Troubleshooting Certificates in Firefox

Firefox version 69+ NOTICE: If you are using versions of Firefox 69 or higher, please also look at the steps here: Install and Delete MIT Personal Certificate in Firefox

If you are viewing this page in Firefox, select here to download the MIT CA (Certificate Authority).

This page lists common Firefox problems when installing certificates along with their solutions. If your problem is not listed below, contact the MIT Computing Help Desk at 617.253.1101. If you are looking for instructions on installing certificates, see our [archive:Installing and Renewing Certificates in Firefox] page.

On this page:

Certificate access not working, even after obtaining a new certificate.

• You may need to delete an expired certificate.
• Before deleting a certificate, make sure that you have not used your certificate to encrypt email. Most users are not using certificates for email encryption.
• Have I used my personal certificate for email encryption? How can I tell?

Secure Connection Failed

• Solution: Install the MIT CA (Certificate Authority).
• Detailed solution: "Secure Connection Failed"
  

This Connection is Untrusted

• Solution: Install the MIT CA (Certificate Authority).
• Detailed solution: "This Connection is Untrusted"
  

SSL Error Handshake Failure

• Solution: Obtain an MIT Personal Certificate.
• Detailed solution: [SSL Error Handshake Failure Alert]

Error About Expired Certificates Even After Renewal

• Solution: You may be set to automatically use an expired one. You can resolve this by deleting the old certificates.
• Detailed solution: Error About Expired Certificates Even After Renewal
  

Prompted Multiple Times to Select a Certificate

• Solution: This can occur when Firefox is not set to automatically choose a certificate.
• Detailed solution: [Prompted Multiple Times to Select a Certificate]
  

An unexpected error has occurred

• Detailed solution: "An unexpected error has occurred"
  

Master Password for the Software Security Device

• Solution: This password is used by Firefox to secure the certificates stored for the browser. It is usually set upon getting a certificate for the first time. If you do not remember the password, you can reset this password.
• Detailed solution: Master Password for the Software Security Device
  

Error -12227 When Accessing Certificate Secured Websites

• Solution: This error is caused by not having a MIT Personal Certificate. You can resolve this problem by installing your personal certificate.
• Detailed solution: Error -12227 When Accessing Certificate Secured Websites
  

Error -12192 When Accessing Certificate Secured Websites

• Solution: This error is caused by having multiple personal certificates, or a corrupt personal certificate. Ensure your certificate is properly installed.
• Detailed solution: Error -12192 When Accessing Certificate Secured Websites

Not what you're looking for?

See Also

• Certificates Landing Page