Guide to Fixing SSL Handshake Failed 525

In an ideal world, once an SSL certificate is installed, you expect it to work flawlessly and remain secure until its renewal date. However, the reality may be different. Even when the SSL certificate is correct and valid, it may fail to function properly due to various technical issues or configuration errors.

These issues are often related to server-side setup, browser connection issues, or incorrect HTTPS configuration. Users trying to access your website may see “error messages,” which can negatively impact your site’s credibility and user experience.

In such a situation, make sure of the following:

  • The certificate is installed correctly.
  • The certificate chain (intermediate certificates) is configured correctly.
  • Check whether the certificate is invalid or expired.
  • The correct version of SSL/TLS is enabled on the server.
  • The domain and subdomains have the correct certificate coverage.

Resolving SSL-related issues quickly is crucial to maintaining site security and user trust.

A common problem is the SSL handshake failed error, indicated by the error code 525. If you have ever encountered this error, whether you are a website owner or just trying to visit the website, there is nothing to worry about. In this article, we will explain in detail the cause of the error and how to resolve it.

However, to understand this issue better, you must first learn about SSL handshakes.

How the SSL Handshake Works?

SSL on a website’s server establishes a secure link between the server and the client (usually a web browser). But you may need to learn how this connection is established. It is established through the SSL handshake.

In simple terms, when a browser requests a secure HTTPS connection from a server, the browser, and server authenticate each other through a handshake process. The server then sends its public key to the browser, which checks it against its internal SSL store to ensure its validity. If everything is OK, a new key is generated to encrypt the connection between the client and the server.

SSL Handshake Failed Error 525:

Causes and Fixes : If the process explained in the previous section fails, the browser user will likely see an error message, such as “SSL handshake failed” or error code 525. When error 525 occurs, it typically indicates that the SSL handshake between a domain managed using Cloudflare and its origin web server failed.

Top Reasons for SSL Handshake Failure:

In most cases, the SSL handshake fails due to some issues on the server side. Some common reasons are:

  1. Expired or invalid certificate
  2. A mismatch between the hostname URL and certificate name
  3. Incomplete or invalid certificate chain
  4. Unsupported SSL/TLS protocol request from the server
  5. The server fails to connect to the Server Name Indication (SNI) server.
  6. A mismatch between supported cipher suites

So, if you are a regular web user and the problem is caused by a server, you cannot do anything about it. However, if the issue is on your device, you can take some steps, which we will discuss in the next section.

How to Resolve and Prevent the Error :

If you’re managing a website with an SSL handshake failure, it’s essential to inspect your server for these potential errors

Check if your SSL certificate is valid :

Currently, SSL certificates are limited to one year of invalidity, and many site owners must be aware that their certificates have expired. The Qualys SSL Certificate Checker tool makes it easy to check if your SSL certificate is still valid.

Ensure your server is set up for SNI

SNI (Server Name Indication) helps browsers display the correct SSL certificate for the website they are trying to connect to. It is a critical part of the SSL handshake process. When SNI is not enabled, the server cannot display the correct SSL certificate for the hostname.

Verify if cipher suites are compatible

A cipher suite is a set of algorithms used to establish a secure SSL connection. Different cipher suites are available, and the server may not always support the cipher suites supported by the web browser. In such cases, the SSL handshake failed error may occur.

You can use the Qualys SSL Checker tool to determine which cipher suites your server supports. To find out which cipher suites your browser supports,https://sslseller.com/ to test the browser’s SSL capabilities.

For regular web users, try the following steps on your digital device:

Update your date and time configuration

Sometimes, updating your system date and time can help resolve SSL handshake errors. If your system date and time are incorrect, it can interrupt the handshake process or cause problems with SSL certificate verification. So make sure your computer’s date and time are correct, and take steps to set them automatically to avoid human error.

Update browser settings to use the latest SSL encryption

Sometimes, an outdated browser can cause SSL handshake errors. Check if the site loads properly in another browser. If it works properly in another browser, update your browser to support the latest SSL protocol.

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