How to Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

How to Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR in Chrome and WordPress

If you’ve been running a website or blog for a while, you’ve probably encountered the dreaded ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR in your browser. This error usually pops up in Chrome or other browsers when your SSL certificate is not working correctly, making your site inaccessible over HTTPS.

The good news is that the problem is usually fixable within a few steps. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the common reasons for this error and how to fix it—whether you’re using WordPress, Cloudflare, or a hosting provider like Bluehost, GoDaddy, or SiteGround.

Why Does ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR Appear?

The error usually happens when the browser cannot establish a secure connection with your website. Common causes include:

SSL certificate not issued or expired – Free SSL (e.g., Let’s Encrypt) often expires every 90 days if not renewed.
Domain and SSL mismatch – Using www.example.com vs. example.com inconsistently.
Conflicts with CDN services – If you use Cloudflare or another CDN, SSL modes may clash with your hosting setup.
Incorrect HTTPS redirection – Improper .htaccess rules or plugin misconfigurations.
Browser or cache issues – Old SSL sessions stored in your browser may trigger errors even if SSL is valid.

Step-by-Step Fix for ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

1. Check Your SSL Certificate

Log into your hosting provider (GoDaddy, Bluehost, HostGator, SiteGround, etc.).
Look under Security or SSL Management.
If no SSL is installed, enable a free SSL (Let’s Encrypt) or purchase one.
If expired, renew or reissue the certificate.

2. Verify Domain Settings

Make sure your domain points correctly to your hosting server.
If using a CDN like Cloudflare, ensure your DNS records are set up properly.
Mismatches between DNS and SSL settings can cause handshake failures.

3. Enable HTTPS Redirection

For WordPress, update your .htaccess file with:


RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

Alternatively, use a plugin such as Really Simple SSL to automatically enforce HTTPS across your site.

4. Clear Browser Cache and SSL State

Sometimes, the problem isn’t your site—it’s your browser.

In Chrome, go to: chrome://net-internals/#sockets
Click Flush socket pools
Restart Chrome and try again.

5. Fix Cloudflare SSL Settings

If you use Cloudflare, double-check SSL/TLS encryption:

Set it to Full or Full (Strict).
Avoid Flexible, as it often conflicts with your hosting SSL.
Confirm that Cloudflare has issued a valid certificate.

6. Check for Plugin or Server Conflicts

On WordPress, security or redirection plugins may cause SSL loops. Temporarily deactivate plugins and test again. If nothing works, contact your hosting provider’s support team for SSL troubleshooting.

Pro Tips to Prevent SSL Errors

Always enable auto-renewal if your hosting provider supports it.
Use a single SSL manager—don’t mix hosting SSL with Cloudflare’s “Flexible SSL.”
Keep your WordPress and plugins updated to avoid compatibility issues.
Regularly test your site on SSL Labs Server Test to ensure proper setup.

Final Thoughts

The ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR might look scary, but it’s usually the result of a simple misconfiguration or an expired certificate. For most site owners in the U.S., the fix comes down to:

Renew or enable SSL with your hosting provider.
Make sure your domain and DNS are correctly pointing.
Adjust HTTPS redirection rules.
Clear browser and Cloudflare SSL caches.

If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact your hosting provider’s support team—they deal with SSL errors every day and can usually resolve them quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR in Chrome?
A: Start by clearing your browser cache and SSL state, then check your site’s SSL certificate.

Q: My WordPress SSL is not working—what should I do?
A: Verify your SSL is installed, enable HTTPS redirection, and check for plugin conflicts.

Q: Do free SSL certificates expire?
A: Yes, Let’s Encrypt and other free SSLs typically expire every 90 days unless auto-renewal is active.

Q: Can Cloudflare cause SSL errors?
A: Yes. If Cloudflare is set to “Flexible SSL,” it often conflicts with hosting SSL. Use “Full (Strict)” for best results.

How to Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR