How To Fix ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH Error?

Question

Issue: How To Fix ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH Error?

I noticed that I couldn't visit certain sites via Internet Explorer and Chrome due to ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error. I just discovered that the problem goes away when using Firefox – but Chrome is my favorite.

Can you explain what I should do in order to fix ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH on Chrome and IE?

Solved Answer

The ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error prevents users from accessing particular websites. The issue is more prevalent on older operating systems and browsers, although some users reported the error appearing on Windows 10 and the most recent Google Chrome version.

ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error the web browser displays such a message:

This site can’t provide a secure connection
ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH
Unsupported protocol
The client and server don’t support a common SSL protocol version or cipher suite.

When you are trying to access the website after entering the URL, the browser attempts to establish the connection with the host server, checking for a valid SSL certificate. If the browser encounters issues while verifying these checks, it produces ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error.

ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH is common among even the most prevalent services, including:

• GoDaddy^[1]
• WordPress
• Cloudflare
• Sonicwall
• NGINX
• Apache Tomcat, etc.

The reason why you encounter The ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error is insecurely configured website’s server protocols.^[2] The browser inspects website’s SLL certificate,^[3] which is meant to allow secure connections from web servers to browsers.

The ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error may prevent people from accessing insecure websites, so it's advisable to double-check the domain before re-trying to access it. Another reason why this error occurs – the site you’re trying to access uses old protocols that your browser identifies as insecure.

It goes without saying that this error occurs and prevents you from visiting particular websites for your own safety. If for some reason you absolutely must access a certain website, you can try these workarounds that we prepared – they will help you fix the ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error.

This video has all the information for eliminating this problem:

Method 1. Delete Browser Cache and Cookies

Browser cache and cookies might be the main reason you are seeing ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error. Make sure if is not the case by following these steps:

1. Open Google Chrome and go to Menu > Settings
2. Scroll down and click Advanced
3. Locate Clear browsing data and click on it
4. Then, select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, and press Clear data

Method 2. Deactivate SSL/HTTPS Scanning to Fix ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH

You can temporarily deactivate one particular feature in your anti-virus or anti-malware program if you have one on your computer. Computer security software performs SSL Scan that can be turned off.

The instructions provided below are prepared for Bitdefender users because this security software is known to be the one that can causes ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error. Remember – it is doing so for your own safety, so consider turning the feature back after visiting your preferred website.

1. Open Bitdefender.
2. Navigate to Modules > Web Protection.
3. Click on Scan SSL to toggle it off.

In case you are using Avast, do the following:

1. Open Avast. Go to Settings > Main Settings.
2. Deselect Enable Web scanning and HTTPS scanning. We strongly suggest that you turn these back on once you visited your desired website.

Method 3. Disable QUIC protocol

Chrome can sometimes display ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH error when QUIC protocol is enabled. To disable it, follow these guidelines:

1. Open Google Chrome browser.
2. Type in chrome://flags into the address field and hit Enter.
3. Press CTRL + F, type TLS 1.3 and click OK
4. Disable QUIC protocol from the drop down menu on the right

Method 4. Enable TLS 1.3

1. Open Google Chrome browser.
2. Now, type chrome://flags into the address field and press Enter.
3. Press CTRL + F, type TLS 1.3 and press OK to locate the section
4. Enable the TLS 1.3.

Method 5. Use an outdated version of browser (not recommended)

Consider installing an older version of your browser. However, we do not recommend taking such drastic methods only to access a potentially dangerous website. Is it really worth the risk? The older browsers often have various security flaws that can be easily exploited by cyber criminals.

If you use an outdated browser, the simplest illegal trick can help hackers to take control over your computer.^[4]  Careless visit to a dangerous website may end up with a serious infection. 

Instead of trying to bypass security restrictions, think about your security. The website you are trying to access is blocked by ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH because the browser is trying to protect you from revealing sensitive data on hardly secure Internet websites. If you are sure that the Internet page you are trying to access is safe, try using Reimage and see if it fixes the issue.

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