What Is ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR? How To Fix "This Site Can't Provide a Secure Connection" Error

Fixing the "This site can't provide a secure connection" error involves having a valid Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate and ensuring traffic is directed to the HTTPS URL. The error message occurs when the browser can't establish a secure connection with the site.

Having a website marked “unsafe” can negatively impact your website. Web browsers will stop visitors from viewing your site, which affects traffic volume and ecommerce sales. It's a frustrating experience for both website visitors and site owners.

Keep reading to learn more about why this error happens and the steps to fix it.

What does “This site can’t provide a secure connection” mean?

When a website displays the message "This site can't provide a secure connection" (also known as the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR), it means the browser can't connect due to an error with the HTTPS protocol.

The error notification is mostly related to the SSL certificate or Transport Layer Security (TLS) connection. The TLS connection is the more modern, more secure successor to SSL. Both create a secure connection between the browser and server.

SSL/TLS adds the "S" to HTTPS. It’s a part of the data protocol that ensures a connection is safe to use.

If a site lacks SSL/TLS, servers may mark it as unsafe or malicious. The browser then loads the error message instead of the site. Depending on the browser, the message might be worded in a few different ways:

• Chrome: “This site can't provide a secure connection.”
• Firefox: “Warning: Potential security risk ahead.”
• Safari: “Safari can't open the page.”
• Edge: “Can't connect securely to this page.”

Site owners will need to correct this issue. Ignoring it could lead to significant downturns in traffic and sales, not to mention unhappy visitors who may not return.

How to fix the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

The first step to fix the "This site can't provide a secure connection" error message is to determine whether it's a visitor or server issue.

Cookies store website data, which might prevent site updates from showing up. Visitors can try clearing their browser's cache and cookies to see if that resolves the error. Visitors should also check that their antivirus software or parental controls aren't blocking legitimate sites.

However, this type of error message is often a server issue. Site owners can take a few steps to troubleshoot and fix the issue:

1. Keep SSL certificates up to date

Check that the SSL certificate is active. Currently, a certificate expires after 398 days (13 months). However, the industry is phasing this down. In March 2026, it will decrease to 200 days; in March 2027, to 100 days, and by March 2029, it will expire in only 47 days. Many web hosting providers will automatically update SSL certificates, but sometimes it's a manual process.

2. Check HTTPS redirects

When adding an SSL certificate to your site, you’ll need to redirect visitors from HTTP to HTTPS. Without the 301 redirect, visitors will still go to your old, unprotected website.

3. Confirm DNS and configuration

Moving your site to a new hosting provider means reconfiguring Domain Name System (DNS) records and installing a new SSL certificate. The process can take a few days to complete, which might result in an HTTP error.

4. Try an online SSL verification tool

A third-party SSL verification tool can confirm whether the site's certificate is valid and whether there are any problems. Some options include SSL Shopper, SSL Store, or Qualys SSL Labs.

How to avoid a failed secure connection error

Site owners should take proactive steps to ensure their websites don't have HTTPS errors. The action steps are routine, and sometimes your web hosting provider does it for you.

Here are a few tasks to keep your website running:

• Check the SSL certificate. Keep SSL/TLS certificates active. Web hosting providers often include SSL certificate management as part of their service. It's an ideal setup for small businesses that may not have an in-house tech team.
• Review HTTP vs. HTTPS. All content should use HTTPS, not HTTP. If there is a mix of both, a site might break or cause a failed connection error. Check your theme and files, and change the URL to HTTPS.
• Pick a reliable hosting provider. Choose a reputable web hosting provider with easy-to-use tools, including SSL certificate registration and management. Two options include Bluehost and Hostinger.

Bottom line

Receiving the "This site can't provide a secure connection" notification is a problem. Not only does it frustrate website visitors, but it also affects your site's traffic volume and sales. The culprit is often an issue with the SSL/TLS certificate, so ensure it renews when it expires.

Choosing a dependable web hosting provider can help you manage your SSL/TLS certificate. It can automatically renew certificates with no extra effort on your end. Some of the best web hosting providers include Bluehost and Hostinger.

Learn more about these providers in our Bluehost vs. Hostinger web hosting comparison.

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