On the System and Security window, click on the Time and Date tab.
  3. On the Time and Date tab, make sure the Date and Time is set to the correct time zone.
  4. If the Date and Time is not correct, click on the Change Date and Time button and enter the correct date and time.
  5. Click on the OK button to save the changes.

2. If you are using a VPN, disable it and try accessing the website again

  1. Log in to your VPN account.
  2. Click on the "Settings" tab.
  3. Under "Servers," select the server you were using when your SSL error occurred.
  4. Click on the "Disable VPN" button.
  5. Try accessing the website again.

3. Clear your browser's cache and cookies

  1. Open your browser and navigate to the www.google.com website.
  2. On the Google homepage, click on the three lines in the top left corner of the browser window.
  3. In the new window that pops up, click on the Tools menu option.
  4. On the Tools menu, click on the Internet Options icon.
  5. On the Internet Options dialog box, click on the Security tab.
  6. Under the Internet Options security section, click on the Clear browsing data button.
  7. Click on the OK button to close the Internet Options dialog box.
  8. Close your browser.
  9. Restart your computer.

4. Try accessing the website using a different browser

Some browsers may have a "private mode" that bypasses SSL errors and allows the website to load. In most cases, you can access the website in private mode by following these steps:

  1. In Chrome, Firefox, or Opera, open the menu and choose "Settings."
  2. In the "Settings" window, click on "Advanced."
  3. In the "Advanced" window, click on "Network."
  4. In the "Network" window, under "Security," click on "SSL."
  5. Under "SSL errors," click on "Try a different browser."
  6. In the "Different browsers" window, select the browser you want to use and click "OK."
  7. In the "SSL errors" window, the website should now load.

5. Temporarily disable any antivirus or security software you have installed

  1. Locate the antivirus or security software you have installed on your computer.
  2. Click on the antivirus or security software icon.
  3. Click on the "Disable" button.
  4. Click on the "Yes" button to confirm.
  5. Restart your computer.

6. If you are still seeing the error, contact the website owner or administrator for assistance

  1. Visit the website and open the source code in a text editor.
  2. Find the line that indicates that the server is unable to complete the SSL handshake.
  3. Look for the error code that is returned and try to fix it.
  4. If the error is still present, contact the website owner or administrator for assistance.