Having trouble accessing websites on your iPhone? Those pesky SSL errors can be frustrating, but don’t worry – you’re not alone. Every day, thousands of iPhone users encounter these security warnings when trying to browse the web or use apps securely. Let’s dive into what causes these errors and how to fix them. How to Fix SSL Errors on iPhones?
Guide to Resolve SSL Error on iPhone/iPad

The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is like a digital handshake between your device and websites. When something interrupts this handshake – whether it’s an outdated SSL certificate, incorrect settings, or server issues – your iPhone throws up an error message to keep you safe.
Key Takeaways
Understanding SSL errors on iPhones comes down to a few essential points:
- SSL helps encrypt your data during transmission
- Common causes include outdated iOS software and expired certificates
- Most issues can be resolved through simple troubleshooting steps
- Some errors require action from website owners
- Prevention is better than cure when it comes to SSL security
What Causes SSL Errors on iPhones?
Think of SSL certificates as digital ID cards for websites. When something’s wrong with these IDs, your iPhone gets suspicious. Here are the main culprits:
Your iPhone might be running outdated iOS software, preventing it from recognizing newer security protocols. Outdated apps can also cause compatibility issues with modern encryption standards. Sometimes, the problem lies with invalid certificates or website configuration issues.
Network-related issues like VPN conflicts or firewall blocking can interrupt the SSL handshake. Even incorrect date and time settings can throw off certificate validation. If you’ve tried jailbreaking your device, that could compromise its security features. How to Fix SSL Errors on iPhones?
Common SSL Errors on iPhones
Different error messages indicate different problems:
- ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR: Typically appears when protocols don’t match
- NSURLErrorDomain error: Indicates general connection issues
- SEC_ERROR_UNKNOWN_ISSUER: Shows up with untrusted certificate sources
- “An SSL error has occurred and a secure connection to the server cannot be made“: Common with iOS 17 and newer versions
10 Easy Steps to Fix SSL Errors on iPhone

Let’s walk through each solution step by step, starting with the easiest fixes that often resolve most SSL errors on iPhones.
Step #1 Update your iPhone software.
Keeping your iOS software up-to-date is crucial for maintaining proper SSL compatibility. Many SSL errors occur simply because your iPhone’s security protocols are outdated. Open Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates. This ensures your device supports the latest encryption protocols and security standards.
Step #2 Update all apps
Outdated apps can trigger SSL connection errors when they try to establish secure connections. Head to the App Store, tap your profile picture, and scroll down to see pending updates. Install them all to ensure your apps support modern encryption standards. This is particularly important for apps that handle sensitive data. How to Fix SSL Errors on iPhones?
Step #3 Update trusted certificates
Your iPhone comes with pre-installed trusted root certificates from major certificate authorities like DigiCert, Comodo, and Verisign. These need occasional updates. Go to Settings > General > About and wait for any certificate updates to install. This ensures your device recognizes legitimate digital certificates.
Step #4 Toggle Airplane Mode
Sometimes, simply resetting your network connection can resolve SSL errors. Toggle Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds, then off again. This refreshes your network connections and can clear up temporary SSL handshake issues. It’s like giving your iPhone’s networking a quick restart.
Step #5 Toggle Date & Time setting
Incorrect time settings can cause certificate validation failures. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and ensure “Set Automatically” is enabled. If problems persist, try toggling it off and on again. Accurate time settings are crucial for proper SSL handshake processes.
Step #6 Clear cookies and cache
Accumulated browsing data in Safari can sometimes interfere with secure connections. Clear your cookies and cache by going to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. This removes potentially corrupted data that might be causing SSL connection errors.
Step #7 Reset network settings
If you’re still experiencing issues, try resetting your network settings. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will clear all saved networks and VPN settings, potentially resolving deeper SSL errors. You’ll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi networks afterward.
Step #8 Try a different browser.
If you’re getting SSL errors in Safari, try using Chrome or Firefox. Different browsers handle SSL certificates differently. This can help determine if the issue is browser-specific or device-wide. Remember that each browser maintains its own security protocols and certificate storage.
Step #9 Contact the website owner.
For errors like SEC_ERROR_UNKNOWN_ISSUER, the problem often lies with the website’s SSL certificate. Contact the site administrator about updating their certificate configuration. Legitimate sites should use certificates from recognized authorities like GlobalSign or Symantec.
Step #10 Email the certificate authority.
As a last resort, contact the certificate authority directly. Companies like GoDaddy and DigiCert can verify if there are issues with their certificates. They can also guide you through additional SSL troubleshooting steps if needed.
How to Fix Specific iPhone SSL Errors

ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR
This common error occurs when your iPhone’s encryption protocols don’t match the website’s requirements. The fix usually involves ensuring your device supports modern security protocols like TLS. Update your iOS software to the latest version, as this includes support for newer cipher suites and AES 256-bit encryption.
NSURLErrorDomain error -1012
This generic error indicates problems establishing secure connections. Try these solutions:
- Update your trusted certificates through Settings > General > About
- Check your VPN settings if you’re using one
- Verify that firewall blocking isn’t preventing connections
- Ensure your apps support current encryption standards
SEC_ERROR_UNKNOWN_ISSUER
When your iPhone doesn’t recognize the certificate authority, this error appears. It often happens with self-signed certificates or certificates from untrusted sources. The website should obtain a proper certificate from recognized authorities like DigiCert or Comodo to resolve this.
SEC_ERROR_EXPIRED_CERTIFICATE
This error means the website’s SSL certificate has expired – like an outdated passport. Only the website administrator can fix this by renewing their certificate. Until then, accessing the site through HTTPS won’t be possible securely.
NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID
Similar to expired certificates, this error occurs when there’s a date mismatch. The certificate might be:
- Not yet valid (future start date)
- Already expired
- Mismatched with your iPhone’s current date/time
SEC_ERROR_UNTRUSTED_ISSUER
This indicates your iPhone doesn’t trust the organization that issued the site’s digital certificates. Usually, this means the site is using a certificate from an unrecognized authority instead of established ones like Verisign or Symantec. How to Fix SSL Errors on iPhones?
How to Prevent SSL Errors on iPhone
Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s how to avoid future SSL errors:
- Keep your iOS software and apps updated
- Avoid jailbreaking your device
- Only install trusted root certificates
- Regularly clear your Safari data
- Use recognized security protocols
- Keep your date/time settings accurate
Final Thoughts
Most SSL errors on iPhones can be resolved through proper SSL troubleshooting steps and regular maintenance. By keeping your device updated and understanding these errors, you can maintain secure browsing while protecting your data through proper website security measures.
Frequently Asked Questions about SSL Errors on iPhone
Why do I keep getting SEC_ERROR_UNKNOWN_ISSUER on my iPhone?
When your iPhone shows this error, it means it doesn’t recognize who issued the website’s SSL certificate. Think of it like trying to use an ID card from an unknown authority. The solution usually involves the website getting a proper certificate from well-known certificate authorities like DigiCert, Comodo, or Verisign. Until then, it’s best to avoid entering sensitive information on these sites.
How do I update root certificates on my iPhone?
Updating your trusted root certificates is straightforward:
- Go to Settings > General > About
- Wait for any available certificate updates to install
- If prompted, allow the installation of new security protocols
These updates ensure your iPhone recognizes legitimate digital certificates from trusted sources.
Can I fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR by jailbreaking?
No! Jailbreaking actually increases your risk of SSL vulnerabilities. Instead of compromising your device’s security, focus on proper SSL troubleshooting steps like updating your iOS software and ensuring apps are current with modern encryption standards.
Why do I get SEC_ERROR_EXPIRED_CERTIFICATE on some websites?
This error appears when a website’s SSL certificate has expired, just like an expired driver’s license. While you can’t fix this yourself, you can:
- Contact the website administrator
- Try accessing the site later when they’ve renewed their certificate
- Use an alternative trusted website if possible
How can I check the expiration date of a website’s Certificate?
To check a certificate’s validity:
- Tap the padlock icon in Safari’s address bar
- Select “Certificate”
- Look for the expiration date under validity period
This helps you verify if certificate expiration is causing your SSL errors.
What causes NSURLErrorDomain -1012 on iPhone?
This error typically indicates problems with SSL compatibility or secure connections. Common causes include:
- Outdated security protocols
- Conflicts with VPN settings
- Firewall blocking issues
- Problems with certificate validation
Is it safe to ignore the SEC_ERROR_UNTRUSTED_ISSUER warning?
No! This warning means the site’s digital certificates come from an untrustworthy source. Ignoring it could expose you to security risks. Wait until the site implements proper SSL deployment with certificates from recognized authorities like GlobalSign or Symantec.
How do I email a website owner about their SSL certificate problem?
When contacting website owners about SSL errors, include:
- The specific error message you’re seeing
- Screenshots if possible
- When the error started occurring
- Your device and iOS version
- Steps you’ve tried to resolve it