How to Fix ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC

Did you encounter the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error when trying to access a website on Chrome? If so, this article is for you! The error prevents you from accessing secure websites and can be quite intimidating. Luckily, there are several methods that can help you solve this problem quickly and easily.

This article will provide you with detailed information regarding how to fix this pesky issue. It will cover solutions like troubleshooting, resetting your browser settings, and updating your browser. Let’s go over each one in detail.

What Causes ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT Chrome Error?

Several computer users have encountered the annoying ERR SSL BAD RECORD MAC ALERT Chrome error. While this issue can be frustrating, there are steps you can take to diagnose and fix it. However, before diving into solutions, we must understand what causes this error. Some of them are listed below:

The most common cause of this Chrome error is an incorrect system clock setting. When your system clock isn’t synced with that of the website you’re trying to reach, you’ll see an SSL BAD RECORD MAC alert instead. It could also occur if the router’s Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) value does not match the current network configuration. Additionally, if you are running an antivirus program from a third party, there is a possibility that it is blocking your access to the internet.

1] Reset the TCP/IP Settings

The TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) is a set of rules used by computers to communicate over a network or the internet. When these settings are corrupted or out of date, it can cause issues such as this ERR SSL BAD RECORD MAC ALERT Chrome error. By resetting the TCP/IP settings, you can get your computers back up and running in no time.

Click on Start and search for “Command Prompt”.
Right-click on the result and select Run as administrator.
When UAC appears on the screen, click Yes to open Command Prompt with admin access.
In the Command Prompt window, type in the following commands one by one and hit Enter:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

After executing the above command, close the Command Prompt window.
Then restart your computer.

2] Remove Third-Party Antivirus Software

In order to protect your computer from cyber threats and malware attacks, it is advisable to install a third-party antivirus program. However, in some cases, these programs can interfere with browser functions and lead to unexpected errors, like this one.

Right-click on Start and select Installed apps.
Next, scroll down to the program you want to remove.
Click on the three dots and select Uninstall option.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

3] Update Google Chrome

There is a good chance that you are using an old browser that’s causing this issue. In such a case, you will need to update Google Chrome, which is an easy process that only takes a moment to do so.