Sometimes bugs can appear in the browser that prevent you from entering a website correctly or it starts to go slow. In this article we are going to deal with the SSL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ALERT error . We are going to explain why it appears, what it means, and most importantly, what we can do to fix it in Chrome. This issue is caused by an error when trying to establish a connection to a website.
What is the error SSL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ALERT
It is a problem that you can find in both Firefox and Chrome . This appears because the client (our computer) does not connect correctly with the server (the page we are trying to access) through SSL, which is the secure connection protocol so that the data travels encrypted and is not exposed.
If this problem appears we will not be able to enter a page normally. It can happen at any time, both in a specific site and in several. An alert message appears with the code SSL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ALERT indicating that we are indeed facing this type of problem.
Why does this appear? There is no single reason, but it is usually due to a problem with the browser . For example due to the cache, having the program outdated or due to browser certificates. In this case we would have to focus on Firefox and Chrome and correct the problem.
But it can also be due to some error with our equipment . For example, if the Internet connection does not work well, if Windows is out of date or an update has been left unfinished and now generates conflicts, etc. Here we would have to carry out some more checks at the system level.
How to fix the problem
Luckily we have different options to be able to correct the SSL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ALERT browser error and to be able to enter the web page where we have problems normally. It is something that we can apply regardless of whether we are using Chrome, Firefox or any other application where this code has appeared. Let’s start from the fact that you have already tried the first measure that we should always do: restart the computer and the browser.
Check that the browser is up to date
Something very important is to check if the browser is updated correctly . Many of the problems of this type come from having an outdated version. It can create a conflict with the operating system or not be able to access correctly the pages that we try to visit. You must check it in both Chrome and Firefox and the process is similar.
In the case of Chrome, you have to enter the menu at the top right, click on Help and then go to Google Chrome Information . You will automatically see what version you have installed and, if there is a more recent one, you can add it in a simple way.
If you have Mozilla Firefox installed, the procedure is basically the same. You have to go to the menu on the top right, click on Help and About . A small window will automatically appear there where it will indicate whether or not it is updated and, if there is a more recent version, it will add it.
Clear cache and data
One of the main reasons for the SLL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ALERT error is because of the browser cache . It is also due to the data that is stored every time we visit a web page or log in to an online service.
Therefore, the thing to do in this case is to clear both the cache and the data. In the case of Chrome, you have to enter the menu at the top right, go to Settings, click on Security and privacy and Clear browsing data. Make sure to check the different boxes and hit Clear data .
Delete certificates
Another particular cause of this error is that there is something wrong with the certificates . We can eliminate them and see if this solves the error. If you have installed a certificate, one may be corrupt and that is why this annoying error appears when entering a website.
In Chrome you have to go to the menu again, enter Settings, Security and privacy and, there, click on Security. A new window will open and we are interested in where it says Manage certificates.
Clicking there will open a new window where all the certificates you have will appear. If you see that any may be problematic, you can hit Remove.
In Firefox you have to go to Settings, enter Privacy and security and go down to the Certificates section. Click on View certificates and a small new window will also be displayed with all of them and where you can delete the one that you think may be causing problems when browsing.
Check that the Internet works well
We have focused on some steps to be carried out in the browser, since it is normally a problem with this program, but aspects of the connection and the device itself must also be observed. Therefore, something we must do is check that the Internet connection really works well and that there is no problem that causes cuts or loss of speed.
You can do a speed test or open any other tool that connects to the network and see if it works fine. This way you will see if you have been able to lose the Wi-Fi signal or for some reason the network cable is not working correctly. At least you can rule out that the Internet is working fine and that is not the cause of the problem with SSL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAIULURE_ALERT.
See if there are any pending Windows updates
It is essential to always have the operating system updated with the latest versions . Only then can you enjoy the latest improvements, but also correct any problems that may appear. This can also apply when browsing the Internet or connecting to an application or web page.
You should see if you have everything updated and update it if necessary. You can go to Start, go into Settings and go to Windows Update . It will automatically take you to the page to check which version you have installed and if necessary, it will start downloading the necessary files and you will be able to install them immediately.
Return browser to defaults
If all this has not had any positive effect and you are still having problems in Chrome or Firefox to enter web pages, it is best that you try to restore the default values of the program. If, for example, you have touched something in the configuration or you have installed a plugin and it has caused a failure, you can solve it in this way.
In the case of Chrome you have to go to the top right menu, enter Settings and go to Advanced Settings. There you will see the Recover configuration and clean section. Click there and follow the process to leave the browser as it was when you installed it for the first time.
So, if you encounter the SSL_ERROR_HANDSHAKE_FAILURE_ALERT issue, you can take the steps we’ve mentioned to try to fix it. The normal thing is that it is due to a problem with the browser, so the solution may be there. However, it could also be a connection or system error and you will need to correct it.
