While using Google services, you may have noticed a peculiar term called Gws_rd SSL in the URL. This SSL protocol contributes to your online security, protects your privacy, and establishes a secure channel between your browser and Google’s servers. Let’s understand this protocol in detail and learn how to fix the Gws_rd SSL error.
What is Gws_rd SSL on Google?
Let’s explore Gws_rd SSL, a security feature by Google that keeps your sensitive information safe, and also learn how to fix any errors related to Gws_rd SSL in easy steps.
What Does Gws-Rd Mean?
Gws_rd is an abbreviation for Google Web Server ReDirect. When you perform a Google search, your query is sent to Google’s servers for processing. The gws_rd parameter is added to the URL to redirect the request to the appropriate Google web server. It helps to ensure that your search results are delivered quickly and efficiently.
In addition to redirecting requests to the appropriate server, gws_rd also helps to manage the load on Google’s servers. By directing requests to different servers based on their location and other factors, Google can balance the load and prevent any one server from becoming overloaded.
What is Gws_rd=SSL on Google?
When you perform a search on Google using a secure connection, the gws_rd parameter is appended to the URL with the value SSL. This indicates that the search is being conducted using SSL encryption, which helps to keep your search query and results secure.
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, and it’s a protocol that provides encryption and authentication for internet communications. When you use SSL to connect to a website, your connection is encrypted, which makes it more difficult for anyone to intercept or tamper with your data. SSL also provides authentication, which helps to ensure that you’re connecting to the website you intended to connect to and not a fake or malicious site.
In the case of Google search, SSL encryption helps to protect your search query and results from prying eyes. It is especially important if you’re using a public Wi-Fi network, where your connection could be vulnerable to snooping and hacking.
Also Read: TLS vs SSL vs HTTPS: What are the Differences?
How to Fix Gws_rd=SSL Error?
If you’ve encountered an error related to the gws_rd=ssl error on Google, there are a few things you can try to fix. You can repair your troubleshooting by the given below steps:
Method 1: Set Correct System Time and Date
If your computer’s clock is set to the wrong time or date, this can cause SSL errors when connecting to secure websites like Google. Make sure your system time and date are set correctly. Here’s how to do it:
Option I: On Windows OS
Ensure the time zone, date, and time are set correctly to fix the issue. Let’s see how:
1. Hit the Windows + I keys simultaneously to open Settings.
2. Click on Time & Language.
3. From the left pane, click on Date & time.
4A. Turn on the toggle for the Set time automatically option.
Note: It will automatically update the date and time using real-time information from the Internet.
4B. If that doesn’t work, click on Set the date and time manually and adjust the date and time as necessary.
Once the date and time have been corrected, it’s recommended to restart your system and then check if the error has been resolved.
Option II: On macOS
To set the date and time automatically on your Mac and fix the Gws_rd SSL error on Google, follow the steps mentioned below:
1. Navigate to System Preferences on your Mac.
2. Click on the Date & Time option.
3. After that, click on the lock icon located at the bottom left corner of your screen to unlock the permissions to make changes.
4. Then, enter your Mac password.
5. Mark the checkbox for the Set date and time automatically and apply the changes.
6. Switch to the Time Zone tab and turn on the toggle for Set time zone automatically using your current location.
Also Read: Fix Firefox SSL_ERROR_NO_CYPHER_OVERLAP in Windows 10
Method 2: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
One of the most common causes of gws_rd=ssl errors is a corrupted or outdated browser cache or cookies. Clearing your browser cache and cookies can help to fix this Gws_rd SSL on Google error.
To do this, follow the instructions given below for different browsers:
Option I: On Google Chrome
1. Open the Google Chrome browser and click on the three-dotted icon from the top right corner of the browser.
2. Click on More tools and then select Clear browsing data…
3. Mark the checkboxes for the following options:
- Cookies and other site data
- Cached images and files
4. Then, click on the Clear data prompt.
Option II: On Mozilla Firefox
1. Open the Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the hamburger icon from the top right corner.
2. Now, click on Settings.
3. Select Privacy & Security from the left pane.
4. Under the Cookies and Site Data section, click on Clear Data…
5. Mark the checkboxes for the following options:
- Cookies and Site Data
- Cached Web Content
6. Click on Clear.
Option III: On Microsoft Edge
1. Launch the Microsoft Edge browser and click on the three-dotted icon from the top right corner.
2. Click on Settings.
3. Select the Privacy, search, and services option from the left pane.
4. Under the Clear browsing data section, click on Choose what to clear.
5. Select the checkboxes for the following options:
- Cookies and other site data
- Cached images and files
6. Finally, click on Clear now.
Also Read: How to Add Let’s Encrypt SSL to MaxCDN Custom Domain
Method 3: Disable Browser Extensions
Sometimes, browser extensions can interfere with your connection to Google and cause Gws_rd SSL errors on Google. To see if this is the case, try disabling your browser extensions temporarily. Here’s how to do so:
Option I: On Google Chrome
1. Click on the three-dotted icon from the top right corner of the Google Chrome browser.
2. Click on the More tools > Extensions option.
3. Turn off the toggle for the desired extension to disable it on that browser.
Option II: On Mozilla Firefox
1. Select the hamburger menu icon from the Mozilla Firefox browser and click on Add ons and themes.
2. Click on Extensions from the left pane and disable any desired extensions you suspect may be causing the issue.
Option III: On Microsoft Edge
1. Click on the three-dotted icon > Extensions option on the Microsoft Edge browser.
2. Turn off the switch next to the desired extension to disable it.
Also Read: Fix SSL Certificate Error in Google Chrome [SOLVED]
Method 4: Disable Firewall or Antivirus Software (If Applicable)
In some cases, your firewall or antivirus software may be blocking your connection to Google and causing Gws_rd ssl errors on Google. To see if this is the case, try temporarily disabling your firewall or antivirus software. Here’s how to do it:
Option I: Disable Windows Firewall
1. Search for the Control Panel from the Windows search bar.
2. Click on System and Security.
3. Now, select the Windows Defender Firewall option.
4. Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option.
5. Select the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall radio button from the Private network settings and Public network settings section.
6. Then, click on OK to apply the changes.
Option II: Disable Antivirus Software
We don’t recommend disabling or uninstalling your third-party antivirus. But you can try to identify the cause of the issue by doing so. Read and follow our guide on How to Disable Antivirus Temporarily on Windows 10 for that.
Also Read: Fix Error 107 (net::ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR)
Method 5: Use Different Browser
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and you’re still encountering Gws_rd=ssl errors, try using a different browser. Sometimes, issues with your browser can cause SSL errors that are difficult to resolve. Switching to different web browsers can help you determine if the issue is with your browser or with your connection to Google.
Now, you may have learned what is Gws_rd SSL on Google and how it helps protect your sensitive information and enhances your browsing experience. Leave comments with your suggestions, and together we can create more informative and engaging guides.
