6 ways to resolve a privacy error message in Google Chrome

July 2024 · 5 minute read
JUMP TO Section Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.
  • Reload the page
  • See if the SSL certificate is expired
  • Make sure you're fully logged into the WiFi network
  • Clear your browser cache
  • Make sure the date and time are set correctly 
  • Proceed anyway

    • Redeem now

    Whenever you're online, it's important to maintain your privacy and security. That's why it can be alarming to see an error message in your web browser advising that your privacy may be compromised. You may occasionally see an error message when using the Google Chrome browser that says "Your connection is not private." The error further warns that attackers may try to steal your information at the website you are trying to reach. 

    This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.

    When you encounter this message, don't panic — most of the time, there's nothing seriously wrong. Chrome generally displays this message when it can't immediately verify the SSL certificate of the site you're trying to reach. Every website should have an SSL certificate that establishes the site's identity and allows encrypted data to be exchanged. 

    Here are the most common ways to resolve this privacy error in Chrome and reach the website you are trying to browse. 

    Reload the page

    Believe it or not, simply reloading the webpage in Chrome may resolve the issue. Click the Reload this page button to the left of the address bar, or press F5 on your keyboard. If the glitch was momentary, the website will load properly the second time. 

    Reload the web page to see if the problem persists. Dave Johnson

    See if the SSL certificate is expired

    It's possible the SSL certificate for the website may have expired. To check, go to to SSL Checker page at sslshopper.com and enter the URL you are trying to reach. After a few moments, you'll get a lot of details about the site including the status of the SSL certificates. Of course, if the certificate is expired, there's nothing you can do about it. But if it's a small or non-commercial site, you can reach out to the webmaster to let them know the site is misbehaving. 

    You can see if the problem is at the website’s end using the SSL Checker website. Dave Johnson

    Make sure you're fully logged into the WiFi network

    If you're logged into your personal or corporate WiFi network, you don't need to worry about this option. But if you're logging in through a public WiFi network (such as one at a cafe or airport), you can see this error if you try browsing before fully accepting the network's sign-in and user agreement. 

    Be sure you accept the public WiFi network's terms of service. If that webpage hasn't opened, you can go to a non-SSL webpage to force it to appear. Go to weather.com, for example. After you complete the WiFi network's registration, try going to the problematic website again.

    Clear your browser cache

    It's possible that your browser's cache is corrupted or an old cookie is preventing the page from loading correctly. The remedy is to clear your cache and delete your browser's cookies, then try visiting the site again. Beware, of course, that if you clear your cookies, you will be logged out of all websites and will need to log in again the next time you visit. 

    Make sure the date and time are set correctly 

    Chrome relies on your computer's time and date to make sure that the SSL certificate is authentic and current. If your time is wrong, it can generate a privacy error. For the best results, make sure your computer is configured to automatically set the time from the internet.

    If you are using Windows, click Start and then choose Settings. In the search box, type "clock," and choose Set time automatically from the search results. Make sure that Set time automatically is enabled by swiping the button to the right.   

    Make sure your computer is configured to set the time automatically. Dave Johnson

    On a Mac, click the Apple logo at the top left and then choose System Preferences from the menu. Click Date & Time, and make sure Set date and time automatically is checked. If it isn't you'll need to unlock the window by clicking the lock at the bottom, then check the box. 

    Proceed anyway

    If Chrome displays a privacy error message, you can still choose to proceed. You may determine the risk is low — especially if you know and trust the website — and open it anyway. 

    To do that, click Advanced below the error message and then click Proceed to [website]. 

    If you want to go to the website anyway, click Advanced and then click the link to proceed. Dave Johnson
    Dave Johnson Freelance Writer Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider. Read more Read less

    ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnpJqwqXvPq6CvmZOueqa%2B0aipZpuYp7yusQ%3D%3D