How to Fix SSL Handshake Failed? 3 Methods Are Available

What is SSL handshake failed? It is an error message that means the browser’s connection to the webserver is not secure, then why does this error appear? Here are some possible causes listed below:

1. The server does not support the requested SSL/TLS protocol.
2. The server does not support the requested cipher suite.
3. The hostname in the URL does not match the hostname on the certificate.
4. The certificate chain is invalid or incomplete.
5. The certificate has expired or is no longer valid.
6. The client or server cannot communicate with the SNI server.

Then how to fix SSL handshake failed? Here are some methods for you.

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Method 1: Update Your System Date and Time

You could meet the “SSL handshake failed” error when your system is using the wrong date and time. This is because it may interrupt the SSL handshake. Hence, you can check if your system date and time are set correctly. Here is the tutorial:

Step 1: Check if the time and date are correct at the bottom left corner of the screen.

Step 2: If the date and time are not correct, type date in the Search box and then click Date & time settings.

Step 3: Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically. Then click Sync now to sync the date and time with the Microsoft servers.

Step 3: Restart your computer and check if the problem is solved.

Related post: Fix Windows 10 Clock Disappeared from Taskbar – 6 Ways

Method 2: Check If Your SSL Certificate Is Valid

SSL certificate is valid for six months to two years, and the expiration date is placed on the SSL certificate. If the SSL certificate is revoked or expired, the browser will detect the certificate and fail to complete the SSL handshake. If it has been more than a year since you installed the SSL certificate on your website, it may be time to republish it.

Method 3: Configure Your Browser for the Latest SSL/TLS Protocol Support

The “SSL handshake failed” error may be triggered by browser misconfiguration. The quickest way to determine if there is a problem with a particular browser is to try switching to another browser. This can at least help narrow the scope of the problem. You can also try to disable all plug-ins and reset your browser to default settings.

Another potential problem related to the browser is a protocol mismatch. For example, if the server only supports TLS 1.2 and the browser is only configured for TLS 1.0 or TLS 1.1, there is no mutual support protocol. This will inevitably cause the SSL handshake to fail.

Therefore, you can configure your browser for the latest SSL/TLS protocol support. Here is how to do that:

Step 1: Type Internet Options in the Search bar and then click the best match one to open Internet Properties.

Step 2: Go to the Advanced tab, then check the box next to Use TLS 1.2. and it is recommended not to check the boxes next to Use SSL2.0 and SSL 3.0. Click Apply and OK to save changes.

Step 3: Check if the error is fixed.

Related post: SSH VS SSL: Differences and Similarities Between Them

Final Words

In conclusion, this post has listed three methods for you to deal with the “SSL handshake failed” error. If you have any better advice or have any confusion about the methods, leave a comment below and we’ll reply to you as soon.