What is net err_cert_common_name_invalid error and how to fix it

You are encountering the net err_cert_common_name_invalid error that prevents you from accessing the desired website.  TipsMake  will share with you the cause of this error and effective ways to fix the error to quickly access the website safely again.

What is net err_cert_common_name_invalid error?

The net err_cert_common_name_invalid error is the result of an incorrect SSL configuration or browser configuration. The browser fails to verify the SSL certificate in this type of error. This error occurs due to a domain name mismatch, as the Common Name (CN) displayed in the SSL certificate does not match the actual domain name.

Third-party extensions and security programs on your computer, such as antivirus software and firewalls, can also cause this error. net err_cert_common_name_invalid is also known as SSL common name mismatch error.

What causes the net err_cert_common_name_invalid error to appear?

There are many causes of net err_cert_common_name_invalid error, such as

- Your server has a self-signed certificate that the browser does not recognize

- Due to 'HTTPS redirect due to misconfiguration' issue

- Third-party browser extensions can interfere with SSL connections and cause errors

- The proxy system is not configured correctly.

- Antivirus software is interfering with secure connection

- Broken browser cache and SSL status

- SSL certificate not working

How to fix net err_cert_common_name_invalid error?

So we have understood what the net err_cert_common_name_invalid error is and its cause. Next, let's learn how to fix this error as quickly as possible.

WordPress URL not redirecting to website URL

If you manually change the HTTP protocol to HTTPS without installing an SSL certificate, this can cause the net err_cert_common_name_invalid error. For WordPress, you should not add the 'S' after HTTP in the URL unless the certificate is purchased and installed properly.

To resolve this issue, follow the steps below.

- Open WordPress dashboard and click on Settings >> General.

- Check if WordPress URL and site address URL are same.

- WordPress Https Settings

In case they don't match, update to match the desired site.

Check browser extensions

Browser extensions can also be the reason for net err_cert_common_name_invalid error as too many extensions can cause conflicts.

You can visit the website in incognito mode to check if the domain is accessible. If the website is accessible then there may be a problem with the browser extension.

To resolve this issue, you can disable or remove the extension if needed by:

- Click on the three dots on the Chrome browser

- Continue clicking on the extension and click on Manage extensions

Here you can disable or remove the extension that is causing this error.

Clear browser cache

Your browser cache stores the addresses of websites you have visited in the past. This allows for faster loading times when you visit them in your browser. However, old caches can cause problems accessing websites, so it is necessary to clear the cache in your browser. After you clear the cache, your browser will attempt to load a new version of the website.

Reinstall antivirus software and firewall

Some antivirus programs include HTTPS scanning that may prevent you from accessing HTTPS websites. If you trust a website, you can turn off the scanning feature. If your antivirus program does not have this feature, reinstall it.

Setting URL in phpmyAdmin

If there is a difference in the option value in the site URL and the home row of the site database, then the net err_cert_common_name_invalid error may occur. This can be resolved by changing the WordPress URL settings.

- Open hosting control panel, access phpmyAdmin

- Select the website database

- Search wp_options

- Search for siteurl and home rows.

- Make sure both redirect to the same domain.

Clear SSL state

SSL common name mismatch errors or net err_cert_common_name_invalid can sometimes be resolved by flushing the SSL cache.

To clear SSL state in Windows, follow the steps below:

- Open Control Panel and go to Network and Internet >> Internet Options

- Click the Content tab in the Internet Properties box and select Clear SSL state.

Update your browser and operating system

Outdated operating systems (OS) and browsers can interfere with SSL connections and cause errors. It is important to keep your browser and OS versions updated regularly.

You can update Google Chrome by following these steps.

- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the browser.

- Click Help >> About Google Chrome

- Click Update if there is new information.

Check if website has self-signed certificate

When a Self-Signed certificate is attached to a public domain, it can cause a net err_cert_common_name_invalid error. Self-signed certificates are typically used for internal servers or testing purposes. This is because they are created and signed by the website or server owner and not issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).

Conclude

The net err_cert_common_name_invalid error may sound complicated, but it can actually be easily fixed using the methods presented above. Try each one to find the solution that works for your situation. Hopefully this article has helped you understand this error better and can solve it with confidence!

Isabella Humphrey

Update 18 February 2025