What does ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID mean and how to fix it?

ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID is a Chrome error message that indicates the SSL certificate issued for your website's domain name is invalid or not properly configured. This issue often arises when hosting on shared servers, where each client has their own distinct IP address and hostname. When multiple domains are hosted under the same server, it can lead to certificate conflicts and invalidations. Common causes of this error include: 1. Incorrect domain name configuration in the SSL certificate: Double-check that your domain name matches the one registered on your SSL certificate and the one displayed in your website's DNS settings. 2. Incorrect server IP address: Ensure the IP address listed on your SSL certificate matches the actual server IP address hosting your website. 3. Certificate rollover or expiration: If your SSL certificate is nearing or has expired, it may cause errors like ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID. 4. DNS record issues: Inconsistencies in DNS records can prevent your SSL certificate from being properly validated. To resolve this issue: 1. Check with your shared host provider to confirm that their servers support SSL certificates and what the correct configuration is for each domain. 2. Verify your DNS settings are accurate and up-to-date. 3. Renew or reissue an SSL certificate if necessary, ensuring it's properly configured with your website's domain name and server IP address. 4. Clear browser cache and cookies to refresh the SSL connection. Regularly monitoring your SSL certificate's status and configuration can help prevent this error from recurring.

A common cause of the ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID error is when the domain name in your SSL certificate does not match the actual domain name you are trying to access. This can occur if you have changed domain names or subdomains since issuing the SSL certificate. Check that your SSL certificate is correctly installed on the correct server, and that the domain name matches exactly, including any subdomains (e.g., www). If the issue persists, verify your SSL certificate's validity period, installation process, and ensure it is not expired or revoked. Another possible cause is if your SSL certificate is issued to a parent domain but you are trying to access a child domain. In this case, the SSL certificate will only work for the parent domain and its subdomains, not individual child domains. If this is your situation, consider obtaining an SSL certificate specifically for the child domain. It's also worth noting that some third-party website builders or content management systems (CMS) may incorrectly install or configure SSL certificates, leading to this error. Check with your hosting provider or CMS support team to ensure their setup is correct and up-to-date. In rare cases, the ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID error can be caused by a misconfigured server or router configuration on the network side. If you are using a network device such as a router or firewall, check its configuration settings to ensure they are allowing HTTPS traffic for your domain.

The ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID error occurs when a self-signed or invalid SSL certificate is used for HTTPS connections, which can be a common issue when using cloud hosting services. To resolve this error, you have several options: Check your SSL certificate: Ensure that your SSL certificate is properly configured and issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). Verify domain ownership: Confirm that your domain ownership is correctly set up with the CA, as this can affect certificate validation. Use a cloud hosting service provider's own SSL certificates: Many cloud hosting services, such as AWS or Google Cloud, offer their own SSL certificates that can resolve the issue. Update your server configuration: Ensure that your server's configuration is correct and that the SSL certificate is properly configured for HTTPS connections. Request a certificate from a trusted CA: If you have already generated an SSL certificate, try requesting one from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) such as GlobalSign or Comodo. By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID error and ensure that your website is accessible via HTTPS.