Encountering the ‘Site Not Secure’ warning in Chrome can be alarming, especially when accessing websites you trust. Google’s help on checking if a site’s connection is secure explains it: “Not secure” means the site doesn’t use a private connection, so someone may be able to see or change what you send and get. Only the site owner can fix that, by securing the site with HTTPS. On your side, avoid typing passwords or card details on that page.
Quick Fixes to Try First
- Reload the page to see if the issue persists.
- Check the web address. If it starts with
http://, try the same address withhttps://. - Ensure your system date and time are correct.
- If you are on public Wi-Fi, such as in a cafe or airport, you may need to sign in to the network first.
Understanding the HTTPS Warning in Chrome
The ‘Site Not Secure’ warning in Chrome is primarily due to issues with HTTPS or SSL certificates. HTTPS encrypts data between the user and the website, ensuring confidentiality and security.
Checking HTTPS Status
- Look at the icon to the left of the web address in Chrome.
- On a computer, Chrome shows a settings-style “tune” icon for secure sites (it replaced the padlock in 2023, as the Chromium blog announced), and “Not secure” for sites without a private connection.
- Click the icon and select Connection is secure to see more about the connection.
Mixed Content Issues
Mixed content occurs when a secure site (HTTPS) loads insecure resources (HTTP). This can trigger Chrome’s warning.
- Open DevTools by pressing Ctrl + Shift + I on Windows or Cmd + Option + I on Mac.
- Go to the Console tab to check for any mixed content warnings.
Fixing Certificate Problems in Chrome
Certificate issues can cause Chrome to display ‘Site Not Secure’ warnings. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
Verify Certificate Validity
- Click the icon to the left of the web address.
- Select Connection is secure, then Certificate is valid, to open the certificate viewer.
- Check the Validity dates and the Issuer.
Update Chrome and Your Operating System
- Ensure Chrome is updated by visiting
chrome://settings/help. Our guide to updating Chrome covers every device. - Check for system updates on Windows, macOS, or Linux.
chrome://net-internals/#hsts. Don’t delete entries there to get past a warning.Safe Browsing Warnings Are Different
A red full-page “Dangerous site” warning comes from Chrome’s Safe Browsing, not from a missing HTTPS connection. Google does not recommend turning off Safe Browsing, and doing so would not remove the “Not secure” label anyway. If you understand the risk and still need one page, the warning screen has Details > Visit this unsafe site.
Comparison of Common Fixes
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Mixed Content | Check DevTools for HTTP resources |
| Certificate Expired | Renew the certificate |
| Site uses HTTP | The site owner must switch to HTTPS |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Chrome say ‘Site Not Secure’?
Chrome shows “Not secure” when the site doesn’t use a private (HTTPS) connection, or when something is wrong with the privacy of the site’s connection, such as a certificate problem.
How can I verify a site’s certificate in Chrome?
Click the icon to the left of the web address, select Connection is secure, then Certificate is valid.
Can I disable the ‘Site Not Secure’ warning?
No. Chrome marks every page without HTTPS as not secure. Only the site owner can remove the label, by moving the site to HTTPS.
What does mixed content mean?
Mixed content refers to a secure page (HTTPS) loading insecure resources (HTTP), which can cause warnings.
How often should I update Chrome?
Chrome usually updates itself in the background. Relaunch it when it asks, so the update can finish.