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The SSL connection error is quite a common error that occurs when you try to open a website in your browser. When this happens, you will see an extra parameter in the URL, known as ?gws_rd=ssl, along with the SSL certificate or error connection on the page.
The ?gws_rd=ssl SSL connection error is usually caused by an invalid SSL certificate. So how do we fix the ?gws_rd=ssl SSL connection error in Google or other browsers?
In this guide, we will reveal a number of ways to fix the SSL connection error. So read on to find out how you can successfully access a webpage without any SSL errors.
Another common issues that users encounter along with this one are ERR_CONNECTION_RESET, Chrome automatically deleting your downloaded files and the Chrome one â âNetwork Change Was Detectedâ.
DO IT NOW: Fixing the ?gws_rd=ssl SSL Connection Error
Hereâs a quick rundown of all the ways to fix the ?gws_rd=ssl SSL Connection Error:
- Make sure your PCâs date and time are accurate.
- Clear your browserâs cache and cookies.
- Disable any security plugins on your browser.
- Try connecting to a different internet network.
- Reset your browser.
Continue reading below for detailed instructions on how to apply these and other fixes.
3 Easy Ways to Fix the â?gws_rd=ssl SSLâ Connection Error:
The ?gws_rd=ssl SSL connection error prevents you from accessing a website. However, there are many easy fixes that can resolve this error.
Method 1: Sync Your PCâs Time and Date
One of the reasons you are getting the SSL connection error on your browser may be because your PCâs time and date settings are inaccurate or not synced. Make sure you are using the accurate time zone according to your actual location.
Hereâs how to sync the time and date settings of your PC:
- On your keyboard, press âWin + Iâ to open âSettingsâ.
- Now go to âTime & Languageâ > âDate & timeâ.
- Expand the âTime zoneâ settings and select the right time zone.
- Enable the âSet time automaticallyâ option.
- Now restart your browser.
Method 2: Clear Your Browserâs Cache and Cookies
You can also try clearing your browserâs cache and cookies to fix the SSL connection error. To do so:
- In your browser, click on the three-dotted/lined icon.
- Now go to âSettingsâ > âPrivacy and securityâ.
- Select the âClear browsing dataâ option or press âCtrl + Shift + Deleteâ.
- Navigate to the âAdvancedâ tab.
- Now go to the âTime rangeâ option and select âAll timeâ.
- Select everything and hit the âClear dataâ button.
If you are using Microsoft Edge:
- Go to the Edge âSettingsâ panel.
- Navigate to the âPrivacy, search, and servicesâ section.
- Now locate the âClear browsing dataâ panel.
- Select the âChoose what to clearâ button.
- Now go to the âTime rangeâ option and select âAll timeâ.
- Select everything and hit the âClear nowâ button.
Method 3: Use a Different Internet Network
Many websites have security restrictions for public WiFi connections, which may trigger the SSL connection error. This can also sometimes happen with your home WiFi connection.
Try connecting to a different internet connection temporarily to see if you can access the website. For instance, switch to an ethernet connection if you are using WiFi to see if your internet connection is the culprit.
2 Advanced Methods:
If you are still encountering the SSL connection error after applying the above-mentioned fixes, try the following methods:
Method 1: Disable Any Browser Security Plugins Installed
Browser security extensions are designed to protect you from spam links, cyber threats, and malware. But sometimes, these extensions can conflict with a webpage if SSL certification verification fails.
Try disabling all the security plugins installed on your browser one by one to find the culprit. If you are able to successfully access the webpage upon disabling a plugin, keep it disabled until youâre done using that webpage.
Method 2: Reset Your Browser
If everything else fails, try resetting your web browser.
For Google Chrome:
- Select the âthree-dottedâ icon.
- Go to the âReset Settingsâ tab.
- Select âRestore settings to their original defaultsâ option.
- Hit the âReset Settingsâ button.
For Microsoft Edge:
- Go to the Edge âSettingsâ panel.
- Navigate to the âReset Settingsâ section.
- Select the âRestore settings to their default valuesâ option.
- Hit the âResetâ button.
Now restart your browser and try accessing the webpage again. You can also try switching to a different browser or updating your current browser to resolve the error.
Note: many users encounter another issue â an ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error, see how to solve it here.
To potentially resolve both of them, I recommend getting a reliable VPN, after all it has a free trial.
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