How to fix err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch

Errors occur from time to time and it is important that you know how to fix the most common ones when that happens. One of those errors is err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch and today, we are going to talk about how to fix it.

ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error occurs when the browser can’t establish a secure connection with the webserver. It all starts with the SSL certificates used for providing a secure and encrypted connection between a website and a web browser.

They are commonly used when you want to encrypt sensitive data, for example, personal information, credit card data, and similar. Moreover, the SLL certificates are becoming a standard protocol for all websites nowadays.

With that in mind, let’s talk some more about fixing the err_ssl_version_interference error.

When does the err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch occur?

There are numerous reasons why this site can’t provide a secure connection. Here are some of the common causes:

• Poor Internet Connection
• Browser Cache and Cookies are not cleared
• Needless Add-ons or Extensions are installed in the browser
• Website blocked in Firewall
• The website is blocked or trashed in the antivirus program

Simple Fixes

When the err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch Chrome error occurs, you can try these simple fixes to fix it:

Check your internet connection

This error is sometimes triggered simply due to a poor internet connection. Check your internet connection to ensure everything is working properly on that front and contact your Internet Service Provider if you need help.

Check the SSL certificate

One of the first things you should do when the client and server don’t support a common SSL protocol version or cipher suite is checking the SSL certificate.

You can Chrome view certificate and perform its deep analysis with the help of certain online free tools. We recommend you to use the one provided by Qualys SSL Labs.

Delete Browser Cache and Cookies

Whenever you experience an internet error, one of the first things you should do is deleting browser cache and cookies as they often cause all kinds of errors.

This step might differ depending on the web browser of your choice. If you have never done this before and aren’t sure how to go about it, search Google for the steps necessary to clear the stored data on your preferred browser.

In some cases, using the keyboard shortcut CTRL + SHIFT + DELETE will grant you access to the clear browsing data page. Delete the cache and cookies and try to access the website to check if this fixed the problem.

Clear the SSL State 

One of the things you should also try doing if you cannot establish a secure connection Chrome is clearing the SSL state. To clear the SSL state in Chrome on Windows, follow these steps:

1. Click the Google Chrome – Settings icon (Settings) icon, and then click Settings.
2. Click Show advanced settings.
3. Under Network, click Change proxy settings. The Internet Properties dialog box appears.
4. Click the Content tab.
5. Click Clear SSL state and click OK.
6. Restart Chrome.

Check RC4 Cipher Suite

The removal of RC4 cipher suite in Chrome version 48 can sometimes cause the SSL version interference and the err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch. Do a simple Chrome version check and disable the RC4. In other words, make sure the server configuration is enabled with a different cipher suite.

Check for Certificate Name Mismatch

This doesn’t happen often, but there were some cases reported of a certificate name mismatch causing the err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch error. Luckily, this is very easy and quick to diagnose and fix.

A mismatch can be a number of things such as:

• The site does not use SSL, but shares an IP address with some other site that does.
• The site no longer exists, yet the domain still points to the old IP address, where some other site is now hosted.
• The site uses a content delivery network (CDN) that doesn’t support SSL.
• The domain name alias is for a website whose name is different, but the alias was not included in the certificate.

Remove Unnecessary Add-ons and Extensions

 

Some add-ons and/or extension can cause this error to happen so try to identify the ones that cause the problem and remove them.

Whitelist Website in Firewall and Antivirus Software

Chrome err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch can also occur if the website you are trying to access is blacklisted in your antivirus program and/or firewall. You can easily fix this by whitelisting the website of your choice.

Enable TLS 1.3

This error can sometimes be fixed in Chrome by enabling TLS 1.3. Here is how you can do that:

• In URL type, chrome://flags
• Search for TLS 1.3
• If it is enabled (or default), then keep it as it is and close the window.
• If it is not enabled, then hit the enable button.

Enable All SSL/TLS Versions

Note: This step includes enabling older, insecure protocols. You are doing this at your own risk.

1. Open Chrome
2. Click on the three dots you see in the top-right corner
3. Now go to Settings and search for ‘proxy’ in the search field
4. You should see the Open proxy settings option, click on it
5. Go to the Advanced tab
6. Now mark all SSL & TLS versions
7. Hit the Apply button
8. Restart Chrome

Disable QUIC protocol

If the QUIC Protocol is enabled, the err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch error can occur in Chrome. To fix it, you have to disable the QUIC protocol. Here is how you can do that:

• In URL type, chrome://flags
• Search for Experimental QUIC protocol
• If it is disabled (or default), then keep it as it is and close the window.
• If it is not disabled then disable it.

Disable the Anti-Virus Software

 

There is a chance that your anti-virus program is blocking your access to the website. To check if this is the case, simply disable your anti-virus program and try to access the website again. If that fixed the issue, you know what the problem is.

If you aren’t able to access the website with the disabled anti-virus program, check your firewall too to ensure the website isn’t blacklisted.

FAQs about err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch

1. What is “err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch” and why am I seeing this error message?

The SSL/TLS protocol error “Err ssl version or cipher mismatch” appears when the SSL handshake process fails because the SSL version or cipher used by the client and server are different. While attempting to access a website that uses SSL encryption, the user’s web browser will normally display the error message.

2. What are the possible causes of “err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch” error?

An old browser or operating system, an SSL certificate that has expired or is no longer valid, a server configuration issue, or an erroneous SSL configuration on the server or client side are just a few of the potential causes of the “err ssl version or cipher mismatch” error.

3. How can I fix the “err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch” error on my website?

You should try updating your SSL certificate, turning on the most recent SSL protocols and cipher suites, and making sure that your server and client configurations are up to date in order to resolve the “err ssl version or cipher mismatch” error on your website. You might also want to look through your server logs for any issue messages or speak with your web hosting company for more help.

4. Can a mismatched SSL version or cipher affect my website’s SEO ranking?

Although the “err ssl version or cipher mismatch” error itself has no direct impact on how well your website performs in search engine results, having an insecure or improperly configured SSL can have a negative effect on user trust and website credibility, which can indirectly affect your SEO ranking.

5. Is it possible to bypass the “err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch” error?

Bypassing the “err ssl version or cipher mismatch” issue is not advised since it could jeopardize the security of your website and user data. The best course of action is to attempt to correct the issue by updating your SSL certificate, turning on the most recent SSL protocols and cipher suites, and making sure that your server and client configurations are current.

6. Can a firewall or antivirus software cause “err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch” error?

It is possible for a firewall or antivirus program to obstruct the SSL handshake and result in a “err ssl version or cipher mismatch” error. To enable SSL traffic on the impacted ports, you might need to temporarily disable the firewall or antivirus program or add an exception.

7. How can I identify which SSL version or cipher is causing the error?

You can use SSL diagnostic tools like SSL Labs or OpenSSL to determine whether SSL version or cipher is causing the issue. These tools are capable of examining your SSL settings and offering comprehensive details on the SSL version, cipher suites, and certificate chain.

8. Does upgrading my SSL certificate or changing the cipher suite fix “err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch” error?

If the problem is brought on by an old or unsafe SSL configuration, upgrading your SSL certificate or changing the cipher suite may help fix the “err ssl version or cipher mismatch” error. But, you might also need to look into additional variables like server setup errors or client-side problems.

9. What are some recommended SSL configurations to prevent “err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch” error?

Enabling TLS 1.3, utilizing the strongest cipher suites, such as AES 256-bit encryption, and making sure your SSL certificate is current and valid are some SSL setups that are advised to avoid the “err ssl version or cipher mismatch” problem. Also, you should routinely examine your SSL configuration for any security flaws or improper configurations.

10. Can I encounter “err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch” error on all web browsers, or is it specific to certain browsers?

All web browsers may display the “Err ssl version or cipher mismatch” error if the SSL version or cipher are incorrect. It’s possible that some outdated or ancient web browsers are more prone to this issue since they do not support the most recent SSL protocols or cipher suites. To prevent SSL issues, it is advised to use the most recent web browsers and keep them updated.

Ending thoughts on fixing the err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch

In the case none of the fixes mentioned above work, you can always try and reinstall the web browser or the extensions enabled in it. Keep in mind that if you are using older operating systems, you should consider upgrading them because some of the newer technologies, for example, TLS 1.3.and the latest cipher suites aren’t supported in some of the older systems such as Windows XP and similar.

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