When you visit a website, your web browser establishes a secure connection with the server using SSL/TLS encryption. This ensures that the data exchanged between your browser and the server remains private and secure. However, sometimes you may encounter an error message in WordPress that says ‘ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH.’ This error occurs when there is an issue with the SSL/TLS connection between your browser and the server. In this guide, we’ll explain this error in simple terms and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.

How to Fix ‘ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH’ in WordPress

1. Understand the ‘ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH’ Error

Let’s break down this intimidating error message into simpler terms:

• “ERR” stands for Error.
• “SSL” refers to Secure Socket Layer, which is a protocol that encrypts data.
• “VERSION” indicates the version of the encryption protocol.
• “CIPHER” is a code or algorithm used for encryption.
• “MISMATCH” means something doesn’t match or is incompatible.

In plain English, this error means that your web browser and the server can’t agree on how to encrypt the data transfer, either due to an outdated encryption method or a configuration problem.

2. Check the SSL Certificate

An SSL certificate is like a digital ID card for your website. It proves that your site is secure and authentic. Here’s how to check it:

• Visit your website with “https://” at the beginning (e.g., https://www.yourwebsite.com).
• Look at the address bar for a padlock icon. If you see it, your site has an SSL certificate.

If you don’t have an SSL certificate, contact your hosting provider or use a service like Let’s Encrypt to get one for free. Having a valid SSL certificate is crucial for securing your site and fixing this error.

3. Ensure the Correct SSL/TLS Version

Your server and browser must agree on the version of SSL/TLS to use. Sometimes, using outdated versions can trigger the ‘ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH’ error.

To ensure the correct SSL/TLS version:

• Access your website’s hosting control panel.
• Look for an option to configure SSL/TLS settings.
• Select the latest SSL/TLS version available (e.g., TLS 1.2 or TLS 1.3).

If you’re unsure about which version to choose, check your hosting provider’s documentation or contact their support team for guidance.

4. Update Your Web Browser

Outdated web browsers may not support the latest SSL/TLS versions or ciphers. To fix this error, make sure your web browser is up to date. Here’s how:

• Open your browser.
• Go to the browser’s settings or preferences menu.
• Look for an option like “Check for Updates” or “About [Your Browser].”
• Follow the prompts to update your browser to the latest version.

After updating, try accessing your website again to see if the error is resolved.

5. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, cached data and cookies in your web browser can cause SSL-related issues. Clearing them can help fix the ‘ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH’ error. Here’s how to do it in most browsers:

• Open your browser.
• Access the settings or preferences menu.
• Find the option to clear browsing data.
• Select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
• Click the “Clear data” or equivalent button.

After clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, restart the browser and try accessing your website again.

6. Check Your WordPress Plugins and Themes

Certain WordPress plugins and themes might interfere with the SSL/TLS connection, leading to the ‘ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH’ error. To identify and fix this issue:

a. Disable Plugins:

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
• Go to the “Plugins” section.
• Deactivate all plugins.
• Check if the error persists.
• If the error disappears, reactivate plugins one by one to find the culprit.

b. Switch to a Default Theme:

• If disabling plugins doesn’t work, switch to a default WordPress theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-One).
• Go to “Appearance” > “Themes” in your dashboard.
• Activate a default theme.
• Check if the error is resolved.
• If it is, your previous theme may be causing the issue. Consider contacting the theme developer for a fix or update.

7. Verify Server Configuration

Your hosting server’s configuration can also trigger SSL/TLS errors. To ensure everything is set up correctly:

• Contact your hosting provider’s support team and inform them about the ‘ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH’ error.
• Ask them to review your server’s SSL/TLS configuration and make any necessary adjustments.

Hosting providers are usually experienced in handling such issues and can help you resolve them quickly.

8. Disable CDN (Content Delivery Network) or Proxy

If you’re using a CDN or a proxy service like Cloudflare, they may affect your SSL/TLS connection. Here’s what to do:

• Log in to your CDN or proxy service dashboard.
• Temporarily disable SSL/TLS features or options.
• Test your website to see if the error is gone.
• If the error disappears, gradually enable SSL/TLS features one by one to identify the problematic setting.

9. Contact Your Hosting Provider

If none of the above solutions work, it’s time to get in touch with your hosting provider’s support team. They can assist you in diagnosing and resolving the ‘ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH’ error. Be sure to provide them with specific details about the error message and the steps you’ve already taken to troubleshoot the issue.

Conclusion

In summary, the ‘ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH’ error in WordPress occurs when there’s a problem with the SSL/TLS encryption between your web browser and the server. To fix this error, you should:

• Ensure you have a valid SSL certificate for your website.
• Check and update the SSL/TLS version on your server.
• Update your web browser to the latest version.
• Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
• Investigate and disable problematic WordPress plugins or themes.
• Verify your hosting server’s configuration.
• Temporarily disable CDN or proxy services if you use them.

By following these steps, you can enhance the security and accessibility of your WordPress website while ensuring a smooth and error-free browsing experience for your visitors.