SSL certificates serve as essential website security tools that need periodic renewal. The expiration of SSL certificates leads browsers including Chrome to show security alerts which may deter website visitors. This guide provides multiple ways to check SSL certificate expiration dates in Chrome through both basic graphical user interface approaches and advanced developer-focused techniques.
Why Checking SSL Expiration Matters
The importance of monitoring SSL certificate expiration dates requires understanding first. An expired SSL certificate can:
- Trigger “Your connection is not private” warnings
- Cause browsers to block access to your site
- Damage user trust and SEO rankings
The Google Chrome browser offers multiple native methods to verify certificate validity which we will examine thoroughly.
A Step-by-Step Guide to View SSL Certificate Expiration Date in Chrome
- Check SSL Expiration via Chrome’s Tune Icon (Easiest Method)
- Inspect Certificate Details Using Chrome Developer Tools
- Use Chrome Extensions for Quick SSL Checks
- Check SSL Certificates via Chrome’s Internal Page
Method 1: Check SSL Expiration via Chrome’s Tune Icon (Easiest Method)
The simplest way to check the SSL certificate expiration date in Chrome is by using the Tune icon in the address bar. Here’s how:
- Open Chrome and navigate to the website you want to check.
- Look for the Tune icon to the left of the URL.
- Click the Tune Icon to see a quick summary of the certificate status.
- Select “Connection is secure” → “Certificate is valid” to view details.
In the pop-up window, you’ll see:
- Issued by: Which Certificate Authority (CA) provided the SSL
- Expiration date: When the certificate will expire
- Encryption type: (e.g., TLS 1.2 or 1.3)
This method is perfect for a quick check, but if you need deeper details, proceed to the next method.
Method 2: Inspect Certificate Details Using Chrome Developer Tools
For a more technical breakdown, you can view certificates in Chrome using Developer Tools.
This method provides:
- Full certificate chain details
- Exact expiration timestamp
- Cryptographic signature info
Steps to Access SSL Certificate via DevTools:
- Open the website in Chrome.
- Press F12 or Ctrl + Shift + I to open Developer Tools.
- Go to the “Security” tab.
- Click “View certificate” to see the full certificate details.
Here, you’ll find:
- Valid from → The start date of the certificate
- Valid to → The expiration date
- Public key info → Encryption strength
- Certificate path → Trust chain validation
This method is ideal for developers who need to verify intermediate certificates or troubleshoot SSL errors.
Method 3: Use Chrome Extensions for Quick SSL Checks
If you frequently check SSL certificates, browser extensions can automate the process. Some of the best tools for how to see certificates in Chrome include:
Recommended Extensions:
- “SSL Certificate Checker“: One-click expiry checks
- “Certificate Viewer”: Detailed certificate decoding
- “SSL/TLS Analyzer”: Advanced validation for sysadmins
How to Use an SSL Checker Extension:
- Install the extension from the Chrome Web Store.
- Visit the website you want to check.
- Click the extension icon to see:
- Expiration date
- Issuer details
- Remaining validity days
Extensions are great for non-technical users who need fast SSL monitoring.
Method 4: Check SSL Certificates via Chrome’s Internal Page
Chrome has a hidden settings page where you can find certificates in Chrome for all trusted sites.
Steps to Access:
- Type chrome://settings/certificates in the address bar.
- Go to the “Authorities” tab to see trusted root certificates.
- Check the “Your Certificates” tab for client SSL certificates.
This is useful for IT admins managing enterprise certificates.
Troubleshooting SSL Certificate Issues in Chrome
Sometimes, even valid certificates show errors. Common fixes:
1. “Certificate Expired” Error
- Renew the SSL certificate from your CA (e.g., DigiCert, Let’s Encrypt).
- Ensure your server’s date/time is correct (an incorrect clock can falsely trigger expiry warnings).
2. “Invalid Certificate Authority” Error
- Reinstall intermediate certificates.
- Check if the root CA is still trusted (some older CAs get deprecated).
3. Mixed Content Warnings
- Ensure all website resources (images, scripts) load via HTTPS, not HTTP.
Advanced: Exporting SSL Certificates from Chrome
Need to analyze a certificate offline? You can view site certificate in Chrome and export it:
- Open Developer Tools (F12) → Security tab → View certificate.
- Click “Details” → “Export” to save as .pem or .der.
Final Thoughts
The update of your SSL certificate stands as an essential factor for maintaining website security together with user trust. The steps provided enable you to check the expiration date of any SSL certificate directly within Chrome. Security warnings and downtime along with potential data breaches become preventable through regular monitoring. Save this guide for future use and establish renewal reminder systems. Your site security needs proactive attention to provide a safe browsing experience for your visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I check when my SSL certificate expires in Chrome?
Click on the Tune icon in Chrome’s address bar. Select “Connection is secure” from the dropdown menu. Click “Certificate is valid” to view detailed certificate information. The expiration date appears in the certificate details window.
Can Google Chrome warn me about SSL certificate expiration?
Chrome shows a warning when you visit websites with expired SSL certificates. The browser displays a “Not Secure” message in red. Users see a full-screen warning about potential security risks.
How do I view SSL certificate details in Chrome browser?
Open Chrome and visit the website. Click the Tune icon next to the URL. Select “Certificate is valid” to open certificate information. View the complete certificate details including validity period and issuer information.
What happens if an SSL certificate expires in Chrome?
Chrome blocks access to websites with expired SSL certificates. Users receive a security warning message. The browser shows “Your connection is not private” error screen.
How often should I check SSL certificate expiration in Chrome?
Check SSL certificates monthly for expiration dates. Set calendar reminders 30 days before expiration. Monitor certificate status regularly to prevent security warnings.
Why is my Chrome showing SSL certificate errors?
SSL errors occur when certificates expire or become invalid. System clock settings might be incorrect. The website’s SSL certificate may have security issues or trust problems.
Priya Mervana
Verified Web Security Experts
Priya Mervana is working at SSLInsights.com as a web security expert with over 10 years of experience writing about encryption, SSL certificates, and online privacy. She aims to make complex security topics easily understandable for everyday internet users.
