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How to Fix the "NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID" Browser Error

Applies toGoogle ChromeMicrosoft Edge
3 min fix Updated 20 Jul 2026

By , 10+ years in IT support and helpdesk How these guides are checked

Quick Answer

Do not bypass the warning. Disconnect from any public Wi-Fi networks (like a coffee shop or airport) and use a cellular hotspot, as public networks often intercept secure traffic.

Checked against Google Chrome Releases and Microsoft Learn - end of support and retirement between 5 Aug 2026 and 12 Sep 2026. Nothing published in that period has been linked to this guide.

Estimated Time to Fix: 3 minutes

Summary ​

This article explains why you see a full-screen "Your connection is not private" warning in your web browser, what the NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID error code means, and how to resolve it safely.

Symptoms ​

  • When you try to visit a website, your browser displays a giant warning screen saying "Your connection is not private" or "Your connection isn't secure."
  • A red padlock or a "Not Secure" warning appears in the address bar.
  • At the bottom of the error message, the specific code reads NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID.

Before You Start ​

  • None required.

Instructions ​

1. Check Your Computer's Date and Time ​

Certificates are checked against your clock, so a wrong date makes every site look untrusted.

  1. The most common cause for this error is that your computer's internal clock is wrong. Security certificates rely on precise dates to verify they have not expired.
  2. Look at the time and date in the bottom right corner of your Windows taskbar.
  3. If it is incorrect, right-click the time and select Adjust date and time.
  4. Turn on the toggle switch for Set time automatically.
  5. Refresh the web page.
  6. If the clock was already correct and the warning screen comes straight back, something between you and the site is swapping the certificate. Continue to Step 2.

2. Connect to the Public Wi-Fi Login Screen ​

Hotel and airport networks hold your connection until you sign in, and that shows up as a certificate error.

  1. If you are using public Wi-Fi (like at a hotel, airport, or cafe), the network will often intercept your connection until you log in, which triggers this exact security error.
  2. Open a new tab in your browser.
  3. Type neverssl.com and press Enter. This forces the Wi-Fi login screen to appear without triggering the security block.
  4. Accept the Wi-Fi terms of service, then return to your original tab and refresh the page.
  5. If neverssl.com loads a plain page with no sign-in prompt and the warning is unchanged, the network is not holding your connection. Continue to Step 3.

3. Bypass the Warning (Advanced) ​

Internal sites often use a certificate no public authority signed, which is worth knowing before you click through a warning.

  1. If you are trying to access a trusted internal company website (like a local router or a testing server), it may not have an official public certificate.
  2. On the error screen, click the Advanced button at the bottom.
  3. Click the link that says Proceed to [website name] (unsafe).
  4. Note: If the "Proceed" link is missing, click anywhere on the error page and type the word thisisunsafe on your keyboard. The page will instantly refresh and bypass the block.

If the warning appears on a public site such as your bank, or on every site you open, stop here and do not click through it — that pattern means the interception is happening to all of your traffic. Raise a ticket with the full error code from the page, the exact web address you were opening, and whether the same page loads normally on your phone over mobile data.

Troubleshooting ​

DANGER

Do not bypass this warning if you are visiting a banking website, shopping site, or a public service where you will be entering passwords or credit card information. The warning means your data can be intercepted by hackers.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
"Your clock is behind" errorDead motherboard batteryIf your clock resets every time you turn off your PC, the small battery inside your computer needs to be replaced.
Error occurs on every single websiteAntivirus softwareYour antivirus software may be using "HTTPS Scanning" which breaks certificates. Try temporarily pausing your antivirus web shield.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a certificate authority invalid error mean?
It means the website presented an ID card (certificate) that your browser doesn't trust. It usually indicates someone or something is trying to intercept your connection.
Can my company's firewall cause this error?
Yes. Corporate firewalls sometimes inspect encrypted traffic, which breaks the certificate chain. If this happens on a work computer on the work network, ask IT to confirm the inspection certificate is installed on your machine.