Fix err_ssl_key_usage_incompatible in 3 steps

Note that SSL certificates must be renewed periodically

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Key notes

  • SSL certificates are the most important security feature you can use to secure your website.
  • If you receive an incompatible Chrome SSL key usage error, it means something is wrong with your computer’s encryption.
  • The Certificate Authority might have also revoked the certificate if it had been reported as unsafe.

If you’re using Chrome, your browser may tell you that the SSL key certificate for a website is incompatible. It will then bring up an err_ssl_key_usage_incompatible error. This can happen if the site has changed its SSL certificate, which encrypts traffic between your browser and the website.

It is also possible because SSL certificates have a limited lifespan and must be renewed periodically. This can be confusing to users because they are not used to seeing this message when visiting websites.

The problem could be as simple as having an outdated version of Chrome installed on your system, or it might be something more serious such as a virus infection or other malware. 

It may also occur when a certificate is not installed correctly or the computer’s firewall blocks the connection because the Chrome certificate is not trusted. Sometimes, you may be asked to verify where the certificate is from, or you will be stuck indefinitely.

Why does Chrome say err_ssl_key_usage_incompatible? 

If you see this message, your web browser has detected a problem with the certificate being used by the website. There are several reasons why this might happen:

  • Expired certificate – The most common reason why Chrome says your certificate is invalid is that the certificate has expired. To fix this, simply renew your certificate.
  • Your computer clock is set incorrectly – Your time will determine the validity of your SSL certificate. Chrome checks whether websites’ SSL certificates are still valid by comparing them against system time; if your computer’s clock is off by too much, then all certificates will appear invalid. 
  • An out-of-date version of Chrome – Ensure your computer is running the latest version. If not, install an update or upgrade your device.
  • Third-party extensions – If you have any third-party extensions or programs installed on your computer that might interfere with Chrome’s ability to verify the certificate, temporarily disable them and see if it helps resolve the problem.

If any of the above is the reason your SSL key is incompatible, we have some solutions you can attempt to resolve the issue.

Quick Tip:

You should run your SSL certificate through its tests on another browser that supports this validation. Because Opera One is a privacy-focused browser, we suggest testing it out on it as well.

You may handle certificates under Opera One’s Advanced settings and add them as needed. Try out Opera One for a more secure web browsing with it’s free VPN and Ad Blocker.

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How do I fix chrome err_ssl_key_usage_incompatible? 

1. Update Chrome

  1. Launch your Chrome browser and click the three vertical ellipses in the top right corner.
  2. Click Help, then select About Google Chrome.
  3. Check if there is an update available.

2. Disable extensions

  1. Navigate to your browser and in a new tab, enter the following address: chrome://extensions/
  2. Disable extensions one by one until you find the culprit.

3. Use incognito mode

  1. Launch your Chrome browser and click the three vertical ellipses in the top right corner.
  2. Select New incognito window.

How do I update SSL in Chrome? 

The SSL certificate is one of the most important components of any website. It provides a secure connection between your browser and the website you’re trying to reach. 

Without it, your connection is not secure, and anyone who can intercept your data can see what you’re doing on the Internet.

It is why you need to update it if it is expired. Chrome’s certificate auto-update feature is enabled by default, so you shouldn’t need to change any settings. The browser will automatically download and install new certificates as they become available.

However, you can manually check for updates if you still get the error. If that still doesn’t work, uninstall and reinstall the browser and restart your PC.

You can also secure your certificate if Chrome says it’s not valid to ensure your identity is always protected.

If you have additional thoughts on this topic, feel free to leave them below in the comments section.

More about the topics: Chrome, SSL error