How To Fix ‘SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN’

The SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN error message prevents users from accessing SSL encrypted websites, including those of the site owner. This happens when there are kinks in the SSL Certificate’s settings at the site you’re trying to access.

This specific error message is displayed by the browser to indicate that the SSL certificate was not issued for the domain you are currently visiting. This error is typically reported in Firefox. What to Do If You Get the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN Use These Strategies

Security is paramount in today’s digital age, especially when browsing the web. One such security feature is the SSL certificate, which ensures that the data between the user’s browser and the web server remains encrypted and private.

However, like all technological features, it can run into issues. One such error is the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN. Let’s delve deep into understanding this error, its causes, and methods to resolve it.

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What is SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN?

SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN is an error that occurs when the SSL certificate doesn’t match the website’s address. In simple terms, the domain name in the browser’s address bar doesn’t align with the domain listed in the certificate.

Causes of SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN Error:

1. Multiple Domain Names: Sometimes, the SSL certificate is issued for a primary domain, but not for sub-domains or vice-versa.
2. Expired SSL Certificate: SSL certificates have a defined validity period. Post expiry, errors can occur.
3. Misconfigured Server: If the web server isn’t correctly set up to handle SSL requests for a specific domain, this error may arise.
4. Wildcard Certificate Issues: Wildcard certificates can cover multiple subdomains, but if improperly implemented, can lead to mismatches.

How to Fix SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN? Try These Methods

You should study this post attentively if you want to learn the answers. Here at MiniTool we’ve provided you with a number of time-saving options.

Method 1: Making Sure that the Website Address is Correct

First things first: double check the spelling of the URL you entered into the browser’s address field. This problem has been reported by multiple users who, in the past, have confused an HTTP site for an HTTPS one.

Keeping this in mind, in the address bar, please delete the ‘S’ from HTTPS. If the address of the website is https://example.com, change it to http://example.com. While this may get you to the site, it’s important to remember that HTTP sites are no longer safe for browsing.

If you own the website, you should convert to HTTPS and install an SSL certificate to secure the connection and protect visitors’ data. If you find that a given technique is not working for you, you can always try the next one down.

Method 2: Clear Browser Cache

Even if you’ve double-checked the configuration of the SSL certificate and the issue seems to be fixed, your browser may be showing a cached version of the homepage. It may help to delete the browser’s cookies and cache in this scenario.

If you’re using Firefox and have encountered the SSL ERROR BAD CERT DOMAIN problem, follow this brief tutorial to clear your cookies and cache:

Step 1: Launch Firefox and select Library from the menu that appears when you click the action icon in the upper right.

Step 2: Select Recent History and then click Clear.

Step 3: Choose Everything as the time range to clear and then choose the boxes labelled Cookies, Cache, and Offline Website Data. When you click OK, your selections will be removed.

Step 4: See if the error has been resolved by restarting Firefox when the process has finished.

Method 3: Configure Date and Time

The date and time on the computer are verified by Mozilla Firefox. The “Firefox error code ssl error bad cert domain” may appear if the system’s current time and date are very different from the server’s server time and date.

Verify that the time and date on your device are in sync with those of the internet.

Method 4: Verify Whether the SSL Certificate is Valid

The Firefox browser makes it easy to view the certificate’s details, including the issuing organisation and expiration date, for any website, regardless of whether you created it. This will tell you if the SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN is occuring because the SSL certificate for the domain in question has expired.

Please click the “I understand the Risks” link at the bottom of the page to check the certificate information. Select Get Certificate after clicking the Add Exception button. The issues that have been found with the SSL certificate will then be summarised for you.

Fixing Certificate Error in Chrome:

1. Clear Browsing Data: Go to Chrome settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data. Sometimes, cached data can cause errors.
2. Update Chrome: Ensure you’re running the latest version of Chrome. Updates often contain bug fixes.
3. Check Date and Time: Ensure your system’s date and time settings are accurate, as SSL checks are date-sensitive.

Resolving SSL Certificate Name Mismatch Error:

1. Verify Domain: Ensure you’re visiting the intended domain. Sometimes, slight misspellings can lead you to other domains.
2. Use ‘www’: If the certificate is for www.domain.com and you’re visiting domain.com (or vice versa), you’ll get this error. Adjust the URL accordingly.
3. Update Server Configuration: If you manage the site, ensure the server is correctly configured for all domains and subdomains.
4. Acquire a New Certificate: If the SSL certificate doesn’t cover all necessary domains, consider acquiring a new or additional certificate.

How to Update SSL Certificate:

1. Purchase Renewal or New Certificate: Contact your SSL provider to renew or buy a new certificate.
2. Generate CSR (Certificate Signing Request): Using your web hosting control panel or server software, generate a CSR.
3. Submit CSR to SSL Provider: Once you’ve purchased your certificate, you’ll be prompted to provide the CSR.
4. Install the New Certificate: After validation, the SSL provider will send you the certificate, which you can install on your server.

Refreshing SSL Certificate in Chrome:

Chrome automatically fetches the SSL certificate. However, you can force a refresh:

1. Clear browsing data (as mentioned above).
2. Restart Chrome.

Disabling SSL Certificate Error (Not Recommended):

While it’s possible to bypass or disable SSL certificate errors, it’s not recommended for security reasons. However, if needed for testing:

1. Right-click on Chrome’s shortcut and select Properties.
2. In the Target field, add --ignore-certificate-errors at the end.
3. Open Chrome using this shortcut.

Warning: This compromises your browsing security.

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Conclusion

Is SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN popping up on your secure website? Don’t waste any more time and fix it! The bad cert error is displayed by the majority of browsers because of invalid SSL certificates, certificate expiration, or browser cache.

The secure website may become inaccessible due to a technical glitch. The Server Management Services provided by Bobcares include troubleshooting and correction of SSL problems encountered by clients.