Have you been getting an ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error after a Windows 10 update? Or are you getting the error randomly on your PC or Mac? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

The ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error is a pain in the neck for sure, but we have seven proven methods that work for fixing the error. Since the most common cause of this error is an outdated version of Chrome, we suggest scrolling down to method 2 first, which is to update Chrome. We also have a couple of alternate ways to perform each method if you have a Mac or Macbook.

What Is the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT Error?

The ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error is a message that pops up when trying to access a webpage. Most users have reported it happening when they try to get onto accounts.google.com. It’s not exclusive to Google Chrome and happens on other web browsers such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Opera.

What Causes the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT Error?

We looked into some of the reports by various users and the steps that were taken to resolve the issue. Based on these, we found some of the most common causes of the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error: 

Third-Party Software & HTTP Traffic

Antivirus programs are supposed to keep your computer safe, but while doing so, they can cause more issues than anything. Some programs become overprotective of the computer and it will disable things that shouldn’t be. 

Outdated Chrome

It was reported that this error was popping up on computers that were running outdated versions of Chrome. Fortunately, this is an easy fix and it only requires some button clicking within Chrome. 

Error With MTU Value on the Router

The error can also pop up if your router’s MTU value isn’t able to work with the current configurations you have within your network. 

How to Fix the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT Error

If you are having a hard time fixing the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error, then keep reading. We have compiled a list of methods that were proven to work to get the issue resolved. These methods include: 

• Disable HTTPS Inspection 
• Update Chrome
• Change MTU on your router
• Add site to trusted sites list
• Set time to automatic
• Stop Antivirus from scanning encrypted connections (Bitdefender)
• Disable Advanced Streaming Detection (Killer Network Card)

Method 1: Disable HTTPS Inspection

The first method we are going to try is disabling the HTTPS inspection within your antivirus program. This method really depends on your antivirus software. Each one is different and there are different ways to gain access to the settings you need to change. You will want to look for something in the settings that said to disable the HTTPS inspection. If you can’t find a setting like that, then it is advised that you uninstall the software completely and try to access the website again. If the issue is resolved then you know it was the fault of your antivirus software. 

Method 2: Update Chrome

Many users have reported that an outdated version of Chrome was the issue causing the  ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error. However, those using only the older 20-40 version build were affected by the error. If you think this applies to you, then follow the instructions to update Chrome: 

• Click the three dots on the screen in the upper-right corner of Chrome
• Click Help
• Select About Google Chrome
• Let the system do its scan
• If there is an update, click on Update Chrome
• Wait for the new version to install
• Restart your browser and check the website again

If this method doesn’t apply to you, continue to the next one. 

Method 3: Change the MTU On Your Router

A lot of Chrome users have encountered the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error due to issues with their router’s MTU. You can fix the error by changing the MTU value to 1400. Here’s how to do that: 

• Launch a browser and enter your login address for your router. Most routers are 192.168.0.1  or  192.168.1.1 by default
• Look through the router’s settings for Network or WAN settings that allow you to change the MTU size. It may be under Advanced or WAN setup
• Set the size to 1400 
• Hit Save or Apply
• Restart your router 
• Go to the same website to see if the error persists

Method 4: Add Site to Trusted Sites List

Sometimes your computer or firewall may think that a good website is a bad one. You can change that and possibly fix the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error by adding the website to the trusted sites list. Here’s what to do:

• Windows
• Search for Control Panel
• Go to Network and Internet
• Click on Internet Options
• Choose Security
• Click on Trusted Sites
• Choose Sites
• Enter the website you’re trying to access into the site address and click Add
• Try to access the website again

Mac

Open your web browser

Type the address that you want to add to trusted sites

Click on the Lock next to the website

Locate Certificate options

Choose the Certificare image and drag it to your desktop

Open the image to access the Keychain Access Window

type your password

From the dropdown menu, click System

Click on Add

Locate the certificate of the website you want to add

Click on the Triangle next to Trust

Choose to Always Trust when using this certificate

Close the window and add your password and keychain window

Restart browser

Method 5: Set Time to Automatic

Sometimes you can get the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error if you have incorrect time settings on your computer. In this case, you need to set the startup time to automatic within Windows Time service. Follow these steps to do so: 

• Windows
• Hit Win + R
• Type Services.msc
• Hit Enter
• Click to open Properties
• Navigate to Startup type
• Choose Automatic from the menu
• Hit Apply and choose Start
• Restart your PC

Mac

• Choose the Apple menu
• Click on System Preferences
• Click Date & Time
• Open Date & Time Preferences
• Click on Time Zone and set it to Automatic
• Click on Clock and set it to Automatic
• Apply changes

Method 6: Stop Antivirus from scanning encrypted connections (Bitdefender)

This method applies to those who use Bitdefender. The Error appeared for users who have this antivirus software installed on their computers. You can choose to disable HTTPS scanning to try to get the error to go away. You can do this by performing the following actions: 

• Open Bitdefender
• Choose Features
• Click on Web Protection
• Go to Settings
• Toggle the switch under Scan SSL to the left to turn it off

Method 7: Disable Advanced Streaming Detection 

If your computer has a Killer network card, such as Alienware or Dell, you can attempt to disable the advanced streaming detection setting. It has been known to cause the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error. Here’s how you can disable it: 

• Locate and launch the Killer Network Control Panel
• Go to Settings
• Uncheck the Advanced Stream Detect option
• Restart your computer and try the webpage again

Conclusion

Those are the five methods we have that may help fix the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT error. We hope that one of these methods worked for you. It’s a common error and nothing to be overly concerned about. If you find that it’s only happening on Google Chrome, try switching to another web browser. 

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