Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: PayPal SSL error (ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID) Chrome, Opera, IE

Technical issue with PayPal SSL error in Chrome and Opera, resolved by flushing DNS cache.

Quick Answer: Flush DNS cache using ipconfig /flushdns to resolve the issue, as it sometimes resolves the problem but may cause intermittent errors.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 🛑 Root Causes of the Error
  2. 🚀 How to Resolve This Issue
  3. ✨ Wrapping Up

The PayPal SSL error (ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID) is a common issue that affects users trying to access the PayPal website using Google Chrome, Opera, and Internet Explorer. This error occurs when the SSL certificate issued to the PayPal domain does not match the common name (CN) specified in the certificate.

This frustrating issue can be resolved by following the steps outlined below. The solution involves troubleshooting the DNS settings, updating the system and browser, and clearing cache and cookies.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The primary reason for this error is a mismatch between the SSL certificate issued to PayPal and the common name specified in the certificate. This can occur due to various reasons such as outdated or incorrect DNS settings, or issues with the system's time and date configuration.
  • An alternative reason for this error could be an issue with the browser's cache or cookies, which may cause the browser to display the SSL error.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Update System and Browser

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Ensure that your system and browser are up-to-date. Check for any available updates and install them as soon as possible.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: Clear the cache and cookies in both Google Chrome and Opera browsers. To do this, go to the browser settings, select 'Clear browsing data' or 'Clear cache and cookies', and choose the options that suit your needs.
  3. Step 3: Step 3: Restart the browser after clearing the cache and cookies.

Troubleshoot DNS Settings

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Check if the issue persists even when using Google's public DNS servers (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). Try accessing PayPal using these DNS servers to see if the issue resolves.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: If the issue still persists, try flushing the DNS cache on your system. To do this, open Command Prompt as an administrator, type `ipconfig /flushdns`, and press Enter.

✨ Wrapping Up

To resolve the PayPal SSL error (ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID), it is recommended to follow the steps outlined above. If the issue persists after updating the system and browser, try troubleshooting the DNS settings. Remember to clear cache and cookies regularly to avoid any issues with your browsing experience. Additionally, ensure that your system's time and date are correct to prevent any further issues.

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