The error (Err_SSL_version_or_Cipher_Mismatch) is a web-based error that comes up when trying to access a specific website. The error is related to SSL – which refers to Secure Sockets Layer, which represents a protocol for secured data connections between clients and servers. Simply put, SSL certificates ensure the data is safe and protected from prying eyes. The error may occur when a site uses an unsupported protocol.
The error originates from various places in WordPress, use cases, and Technical infrastructure(s). SSL errors could make sites go offline, stay inaccessible, and become useless unless the error is fixed.
In this detailed write-up, we will explore the SSL error Err_SSL_version_or_Cipher_Mismatch, along with reasons, complications, and fixing routines for WordPress users. To this line, you should remember that the SSL protocol is used to protect data communication between a user’s browser and web server. SSL errors can expose sensitive information, such as credit card details unless the error has been fixed.
What causes the error: Err_SSL_version_or_Cipher_Mismatch
Websites That Uses an Unsupported Protocol
When establishing SSL connections between a client’s browser and server, TLS ensures that a specific link is encrypted and secured. In this case, the complete form of TLS is Transport Layer Security. This particular scenario is often called a handshake between the client’s browser and a web server.
In this case, Two points need your attention.
- SSL protocol version of the client’s web browser
- SSL version supported by the website’s SSL certificate
Note: One cause of the error (Err_SSL_version_or_Cipher_Mismatch) is the mismatch between the client’s and server’s SSL protocol versions. Simply put, the difference between a client and server’s SSL protocol versions can cause the SSL error.
Note 2: An SSL certificate is composed of Cipher Suite to secure SSL connections; incompatibility between a client and server’s Ciphers can cause the SSL error. In this case, Cipher Suite refers to specific algorithms, Techniques, or rules used to make SSL connections secure.
Fix the SSL Error: Err_SSL_version_or_Cipher_Mismatch
In order to fix the SSL error, we can categorize the root culprits into two categories. Both represent different scenarios and require different approaches to deal with SSL errors.
- Local issues
- Server-side issues
Local Issues
Local issues refer to gaps in a local system, such as a computer or a client’s web browser. In this case, fixing local issues for SSL errors requires altering, changing, or monitoring local computer or web browser’s issues, such as Cache.
Server side Issues
As its name suggests, the issues That require assistance on a server level are referred to as server-side SSL issues. In this scenario, one needs to handle, monitor, and fix gaps on server infrastructure, such as a Cipher mismatch in the server’s SSL certificate.
Note: Let’s address more details for local and server-side issues to fix the error: Err_SSL_version_or_Cipher_Mismatch.
Fixing Local Issues for SSL Error
Clear the SSL Data on the Computer
In Google Chrome, under the (Internet Properties) dialogue box – there is an option to clear the SSL data. Here – you can find, change, and handle the option locally in Google Chrome. Let’s address simple steps to proceed and make the change accordingly.
STEP (1) – Open your Chrome browser and proceed to land on the Settings page. Once you have opened the browser, you can click on the three dots in the top right corner and choose Settings. The next page shows a pack of options. Here – you can use the search bar to find the required option. Proceed and enter (proxy settings) in the search bar without brackets. Once the option That says Open your Computer’s proxy settings has come up on the screen, click to open its dialogue box – as shown in the screenshot below.
STEP (2) – The dialogue box’s title should read Internet Properties. Now, you’re ready to proceed and take the next step. The dialogue box comprises various Tabs; choose the Content and locate the option That says Clear SSL state. As shown in the screenshot below, you can click the Clear SSL state button to wipe out SSL’s data on your local computer.
Note: To this line, you’ve successfully cleared SSL data on the local system. Under the local reasons to fix the SSL error in question, you’ve taken the first step to fix the error. Let’s proceed and take further steps to clear the SSL error – locally.
Disable Antivirus Software
Antivirus Tools protect local computers and monitor communication over the Internet. In this case, an Antivirus Tool conducting necessary measures can cause SSL errors. If everything seems normal, and you’ve checked other precautions, you must look at Antivirus settings.
In this case, don’t travel an extra mile. Turning off the antivirus may fix SSL issues. The disabling process is temporary in this case. Based on settings, change the particular options to keep antivirus on hold for a specific duration of Time. This helps you observe if the process has affected SSL issues in a positive manner.
Change TLS version issues to fix SSL errors
While using specific browsers, such as lower versions of Google Chrome, specific TLS versions were depreciated. In simple words, the existence of older versions could create SSL issues. In this case, if you’re using an outdated version of a web browser, you need to change, update, or take necessary measures to fix the SSL error: Err_SSL_version_or_Cipher_Mismatch.
Let’s address the matter in more detail for Google Chrome.
To fix the SSL error in question, taking the following steps will fix the error – locally.
STEP (1) – Open Google Chrome and enter the following command in the address bar: chrome://flags – helping you load SSL-related options in Google Chrome. On the next page, locate the TLS option using the search bar by entering TLS as input – as shown in the screenshot below.
STEP (2) – Once you’ve searched for TLS, you should see an option That says TLS 1.3 downgrade hardening. Here, it would help if you ensured the option says Default or Enabled. If not, make changes accordingly. Once you’ve changed the said option, you can close the window.
Let’s describe the steps you will need to take in Firefox.
STEP (1) – Like Chrome, type in the following command in Firefox’s address bar: about:config – helping you locate SSL options in Firefox. Upon entering the command, the browser should show a message That requires your consent to proceed, as you will change sensitive information about Firefox’s SSL data. You should accept and proceed to click on the relevant instructions.
STEP (2) – On the next page, you can see a blank page or a pack of rows for various options. Here – search for TLS and locate the option That says security.tls.version.max. If the value on the right side of the row is 4, you don’t need to change anything. On the other hand, you can change the value to 4 if the row is telling something else – as shown in the screenshot below.
Note: Click the pencil icon on the right side to edit a row. In this case, before you’re able to make changes, you need to click the pencil icon next to security.tls.version.max.
Check the Internet Connection
Although it doesn’t sound good, poor Internet can cause SSL errors. For example, slow-loading sites may trigger insecure or Err_SSL_version_or_Cipher_Mismatch mistakes on screen.
In such scenarios, restarting the router, contacting your ISP, or checking for local configurations can help promptly. If, for example, you want to check your Internet connection locally, here is how you can do so on a Desktop computer.
STEP (1) – Fire the Command Line using the Run command in the Start menu. Here, we discuss Windows infrastructure – do as directed in other Operating Systems. Once opened the Start menu, type in “run” and choose the option That appears.
STEP (2) – In the run dialogue box, type in CMD and hit the enter key. This will load the command line interface on the screen.
STEP (3) – To check your Internet connection, type in the following command and hit Enter. ping google.com
The command will start sending data packets to Google.com. This will clarify if your Internet connection is working fine. The Internet connection is working if you see text lines on the screen.
On the other hand, an inactive connection will show a message similar to the following:
Time out: Your Internet connection is out of order.
According to the message, you can see if your Internet connection is experiencing issues.
Remove Unnecessary Browser Extensions and Add-ons
Sometimes – extensions, add-ons, and 3rd party scripts create problems in web browsers. In various conditions, such extensions may trigger SSL messages on screen. If you’re clueless, extensions cause SSL errors mainly because of the conflict between multiple Tools, attachments, or scripts in a web browser. You can say that using various extensions sometimes creates issues in browsers. If possible, keep the number minimum for security, compatibility, and SSL issues.
In your browser, look for a page That lists the installed extensions, add-ons, and scripts. On the same page, you can access, remove, or deactivate a specific plugin, extension, or add-on installed in the web browser. For example, Chrome’s extensions page helps you manage the installed extensions. Similarly, if you want to handle add-ons in Firefox, you must look for the Add-ons page under the Tools menu.
Here – the purpose of managing extensions is to cross-check between the installed assets. For example, once you have turned an extension off, you can see if the SSL error has been fixed. Similarly, try disabling extensions individually to see if things are going in the right direction.
Web browsers also support using Safe Mode for troubleshooting. In this case, you may need the Support Team’s assistance if you need help with how to proceed. A browser’s safe mode helps users fix specific issues while not affecting the browser’s infrastructure, disabling extensions, or changing configurative measures. In this case, the secure way, when turned on – can automatically adjust the required information for AB testing. This routine, in simple words, can help users identify a problem’s root cause and take actions accordingly.
Note 2: To this line, you’ve successfully fixed the error by changing the available local options. Let’s address more opportunities on the server level to fix the SSL error: (Err_SSL_version_or_Cipher_Mismatch).
Fixing Server-side Issues for SSL Error
Check the SSL Certificate’s Validity
SSL certificates are composed of foreign language – beginners can’t assess or handle Technical issues in SSL certificates. Fortunately, automated Tools are available on the Internet – helping users check if their site’s SSL certificate has problems.
To proceed, head to the Qualys SSL checker and enter your site’s URL in the input bar. Now, the Tool will process your input and produce results within several minutes. If you need help, you can re-initiate the process from scratch. The Tool checks for common SSL errors and generates a report based on a site’s SSL certificate, if the site’s SSL requires attention – as shown in the screenshot below.
You don’t need to change further measures if the results show a green grade for your site’s SSL. In this case, the site’s SSL has no errors.
Note: You can also hide your site’s instance on the Tool’s page if you’d like to keep things secret from prying eyes. To use the option, you need to check the box right below the input bar.
Mismatch in Certificate Names
Among other errors, a mismatch in Certificate Names is a joint gap That occurs in most cases. A mismatch in certificate names may arise if two URLs share the same IP address while using different versions or certificate names on file.
There are various reasons why a mismatch in certificate names occurs. For example, while dealing with site migration, a domain name may still point to an IP address where the old SSL data runs with outdated SSL information. Also, the current infrastructure incompatibility may need to be fixed in certificate names. On the other hand, if your site’s SSL certificate requires a manual change, such as inserting a domain name alias in the SSL certificate, failing to make such changes can cause a mismatch in certificate name errors.
To fix the mismatch issue for SSL error(s), you must ensure everything That shares SSL data matches each other. For example, the IP address should point to a site hosted on the same server instead of looking for roots on external resources. Similarly, if you’re using a CDN for your site, make sure you’ve confirmed the CDN’s functionality to support external SSL certificates.
Note: You can also click the Lock symbol in a browser’s address bar. However, instead of seeing SSL’s information with a padlock sign in a web browser, use the Qualys SSL checker, as the padlock section may fail to fetch SSL’s data and may show information That doesn’t include necessary details.
Old TLS version
Using TLS tests, we can obtain information about TLS’s old or outdated versions. In this case, TLS gaps may have resulted in SSL issues. Generally, TLS issues are covered if you’re using the latest software, such as a web browser. Similarly, if the server’s infrastructure is up-to-date, there would be no room for TLS issues. Having That clarified, the TLS’s 1.2 version is ideal for most web hosting servers, along with the latest infrastructure on the client side.
In this scenario, while you’re dealing with TLS issues to fix the Err_SSL_version_or_Cipher_Mismatch error, you should need support from hosting providers if fixing TLS issues requires their attention. Typically, only proceed to change or alter configurations if you know what you’re doing. If, for example – you don’t see what you need to do about TLS, ask your support channel for more information on TLS’s version. Ideally, let them handle the rest – “changing TLS version to the latest one.”
Summing up
For WordPress beginners, dealing with SSL errors is a nightmare. The information, data, or input highlighted in an SSL error may seem rocket science to most WordPress users.
In this case, start from basic options to fix SSL issues, as described in this resource. On the other hand, complex errors require extensive knowledge of how SSL works, so – don’t proceed until you’ve verified, tested, or monitored your actions on a staging site. For more information on fixing SSL issues, hiring WordPress support experts is the best option for beginners. Such services cost a small fee (One-Time) yet provide support to fix SSL issues That otherwise may not be possible with general expertise.
You can also leave comments in the section below and see if the relevant community can develop promising answers to your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Website That Uses an Unsupported Protocol
What is a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) for WordPress beginners?
SSL is the standard protocol to ensure safe data communication between a client’s web browser and server. In this case, the transmitted data is encrypted across the network. The SSL mechanism comprises Ciphers and Encryption methods to ensure the sender and receiver of data are well-equipped to handshake, encrypt/decrypt, and monitor the data while the transmission process has begun.
What is meant by SSL error: Err_SSL_version_or_Cipher_Mismatch?
The error (Err_SSL_version_or_Cipher_Mismatch) occurs when any of the two nodes of an SSL handshake lacks the required information, configuration, or data. For example, SSL/TLS protocols or Cipher’s information may lack or be incompatible with SSL’s nodes, a web browser, and a server in this case. The error makes a site inaccessible and can affect business workflows, such as ROI, conversions, and revenue. The error mainly occurs due to invalid or outdated SSL certificates, configurative glitches, or outdated software.
How to fix (Err_SSL_version_or_Cipher_Mismatch) in a WordPress website?
This article addresses various precautions, routines, and automation to check and resolve the SSL error in question. However, consult your site’s administrator or Support Team if you need to be more Technical to proceed. You can quickly fix the SSL error by clearing your SSL data in the computer, ensuring TLS information is stable, the web server’s certificates match the client’s requests, and ensuring your site’s CDN supports external SSL certificates.
How do you check SSL certificates for common issues?
Fortunately, checking SSL for common errors doesn’t require extensive routines. You can use Online Tools to check your site’s SSL certificate for common issues. As described above, the Qualys SSL Checker plays a vital role in this case. You can also check your site’s SSL with Namecheap’s SSL Tester, available freely on the Namecheap’s official website. On the other hand, in WordPress – you can see if the Tools -> Site Health page highlights SSL’s information and demands attention. Similarly, WordPress supports checking your site’s SSL with automated plugins, available on the WordPress official Plugins Directory. In this case, you can install a plugin by landing on the Add New Plugin page in WordPress dashboard.
How do you fix complex SSL issues on a site That uses an unsupported protocol?
Fixing SSL’s complex issues requires developers’ assistance. However, you can contact your site’s web hosting support channel for more information. In this case, you should have confirmed if the error originated from the server-side factors. For example, on the other hand – if an SSL issue arises from the local computer, you can fix things accordingly, as described in this article. However, don’t change anything if you don’t know what you are doing.
What to do if the measures described in this resource need to be revised for me?
Verify, re-check, and validate if you’ve taken various steps correctly. If things seem astonishing, you can leave Things as they are and contact the site’s administrator. For individuals, consulting a web hosting support channel is the best option to go. In this case, start from doing basics to fix SSL errors, followed by taking complex maneuvers in order, as described in this resource. Also, make sure you’ve validated the SSL error(s) before you’re going to apply measures on a live website.