When accessing a website in Chrome, an error message can pop up stating that your connection is not private. This indicates that the browser has failed to meet the security requirements.
If you see a warning message on your screen with the title “Your Connection is Not Private”, it means your browser isn’t able to verify the safety of the site. Visiting an unsafe or unsecure website could expose your personal information to potential risks. Each time you open a site, the browser checks the security certificate to ensure the site will protect your privacy. While the certificate is not valid, expired or absent, that’s a potential source of a threat to your privacy.
Why does “Connection Not Private, Google” appear?
Websites protect your data with SSL/TLS encryption. Certificates act as the insurance that the site really encrypts the data and uses proper technology for this purpose. If a user’s browser doesn’t recognize the certificate, the error “Google, Your connection is not private” appears. This error occurs because many websites that use SSL require security over HTTP (HTTPS).
There are numerous reasons why a website’s SSL certificate can’t be verified. One possibility is that it has been tampered with and isn’t functioning as intended. Alternatively, the certificate might have expired or be missing altogether. In any case, the webmaster must correct any error on their site in order to verify it. Even though the steps for each browser are similar, sometimes your device or browser settings might be malfunctioning and unable to connect to the website you’re trying to access. You can usually fix this yourself by following the same process for all browsers.
What the “Your connection is not private” message looks like in any browser other than Chrome.
Each browser displays the “Your connection is not private” message differently. Some even tweak the warning to read, “Your connection is not secure.” Others provide error codes to help you troubleshoot. Most throw up literal warning signs. Here’s what you might see.
Google Chrome
When Google Chrome is having trouble recognizing a certificate, it will display a large red question mark and inform you.
Common Error Codes:
- ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH
- NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID
- ERR_CERT_SYMANTEC_LEGACY
- NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID
- NTE::ERR_CERTIFICATE_TRANSPARENCY_REQUIRED The certificate is invalid.
Mozilla Firefox
If Mozilla Firefox fails to recognize the certificate, it will display a lock with a red slash over it as well as the message.
Common error codes:
- ERROR_SELF_SIGNED_CERT
- MOZILLA_PKIX_ERROR_ADDITIONAL_POLICY_CONSTRAINT_FAILED
- SEC_ERROR_EXPIRED_ISSUER_CERTIFICATE
- MOZILLA_PKIX_ERROR_MITM_DETECTED
- SEC_ERROR_OCSP_INVALID_SIGNING_CERT
- SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN
Safari
Other browsers, such as Safari, don’t immediately provide you with error codes. Instead, it’ll return a red lock that has been crossed out and the message:
- “This connection is not private, Chrome”.
- “Website may appear to be impersonating domain.com in order to obtain personal or financial information. You should return to the previous page.”
I too might provide a link to the certificate via a "show details" button, this would allow you to understand the potential risks associated with visiting the website.
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge mimics the Google Chrome error message “your connection is not private,” including the red exclamation mark.
Common Error Codes:
- DLG_FLAGS_INVALID_CA
- DLG_FLAGS_SEC_CERT_CN_INVALID
- Error Code: 0
- NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID
How to correct “Your Connection to This Site is Not Private” Error
1. Reboot the Page
This may seem obvious, but one of the simplest and most effective things you can attempt to resolve the issue by closing and reopening your browser and attempt to load the page again. It’s possible that the website’s owner is currently reissuing their SSL certificate or there was a problem with your browser.
2. Check the Time and Date
While your computer’s date and time are out of sync with those displayed on your browser, this privacy error will appear. Additionally, it may display the SSL certificate of a website as having expired, which would also cause the error. Go into your computer’s settings and adjust the time and date when itф necessary. After that you’ve refreshed the page, reload it.
3. Update your Operating System
Google recommends upgrading your device’s operating system if you get this “the connection is not private” error. An outdated computer may lack the capability or willingness to recognize or utilize updated websites or SSL certificates. To update the operating system on macOS, go to System Preferences > Software Update. After all, check for updates and set them up.
On a Windows computer, enter the Сontrol Panel > Search for update > Check for updates and set up them.
4. Check the Antivirus Software
Follow the instructions below if you encounter “Your connection is not secure, Chrome. Antivirus and privacy programs can block some secure server certificates or even cripple network connections. They can be protective to the point of preventing your connection from being private. To test this, temporarily disable the software and try browsing.
5. Clear Browsing Data
Computer cookies help make each online session more personalized based on past activity. They can also help increase convenience when purchasing products or logging into websites by remembering personal information and payment methods. However, not having a private connection can cause security concerns as well. Each browser clears cookies differently. Clearing your browsing history removes all private data from your device, but also prevents you from truly enjoying a secure browsing experience.
To delete the history, cache, and other browser data from Google Chrome browser:
- First of all, enter Settings → Show advanced settings → Clear browsing data under Privacy options.
However if deleting browsing history doesn’t help, you can also reset the browser’s settings to the default.
To reset your Chrome browser settings:
- Firstly, click on the Chrome menu → Settings → Show advanced settings → Reset settings → Reset.
Deleting the chrome cache and removing unwanted Google Chrome extensions also has a significant impact in this situation.
For data removal in from Mozilla Firefox browser:
- Tap the menu button and choose Settings.
- Choose the Privacy & Security panel and enter the Cookies and Site Data section.
- Click the Clear Data… button. The Clear Data dialog will appear.
- You should also select the following options: Cookies and Site Data (to remove login status and site preferences) and Cached Web Content (to remove stored images, scripts and other cached content).
- Clear the screen.
To delete the cache, history, and other browser data from Safari browser:
- In order to your history and cookies, go to Settings > Safari, and select Clear History and Website Data. Deleting your history, cookies, and browsing data from Safari will not alter your AutoFill information.
- Going to remove your cookies and preserve your history, go to Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data, then select Remove All Website Data.
- If you want to avoid leaving a digital footprint, turn Private Browsing on.
To delete the cache, history, and other browser data from Microsoft Edge browser:
- Choose Settings and more > Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
- After that under Clear browsing data > Clear browsing data now, choose Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, select a time range from the drop-down menu.
- Select the ways of browsing data you want to clean (see the table for descriptions).
- For example, you may want to delete cooking and browsing history but keep passwords and form fill data.
- Select Clear now.
Contact your system administrator
In some situations, you may have no access to the browser settings. That depends on the policies set by your system administrator. If you face connection issues, but cannot open the Settings, ask it for help. Such restrictions usually see usage to prevent any malware-related alterations, but sometimes that can end up with problems with some daily needs.
Stay Safe and Secure While Browsing Online
The error “Your connection is not private, Google” is one of the most beneficial messages you can receive because it protects your personal information. Simply encountering this error isn’t cause for concern, there are numerous innocuous reasons why your connection may not be safe. By attempting the methods listed above, you can efficiently identify and address the cause of the error. If none of the accordingly steps decide the issue, simply leave the website and find another option.
