.If your WordPress website fails to load over a secure connection due to an error such as ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR then you’re in the right place.

This article explains what this type of error means and walks you through the steps needed to fix it to get your site back up and running!

This error can be caused by various issues with your website server or your local computer, or even a combination of both. It’s commonly experienced in Chrome, but it can vary based on the browser you’re using.

What Is ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR?

ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR happens when a website’s SSL certificate is misconfigured or invalid. This error occurs when a browser is unable to establish a secure connection with an SSL-encrypted site.

What is a secure connection anyway?

If you’re wondering what a webpage loading over secure connection is, then a little background information may be helpful.

You may have noticed that website addresses typically begin with HTTP or HTTPS. These are called protocols which are basically a set of rules for determining how web pages are transmitted from the server (where your website is located) to the browser. HTTPS is a secure protocol based on HTTP and is widely used as it has a number of significant advantages including improved SEO and a high level of security.

A downside to using HTTPS is that there are strict rules in place that need to be adhered to before a secure webpage can be displayed. This means that there’s more that can potentially go wrong compared to non-secure HTTP connections.

One of these requirements needed to make a website work with an HTTPS connection is that you must have a valid SSL certificate installed and configured correctly. Invalid SSL certifications can cause problems preventing users from accessing websites. For example, the “Your Connection is Not Private” error.

When your SSL certificate is working properly, a padlock icon was displayed next to the website address in the browser window before its depreciation to use a tune icon. If you click on the icon, the first option either shows your site is secure or not