If you are an avid smartphone user, it is possible that you have come across a pop-up message on your device that says, “Cannot Verify Server Identity.” This error message can be confusing and alarming, especially if you don’t understand its meaning. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons why this message appears on your device and what you can do to fix it.
Server is the mainframe of every website, email server or any other internet service. It is responsible for handling your requests and serving you the data. Therefore, server identity is crucial for ensuring that your requests are handled by the right server and that the data you receive is not tampered with. If your phone cannot verify the server’s identity, it means there is an issue with the server’s certificate or the connection between your phone and the server.
So, what should you do when your phone displays this error message? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out what causes the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error message and how to fix it.
What Causes “Cannot Verify Server Identity” Error?
There are several reasons why your phone might show the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error. One of the most common reasons is an incorrect system time on your phone. If the time and date are incorrect, it can create problems with the SSL handshake, leading to the error message. Another reason for this error message is the outdated or misconfigured SSL certificate. If the certificate is expired, revoked, or not issued by a trusted certificate authority, your phone will not be able to establish a secure connection with the server.
Additionally, the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error can also be caused by a misconfigured network or proxy settings. Sometimes, the network settings on your phone might be misconfigured, or the proxy settings might not be set up correctly, leading to the error message. This can happen if you are using a public Wi-Fi network, where the network might have a captive portal or other restrictions that prevent your phone from establishing a secure connection.
Lastly, the error message can also be caused by a malicious software or a phishing attempt. If you see this error message while browsing the internet, it’s possible that you have stumbled upon a malicious website that is trying to steal your information. In this case, you should avoid interacting with the website and close the browser immediately.
Expired SSL Certificate
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a crucial security feature for any website or server that handles sensitive information. It encrypts the communication between the server and the client, ensuring that the data is secure and private. However, if the SSL certificate is expired, your phone cannot verify the server’s identity, and you will receive the error message.
An SSL certificate is typically valid for a specific period, usually one or two years, and after that, it must be renewed. Failure to renew the SSL certificate results in an expired certificate, which can cause the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error.
Another cause of an expired SSL certificate is incorrect server configurations or settings. For example, if the website owner does not update their website’s SSL certificate when it expires, it will cause issues with server identity verification.
Mismatched Date and Time Settings
Another common cause of the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error on phones is mismatched date and time settings. Your device’s date and time need to be in sync with the server’s date and time to establish a secure connection. If there is a difference between the two, your phone may reject the server’s SSL certificate.
To fix this issue, you need to ensure that your device’s date and time settings are correct. Follow these steps:
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Select Date & Time (or a similar option).
- Toggle on Automatic Date & Time (or a similar option).
If your phone is still showing the error after syncing the date and time, you may need to check your time zone settings as well. Make sure that your phone’s time zone matches the time zone of the server you are trying to connect to.
How to Fix “Cannot Verify Server Identity” Error on iPhone?
If you are experiencing the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error on your iPhone, don’t worry. There are several ways to fix this issue:
Method 1: Check Your Internet Connection
Make sure your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network. Unstable internet connection can cause this error to occur.
Method 2: Adjust Date and Time Settings
Ensure that your iPhone’s date and time settings are set to “Automatic”. This can resolve any mismatched date and time issues that may be causing the error.
Method 3: Clear Safari Cache and Website Data
Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. This will clear any cached data that may be causing the error.
Method 4: Restart Your iPhone
Restarting your iPhone can help resolve many software-related issues. Press and hold the power button and swipe the slider to turn off your iPhone. Wait for a few seconds, and then press and hold the power button again to turn it back on.
Method 5: Update Your iPhone
Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install any available updates.
Update Your iOS to the Latest Version
If you are experiencing the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error on your iPhone, the first thing you should do is check if there are any available software updates. Updating your iOS can help fix any bugs and vulnerabilities that could be causing the error. Here are some steps you can follow to update your iOS to the latest version:
- Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If there is an update available, tap “Download and Install.”
Once the update is complete, restart your iPhone and check if the error has been resolved.
What to Do When Your Android Phone Cannot Verify Server Identity?
If you are encountering a “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error on your Android phone, you may need to take the following steps:
Clear Your Browser’s Cache and Cookies: Often, clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can resolve the issue. To do this, go to your browser settings and clear the cache and cookies.
Update Your Android System: Keeping your Android system up to date can help prevent errors. Go to your phone’s settings and check for any available updates.
Check Your Date and Time Settings: Make sure your phone’s date and time settings are set correctly. Incorrect settings can cause security certificate errors. Go to your phone’s settings and check the date and time.
Remove and Re-add the Account: If the error persists, try removing and then re-adding the account that is causing the issue.
Contact Your Email Service Provider: If none of the above steps work, contact your email service provider’s support team for further assistance.
Clear Cache and Data of the Affected App
Step 1: Go to “Settings” on your Android phone.
Step 2: Find “Apps & notifications” and tap on it.
Step 3: Find the app that is causing the error and tap on it.
Step 4: Tap on “Storage & cache”.
Step 5: Tap on “Clear cache” and “Clear data” buttons.
Reset Network Settings on Your Phone
If clearing the app cache and data did not resolve the issue, you can try resetting your phone’s network settings. This action will reset your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular network settings back to their factory defaults.
- To reset network settings on Android, go to “Settings”, then “System”, then “Reset options”, and finally “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth”. Confirm the action and restart your phone.
- To reset network settings on iPhone, go to “Settings”, then “General”, then “Reset”, and finally “Reset Network Settings”. Enter your passcode and confirm the action. Your phone will restart automatically.
- After the reset, you will need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and re-enter any Bluetooth or cellular settings.
Note that resetting your network settings will erase any saved Wi-Fi passwords and other network-related settings. However, it can be an effective solution for various network-related issues, including the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error.
If resetting network settings did not fix the problem, you can try some of the other troubleshooting steps or contact your device manufacturer or service provider for further assistance.
Disable Automatic Time and Date Setting
If the automatic time and date setting is the cause of the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error on your Android phone, disabling it may resolve the issue. To do this:
- Go to your phone’s Settings.
- Select “System” or “General Management.”
- Select “Date and Time.”
- Disable “Automatic Date and Time.”
- Manually set the date and time.
This should resolve the issue if the automatic time and date setting was causing the error. If the error persists, try the other troubleshooting steps to fix it.
Is “Cannot Verify Server Identity” Error a Security Threat?
Cybersecurity is a major concern for everyone who uses the internet. One of the most common errors that people face is the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error. This error message can be alarming, and many people wonder whether it is a security threat.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that this error is not always a sign of a security threat. It can occur for a number of reasons, including issues with the server, outdated software, or incorrect time settings on your device.
However, there are instances where this error can be a sign of a security threat. If you receive this error message when visiting a website that you were not trying to access, it could be a sign that your device has been compromised.
If you suspect that your device has been compromised, it’s important to take immediate action to protect yourself. This can include running a malware scan, updating your device’s software, and changing your passwords for any compromised accounts.
Overall, while the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error can be concerning, it is not always a sign of a security threat. By understanding the potential causes of this error and taking appropriate action, you can help protect yourself and your device from cyber threats.
If you have encountered the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error on your iPhone or Android, you may be wondering if it poses a security threat to your device or personal information.
The answer is no. This error message typically indicates that there is a problem with the security certificate for a website or email server, and it does not necessarily mean that your device or data is at risk.
Firstly, this error message is usually caused by a simple misconfiguration or an expired certificate, rather than an actual security breach.
Secondly, the error message itself does not give an attacker access to your device or data, nor does it provide them with any sensitive information.
Finally, while it is always a good idea to be cautious when encountering any error message or warning on your device, the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error is not considered a direct security threat.
That being said, it is still important to take steps to resolve the error and ensure that your device is running smoothly and securely.
How to Prevent “Cannot Verify Server Identity” Error on Your Phone?
Keep your phone software up to date: Regularly check for software updates and install them to ensure that your phone has the latest security patches and bug fixes.
Be cautious when installing apps: Download apps only from trusted sources such as Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Avoid sideloading apps from third-party sources, as they may contain malware or other security vulnerabilities.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN can help protect your online privacy and secure your internet connection, reducing the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks that can trigger the “cannot verify server identity” error.
Ensure Date and Time Settings are Accurate
Check Automatic Date and Time Setting: Make sure that the automatic date and time setting is enabled on your phone. If it is not, enable it and check if the error message disappears.
Check Time Zone Setting: Verify that the time zone setting on your phone is accurate. If it is not, adjust it to the correct time zone and check if the error message disappears.
Synchronize with Time Server: In case the date and time settings on your phone are correct, but the error message still appears, try synchronizing with a time server. This can be done in the settings of your phone by selecting “Date and Time” and then “Synchronize with Time Server.”
Update Your Phone’s Operating System Regularly
One of the most effective ways to prevent “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error is to keep your phone’s operating system up to date. Software updates often include important security patches and bug fixes that can address vulnerabilities in the system.
To check for available updates on your Android phone, go to Settings, then System, and select System update. If an update is available, download and install it as soon as possible.
It is also recommended to enable automatic updates so that your phone receives the latest security updates without requiring manual intervention. This can be done by going to Settings, then System, and selecting Advanced followed by System update and turning on the toggle for “Automatic system updates.”
Conclusion
Cannot Verify Server Identity error is a common issue faced by Android users that can be resolved by following simple steps.
Clearing cache and data of the affected app, resetting network settings, and disabling automatic date and time settings are a few ways to resolve the error.
While the error itself may not pose a direct security threat, it can indicate potential security risks such as man-in-the-middle attacks.
To prevent such errors, it’s important to ensure that your phone’s operating system is up-to-date and that you take other necessary security measures, such as avoiding public Wi-Fi networks and using a VPN.
By taking these precautions, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error and help protect your device and personal information.
If you are seeing the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error on your phone, you are not alone. It is a common issue that many users face.
While the error message may be alarming, it is not a direct security threat to your device. It is simply a warning that the server’s identity cannot be confirmed.
To prevent this error from happening in the future, it is recommended to ensure your phone’s date and time settings are accurate, update your phone’s operating system regularly, and use trusted Wi-Fi networks.
By following these simple steps, you can prevent the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error from appearing on your phone and ensure a secure browsing experience.
In conclusion, while the error message may be concerning, it is not a direct threat to your device’s security. By taking simple precautions, you can easily prevent this error from happening and browse the internet safely and securely.
Regular Phone Maintenance Can Help Prevent This Error
Check for software updates regularly: Keeping your phone’s operating system up-to-date can help prevent many software-related errors, including the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error. Make sure to install the latest updates as soon as they become available.
Keep accurate date and time settings: As mentioned earlier, incorrect date and time settings can trigger the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error. Be sure to check your phone’s date and time settings and make sure they are accurate.
Remove and re-add email accounts: If you’re experiencing the error while trying to access your email, try removing the account from your phone and then adding it back again. This can help refresh the connection and resolve any server-related issues.
Clear browsing data: If you’re getting the error while browsing the web, clearing your browsing data may help. This includes your browsing history, cache, and cookies. Doing this can help clear any stored data that might be causing the error.
Reset network settings: Sometimes, network settings can become corrupted and cause issues with your phone’s connection to the internet. Resetting your network settings can help resolve these types of issues and may help prevent the “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error from occurring.