How to Fix Error Code SSL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ALERT

Error Code SSL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ALERT: A lot of people have said that when they go to any website, they get the Error Code SSL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ALERT, which means that the page or website won’t open.

That is a common website error that happens when the server and client can’t talk to each other properly while using SSL protocol. That usually happens when you are checking the authenticity of the page you are viewing.

You can see the error on all major platforms, such as Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and so on. It’s not just one browser. However, we have listed the possible ways to quickly fix SSL handshake errors here in this post.

What Causes SSL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ALERT?

• Corrupt or outdated Browser: This error can occur if your browser or its data is corrupt or outdated.
• Java Security or Browser Settings: If your browser or Java security feels the website is unsafe, it won’t open and displays the error.
• Firewall or security system interference: The firewall or security systems on your computer mistakenly block the site as a danger and display an Error Code SSL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ALERT.
• Certificate installation issues: Some websites need their certificates in a certain area to reply to browsers, so the SSL issue is likely to occur if the certificate is not available.
• With many browser add-ons, you may have bugs. Extensions may prevent the webpage from opening and display the error.

These are the common causes of the SSL handshake failure issue. Follow the remedies to fix your browser.

How to Fix Error Code SSL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ALERT? Solution 7

Solution 1: Update the Browser

If your machine is outdated, some sites may not work, causing this message. Make sure your browser is updated to fix the issue.

Chrome Fix:

• Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
• Click on the Settings button now.
• On the left side, click on the “About Chrome” link.
• Chrome will now look for changes and install them on its own.

Firefox Fix:

• Open Firefox and click on the three lines in the upper right corner.
• After that, click on the “Help” link on the left.
• To get updates, go to About Firefox and then click on Check for changes.
• Also, Firefox will look for updates and load them if they are available.

Microsoft Edge Fix:

• Start the browser and click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
• Next, click on Settings, and then click on Help and Feedback.
• Then click on “About Microsoft Edge.” If there are any updates, Edge will check for them instantly and install them if they are found.

Solution 2: Clear Browser Cache and Data

You may also get this Error Code SSL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ALERT if your browser’s data, cookies, or cache files are damaged. So, it is suggested that you delete your browser’s data files. Here are the steps you need to take to delete the files:

Clear Cache Mozilla and Chrome:

• Start your web browser and click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
• Press the “More Tools” button, and then press the “Clear browsing data” button.
• After that, check all the boxes and click on Clear Data.
• Now, turn your PC back on and open the browser to see if the problem is fixed.

Edge Browser:

• Click the three dots in the upper right corner of Edge.
• After that, go to Settings and click on Cookies and Site Access.
• Now click on the link that says, “See all cookies and site data.”
  After you click “Remove All,” the computer will start up again.

Go to the page again to see if the error is fixed after you delete your browsing history.

Solution 3: Delete Certificates from Your Browser

Also, as we already said, the Error Code SSL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ALERT is most likely caused by certificates that are not valid in your web browser. Getting rid of the website certificates is a good idea. Here are the steps you need to take to get rid of the website certificates:

Chrome Method:

• Open the browser and click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
• To change your settings, go to Settings and then click on Privacy and Security.
• After that, click on Security.
• Now click on the link that says “Manage Certificates.”
• Choose all the certificates that are giving you trouble, then click the Remove button.
• After that, restart Chrome and see if the problem is still there.

Firefox Method:

• Open Firefox and click on the three dots.
• Click on the Settings button now.
• First, click on Privacy and Security. Next, click on View Certificates on the left side of the screen.
• Now, pick out the bad certificates and click the “Delete” button.
• Also, open the browser again and see if the problem is still there.

Solution 4: Delete Extensions Tools

The error might happen if you have a lot of extensions in your browser or if any of the extensions need to be fixed. That could stop the website from running and lead to the error. That’s why you should delete the files one by one to see if the problem goes away. If you want to get rid of the extensions, do the following:

• Start up the browser
• Select Extension after clicking on More Tools.
• Now, click on the three dots next to the add-on that you want to get rid of.
• Select “Remove Extensions” from the menu.
• Now, refresh your browser and go to the website again to see if the mistake still needs to be corrected.
• If it is, move on to the next step.

Solution 5: Trust the Website in the Browser

It is suggested that you add the website to your browser’s list of safe sites if none of the other solutions worked. If you want to add the site to the list of approved sites, do the following:

• Start up the browser and click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
• And then click on Tools.
• Then click on Safety & Privacy.
• To make it bigger, click on the Site Settings link.
• Scroll down and click on the link that says “insecure content.”
• Now click on the Add button beside the Allowed to show the insecure content choice and add the site URL.
• Start the browser back up and see if the problem is fixed.

Solution 6: Disable the Windows Firewalls or third-party antivirus

There are times when the Windows firewalls or the antivirus software you have on your computer mistakenly see some websites as threats and stop them from working. So it’s best to quickly turn off firewalls and antivirus software and then check the website to see if the problem is fixed.

• If you want to get to Settings, press Windows + X.
• Click Privacy and Security, then Windows Security.
• Then click on Threat Protection & Firewall.
• After that, click on Private Network and turn off the firewall.
• To turn off the firewall, go back and click on “Public Network.”
• Now restart your computer and open your browser. Check to see if the Error Code SSL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ALERT has been fixed.

Windows Firewalls:

• Start up the protection software and go to Settings.
• Now click on “Disable,” and then turn off the antivirus program for the amount of time that it says to.
• Open the browser again and see if the Error Code SSL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ALERT is gone.