The ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR occurs when a browser cannot establish a secure connection with the server, often due to an SSL certificate issue or local configuration. While Hostinger installs a free SSL automatically on web, cloud and agency hosting plans, certain factors like pointing issues, propagation or unpublished status can trigger this error.
Before you start
Ensure the following before proceeding with SSL troubleshooting.
- Your domain must be pointed to Hostinger.
- You have waited up to 24 hours after a new domain registration or DNS changes for propagation to complete.
- If using Hostinger Website Builder or Hostinger Horizons, ensure your website is published and updated. Unpublished or draft websites may show SSL errors.
- For Hostinger Website Builder, refer to this guide: How to publish a website.
- For Hostinger Horizons, check this article: How to publish your Hostinger Horizons app.
Troubleshooting
After verifying that your website is published, and the domain is pointing and propagated, follow these steps:
- Use an incognito window. Open your website in a private or incognito browser window to rule out issues caused by local browser cache or history.
- Verify domain pointing. Use a DNS checker tool to confirm that your domain points correctly to your website at Hostinger and that the records have fully propagated.
- Check SSL validity. Use an SSL checker tool to verify the certificate.
- If you’re using a custom SSL, get in contact with your SSL vendor for further assistance.
- For custom PHP/HTML and WordPress websites using Lifetime SSL, uninstall the existing certificate and installing a new one.
- This option is not available for websites created using Hostinger Website Builder and Hostinger Horizons.
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Adjust local security settings. Temporarily disable your device’s antivirus or firewall to ensure these programs are not blocking the secure protocol.
You can also check this video tutorial for more alternatives: