Most websites apply a secure connection protocol using secure sockets layers (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS). The secure connection creates a kind of secure connection that ensures data shared between websites and users are impossible to read by others.
However, if the secure connection is not probably configured the errors can lead to a secure connection failed Firefox which can be frustrating to users if it fails to establish a secure connection.
Causes of Secure Connection Failed Firefox
The causes of a secure connection failure on Firefox include using a VPN or proxy interference, Incorrect cypher variants, Corrupted Firefox profile, and third-party security software interference.
With that being said; we will take a look at how to fix the secure connection failed on your Firefox browser when you are trying to communicate with a website.
How to Secure Connection Failed Firefox
Below are some troubleshooting steps to fix the issue of a secure connection failed firefox when you are browsing the web:
Check Your Firefox Settings
Since this issue is specific to firefox, begin by reviewing your browser setting.
Reset Firefox SSL Settings
You may experience a secure connection error if you’ve adjusted your Firefox browser’s SSL settings.
Therefore, you can refresh your Firefox settings to resolve the failed secure connection error. To do so follow these steps:
- Tap the three parallel lines (menu icon) at the top right corner.
- Click help.
- Click More Troubleshooting Information.
- The diagnostics will be displayed under the Troubleshooting Information tab. Go to the top right corner under “Give Firefox a tune-up” and select the “Refresh Firefox button”.
- Click the “Refresh Firefox button” again when the prompt pop-up screen is displayed.
- Your Firefox browser will close automatically and you will see a new window that shows the reset progress.
- Once it restarts your browser will make use of its default configuration settings including the SSL settings.
Disable DNS Over HTTPS
Your browser sends out a DNS request to the server when you are trying to open a website. This request is sent through HTTPS and the protocol is known as DNS over HTTPS.
When this protocol is enabled it will prevent malicious attackers from intruding and spying on your online activities.
Enabling this feature could be the reason behind the secure connection failure on the Firefox browser.
Disabling this feature can help to fix this issue. Follow these steps to disable DNS over HTTPS:
- Open your Firefox browser.
- Click the three parallel (Menu icon) at the top right corner and Click Settings.
- On the General screen, scroll down to the bottom, and you will see Network Settings. Click Settings.
- Under connection settings, scroll to the bottom of the window you will see the “Enable DNS over HTTPS” option, uncheck the box and click OK.
- Now restart your browser and check if the secure connection failed Firefox error has been resolved.
Create a New Firefox Profile
If the previous methods failed to resolve the connection error. You may need to create a new profile as your Firefox profile may have been corrupted.
Follow these steps to create a new Firefox profile:
- Type about: profile in the address tab and click Enter.
- Click the Create a New Profile button.
- The Create Profile Wizard will be displayed. Follow the on-screen instructions.
- When you are done, then the new profile will be displayed on the profile manager tab.
- Click Launch profile in a new browser.
- Now revisit the website with a new profile. If the issue is resolved this means the corrupt Firefox profile is the cause of the secure connection failed error on Firefox.
Turn Off Your VPN or Proxy
When you browse the Internet with a VPN or proxy this could cause this issue. When these services are enabled on your device they interfere with your connection.
To disable a VPN would depend on the VPN app you use on your device. But often time you just need to tap the VPN turn-off button in the application or on your phone’s background.
But if you use a proxy connection, go to your system proxy settings. There are different methods to disable proxy for Windows and macOS users.
Follow these steps to turn off the proxy server in the system settings on your windows:
- Open windows settings.
- Tap Network & internet.
- Choose Proxy on the left panel.
- Under Proxy scroll down to the manual proxy setup section.
- Now turn off and use a proxy server.
- Reboot your computer to allow the changes to take place.
- Revisit the website through your Firefox browser.
Follow these steps to turn off the proxy server on your Mac:
- Open System Preferences.
- Select Network.
- Select Wi-Fi on the left panel and tap the Advanced button.
- Open the Proxies tab.
- Ensure you uncheck all items on the “Select a protocol to configure” box.
- Click OK.
- Reboot your Mac.
- Revisit the website using the Firefox browser.
Disable Firefox Proxy Settings
If the proxy connection is active on your Firefox connection settings, this can cause secure connection failure on the Firefox browser.
Below are steps to disable Firefox Proxy settings:
- Click the three parallel lines or menu icon at the top right corner.
- Select settings.
- Locate the Network Settings section.
- Click the settings tab.
- The Connection Settings window will be displayed. Under the Configure Proxy Access to the Internet is displayed at the top. Tick the No proxy option
- Tap the OK button to save the settings.
- Restart your Firefox browser.
Temporarily Disable Security Software
Windows Os often depend on 3rd party security software. Some security or antivirus software such as Kaspersky, BitDefender, and ESET may perceive it as a potential threat.
This software may intercept the connection and use its secure protocol which may result in a secure connection failed Firefox.
You may want to switch off the software completely, which may expose your computer to security risks.
You can disable the real-time protection on your antivirus software which tracks your activity and intercepts the network connection when it locates any threats.
If you can’t switch it off manually, then you have to completely disable the software. You can generally locate the settings on the dashboard or configuration section.
After you have disabled the software, reboot the computer and revisit the website.
In conclusion, try the following to fix the secure connection failed while using your Firefox browser.
- Reset firefox SSL settings
- Disable DNS over HTTPS
- Create a new Firefox profile
- Turn off your VPN or Proxy
- Disable Firefox proxy settings
- Temporarily disable security software.