How to Fix ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH in Chrome

Understanding ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH in Chrome

When browsing the web with Google Chrome, you might encounter an error message stating ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH. This error typically indicates a problem with the SSL/TLS protocols or ciphers used by the website you are trying to access. Chrome is unable to establish a secure connection, which can be due to outdated protocols, improper configurations, or unsupported cipher suites.

Quick Fixes to Try First

• Refresh the webpage by pressing F5 or Ctrl + R (Command + R on Mac).
• Restart your router or modem.
• Ensure your system date and time are correct.
• Clear your browser cache: Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.

Enable TLS 1.2 and 1.3 in Chrome

Ensuring that Chrome is configured to use the latest TLS versions can often resolve SSL mismatches.

1. Open Chrome and type chrome://settings in the address bar, then press Enter.
2. Scroll down and click on Advanced to expand more settings.
3. Navigate to Privacy and Security and select Security.
4. Ensure Use TLS 1.2 and Use TLS 1.3 are enabled.

Clear SSL State on Windows

Sometimes, clearing the SSL state can help resolve SSL errors on Windows.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type inetcpl.cpl and press Enter to open Internet Properties.
3. Go to the Content tab and click on Clear SSL State.
4. Click OK and restart Chrome.

Check for Outdated Chrome Versions

Using an outdated version of Chrome can lead to compatibility issues with modern SSL/TLS configurations.

1. Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
2. Select Help and then About Google Chrome.
3. Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them if available.
4. Restart Chrome after the update completes.

Website Operator Fixes

If you are the website operator, ensure that your server supports modern TLS versions and cipher suites.

• Ensure your server is configured to support TLS 1.2 and 1.3.
• Check your SSL configuration using online tools like SSL Labs Server Test.
• Update your server software to the latest version to support modern ciphers.

Platform-Specific Solutions

macOS

On macOS, you can use the following steps to troubleshoot SSL issues:

1. Open System Preferences and select Date & Time to ensure your system clock is correct.
2. Clear your browser history by going to Chrome > Clear Browsing Data or pressing Command + Shift + Delete.

Linux

For Linux users, verify that your system libraries and Chrome are up to date:

1. Update your system by running sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade.
2. Ensure that your OpenSSL package is current, as it impacts SSL performance.

Android

To resolve SSL errors on Android devices:

1. Open Settings and navigate to System > Date & Time. Make sure your date and time settings are correct.
2. Clear Chrome’s cache by going to Settings > Apps > Chrome > Storage > Clear Cache.

iOS

For iOS users, addressing SSL issues involves:

1. Go to Settings and select General > Date & Time to ensure your device’s date and time are accurate.
2. Clear browsing data by opening Chrome, tapping the three-dot menu, and selecting History > Clear Browsing Data.

Conclusion

Encountering the ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error in Chrome can be frustrating, but by following these steps, you can often resolve the issue quickly. Ensure that Chrome is updated, TLS settings are correct, and any cached data is cleared. For website operators, keeping your server configurations up to date is crucial. By taking these actions, you can improve your browsing experience and maintain a secure connection.