What is the Python Requests SSL Certificate Verify Failed Error?
The SSL: CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED error in Python Requests occurs when the SSL certificate validation fails during an HTTPS request. This is a common issue when working with self-signed certificates, expired certificates, or misconfigured SSL settings.
Example: If you see the error requests.exceptions.SSLError: HTTPSConnectionPool(host=’example.com’, port=443): Max retries exceeded with url, it’s likely due to SSL certificate issues.
Common Causes of SSL Certificate Verify Failed in Python Requests
- Self-Signed Certificates: Using self-signed certificates that are not trusted by Python’s certificate store.
- Expired Certificates: The SSL certificate on the server has expired.
- Missing Intermediate Certificates: The server’s certificate chain is incomplete.
- Misconfigured SSL Settings: Incorrect SSL configuration on the server or client side.
How to Resolve Python Requests SSL Certificate Verify Failed
Here are the most effective solutions to resolve the CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED error in Python Requests:
1. Update Certifi Package:
Ensure the certifi package is up-to-date. This package contains the root certificates used by Python for SSL verification.
pip install --upgrade certifi
2. Verify the SSL Certificate Manually:
Use the verify parameter in Python Requests to specify the path to the CA bundle.
import requests
response = requests.get('https://example.com', verify='/path/to/certificate.crt')
3. Install Missing Certificates:
If the server uses a self-signed or missing intermediate certificate, download and install it manually.
If you’re encountering the CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED error, you can resolve it by following these steps to fix certificate verify failed errors in Python.
Disabling SSL Verification in Python Requests (Not Recommended)
While disabling SSL verification can bypass the CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED error, it is not recommended due to security risks.
However, you can disable SSL verification temporarily using the verify=False parameter:
import requests
response = requests.get('https://example.com', verify=False)
Note: Disabling SSL verification exposes your application to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.
How to Install and Configure SSL Certificates for Python
To avoid SSL certificate errors, ensure that Python can access the correct SSL certificates.
Follow these steps:
- Install Python: If you haven’t installed Python yet, follow our guide on how to install Python on your operating system.
- Install SSL Certificates: Use the certifi package or manually install the required certificates.
- Configure SSL Settings: Ensure your server’s SSL configuration is correct.
Best Practices to Avoid SSL Certificate Errors in Python
- Always use trusted SSL certificates from reputable Certificate Authorities (CAs).
- Keep your certifi package and Python environment up-to-date.
- Avoid disabling SSL verification in production environments.
- Test your SSL configuration using tools like Free SSL Checker.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, to resolve the “SSL Certificate Verify Failed” error in Python Requests, ensure the right certificates are installed, or update your libraries or disable verification if needed. But always secure, verify certificates in production. These steps provide a seamless, secure connection, and help make your Python apps more reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED mean in Python Requests?
It means Python was unable to verify the SSL certificate of the server you’re trying to connect to.
How do I fix SSL: CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED in Python?
Update the certifi package, verify the certificate manually, or install missing certificates. For a detailed guide, visit this link.
Can I disable SSL verification in Python Requests?
Yes, but it’s not recommended. Use verify=False in the requests.get() method.
