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3 min fix 3 min read Recently reviewedBeginner

By , IT support technician

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.

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

Estimated Time to Fix: 3 minutes

Applies to: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Web Browsers
Article Type: Troubleshooting
Last Updated: 2026-07-20

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.

Prerequisites ​

  • None required.

Instructions ​

1. Check Your Computer's Date and Time ​

  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.

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

  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.

3. Bypass the Warning (Advanced) ​

  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.

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.