How to Fix Website is Not Secure Error in Chrome

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

How to Fix "Website is Not Secure" Error in Chrome

When browsing the internet, encountering the "Website is Not Secure" error in Google Chrome can be alarming. This error indicates that your connection to the website is not secure, potentially putting your data at risk. Fortunately, there are several ways to troubleshoot and fix this error. This comprehensive guide will explain why this error occurs and how you can resolve it.

Understanding the "Website is Not Secure" Error

The "Website is Not Secure" error typically appears when Chrome detects that the website you're trying to visit is not using HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). HTTPS ensures that the data exchanged between your browser and the website is encrypted, protecting it from interception and tampering.

Common reasons for this error include:

• The website lacks an SSL/TLS certificate.
• The SSL/TLS certificate is expired or invalid.
• Mixed content (HTTP content loaded on an HTTPS page).
• Browser or system clock is incorrect.

How to Fix the "Website is Not Secure" Error

Here are several methods to resolve the "Website is Not Secure" error in Google Chrome:

1. Check the Website URL

Ensure that the website URL begins with "https://". If it starts with "http://", the connection is not secure. Whenever possible, manually change "http://" to "https://". If the website doesn't support HTTPS, proceed with caution.

2. Reload the Page

Sometimes, the error might be temporary. Try reloading the page by clicking the refresh button or pressing Ctrl + R (Windows) or Cmd + R (Mac).

3. Check Your System Date and Time

An incorrect date and time on your device can cause SSL/TLS certificate validation issues. Ensure your system clock is set correctly:

• On Windows: Right-click the clock on the taskbar, select "Adjust date/time," and ensure the settings are correct.
• On Mac: Go to System Preferences > Date & Time and make sure "Set date and time automatically" is checked.

4. Clear Browsing Data

Clearing your browser's cache and cookies can resolve issues related to stored data:

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner of Chrome.
2. Select More tools > Clear browsing data.
3. Choose "All time" for the time range and check "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files".
4. Click "Clear data".

5. Disable Chrome Extensions

Some extensions can interfere with secure connections. Disable all extensions to see if the error persists:

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner of Chrome.
2. Select More tools > Extensions.
3. Toggle off all extensions.
4. Reload the website.

If the website loads correctly, re-enable extensions one by one to identify the problematic one.

6. Update Google Chrome

Running an outdated version of Chrome can cause compatibility issues with secure websites. Ensure you are using the latest version:

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner of Chrome.
2. Go to Help > About Google Chrome.
3. Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them if available. Restart the browser to apply updates.

7. Proceed with Caution

If you trust the website and need to access it, you can proceed with caution by clicking "Advanced" on the error page and then "Proceed to [site] (unsafe)". However, be aware that this bypasses security warnings and may expose you to risks.

8. Contact the Website Administrator

If the issue persists, it might be on the website's end. Contact the website administrator to inform them of the error. They may need to renew their SSL/TLS certificate or fix other security issues.

The "Website is Not Secure" error in Google Chrome is an important warning to protect your data from potential risks. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve this error, ensuring a secure browsing experience. Always prioritize your online security and exercise caution when encountering such warnings.

Contact Support.Com

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below, or Contact Support.Com for Personalized Assistance.

1. Introduction

While you're surfing the web, your browser does many things behind the scenes to make sure the websites you're accessing aren't putting you at risk. Granted, while there is only so much your browser can do to keep you safe, it's a good idea to pay attention to any warnings it sends your way.

One of the errors you may encounter while using Google Chrome on a Windows PC or a Mac is a "Your connection to this site is not secure" warning. Initially, this may seem concerning as its wording implies that your security is at risk. However, this error can appear even on websites we know to be 100% secure and are confident in. This is due to an issue with security certificates, and many times is not the fault of your computer or your web browser at all. These certificates are what websites use to prove they are who they say they are on the internet, and if your browser detects an issue with a certificate, it will issue a warning.

This guide will help you determine whether this warning is being triggered by incorrect settings on your computer or web browser, or if the issue is with the website itself.

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Windows

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2. Make Sure Date and Time are Correct

Security certificates are used by our web browsers and computers to make sure a particular site is safe. Think of it as a form of ID. A website having a valid security certificate lets your browser know that the website claiming to be your bank is actually your bank, and so on. Just like our own government issued IDs have expiration dates, so do security certificates. If your computer has the wrong date and time set, this can cause certificates to appear invalid & your web browser will begin to issue security warnings.

If you notice that the Date and Time is continually incorrect even after manual adjustment, your machine may need to be serviced to replace its CMOS battery.

Verify the Date and Time on a Mac

1. Select the time display in the top-right corner of your screen.
2. Make sure both the date and time are correct.
   

1. If the time is incorrect, select the time display in the top-right corner of your screen, then select Open Date & Time Preferences.
   

1. Select the lock in the bottom-left corner to make changes.
   

1. Enter your username and password, then select Unlock.
   

1. In most cases, letting your Mac take care of setting the time is the best choice. Make sure there is a check for Set date and time automatically, and make sure a time server close to you is chosen.
   

1. If you want, you can set the time manually. Remove the check for Set date and time automatically, then enter the correct date and time. Press Save when done.
   

1. Select Time Zone, then select your closest region on the map, and refine it by choosing the city you are in, or the city closest to you, from the list below.
   

Verify the Date and Time on a Windows PC

1. Look at the date and time shown in the system tray. This is usually in the bottom right corner of the screen.
   

1. If the date or time are wrong, it should be adjusted.
   
2. For computers running Windows 10
3. Right-click on the date and time.
   

1. Select Adjust date/time.
   

1. For most, letting Windows manage the date and time, as well as automatically setting it is the best choice.
2. Make sure Set time automatically and Adjust for daylight saving time automatically are both turned On.
   

1. Make sure your time zone is selected for Time zone.
   

1. If you want, you can manually set the Date and time.
2. Make sure Set time automatically is set to Off, then select Change for Change date and time.
   

1. Set the Date and Time correctly, then select Change.
   

1. For all other versions of Windows
2. Right-click on the date and time.
   

1. Select Adjust date/time.
   

1. Make sure the proper Time zone is selected.
   

1. Select Change date and time.
   

1. Correct the Date and Time, then select OK.
   

1. You may wish to have Windows set the date and time for you in the future.
   
2. Select the Internet Time tab at the top, then select Change settings.
   

1. Make sure Synchronize with an Internet time server is checked, then select OK.
   

3. Clear History and Cached Browsing Data

After verifying that the date and time on your device is correct, test things again. If you're still having issues with security warnings on a particular website, your browser could be holding onto some outdated or bad data in the form of an old cookie, cached version of the website, etc. Clearing this data allows your browser to load the website freshly as if it had never been there before.

4. Try the Webpage Again

With your browser's website data removed, try to visit the website again. If you still receive security warnings, the issue is with the website itself, and not your device or its web browser. In this case, there is nothing you can do to resolve the error. Once the website owner/manager resolves the issue, you will stop receiving security warnings when you visit the website.