Solving the Frustrating [SSL: CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED] Error: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of encountering the annoying [SSL: CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED] error message every time you try to access a website or connect to a server? You’re not alone! This error can be frustrating, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this error and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to fix it once and for all.

What is the [SSL: CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED] Error?

The [SSL: CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED] error occurs when your computer or server is unable to verify the identity of the website or server you’re trying to connect to. This usually happens when the SSL/TLS certificate presented by the server is not trusted or cannot be verified. The error message typically looks like this:

SSLError: [SSL: CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED] certificate verify failed: unable to get local issuer certificate (_ssl.c:1123)

Causes of the [SSL: CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED] Error

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s explore the common causes of this error:

• Missing or Expired SSL Certificate: If the website or server doesn’t have a valid SSL certificate or it has expired, your browser or application will throw this error.
• Misconfigured SSL Certificate: Incorrectly configured SSL certificates can also lead to this error.
• Outdated Root Certificates: If your system’s root certificates are outdated, it may not be able to verify the identity of the website or server.
• Firewall or Proxy Issues: Firewalls or proxies can sometimes block the SSL connection, resulting in this error.

How to Fix the [SSL: CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED] Error

Now that we’ve covered the causes, let’s move on to the solutions. Follow these step-by-step instructions to resolve the [SSL: CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED] error:

Method 1: Verify the SSL Certificate

First, let’s check if the website or server has a valid SSL certificate. You can use online tools like SSL Shopper or SSL Checker to verify the certificate:

https://www.example.com

Replace example.com with the website or server you’re trying to access. If the certificate is valid, you should see the certificate details. If not, you may need to contact the website administrator or server owner to resolve the issue.

Method 2: Update Root Certificates

Outdated root certificates can cause this error. You can update your system’s root certificates using the following methods:

sudo update-ca-certificates

Method 3: Disable Certificate Verification

This method is not recommended, as it compromises the security of your connection. However, if you’re in a development environment or testing scenario, you can disable certificate verification temporarily:

import ssl

try:
    _create_unverified_https_context = ssl._create_unverified_context
except AttributeError:
    pass
else:
    ssl._create_default_https_context = _create_unverified_https_context

This code snippet disables certificate verification for Python. Note that this is not a recommended solution for production environments.

Method 4: Check Firewall and Proxy Settings

Sometimes, firewalls or proxies can block the SSL connection. Check your firewall and proxy settings to ensure they’re not interfering with the connection:

1. Check your firewall settings to ensure it’s not blocking the SSL connection.
2. Verify that your proxy settings are correct and not interfering with the connection.
3. Try disabling your firewall or proxy temporarily to see if the error persists.

Conclusion

The [SSL: CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED] error can be frustrating, but it’s usually a sign of a broader issue with the website or server’s SSL certificate. By following the methods outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the error and establish a secure connection. Remember to always prioritize security and avoid disabling certificate verification in production environments.

If you’re still encountering issues, feel free to share your experience in the comments below. We’d be happy to help you troubleshoot the problem!

Keywords: SSL, certificate verify failed, unable to get local issuer certificate, SSL error, certificate verification failed.

Frequently Asked Question

Stuck with the frustrating [SSL: CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED] error? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot and fix the issue.