How to fix the clock error in Google Chrome

We explain what are the reasons and solutions for the clock error in Google Chrome.

The clock error in Google Chrome  sometimes prevents a website from loading due to incorrect time and date settings. If you have received the message “ Your clock is ahead or behind ”, stay with us. In the following sections we will tell you everything about this problem.

This guide includes all the information regarding the  clock error in Google Chrome . First, we explain the main causes that cause an incorrect setting of the time and date in the system. On the other hand, we give you the most effective solutions to make this bug disappear on your computer.

Index of contents

  • Causes of the clock error in Google Chrome
  • How to fix the clock error in Google Chrome step by step
    • Clear cookies and browser cache
    • Synchronize system time and date
    • Change the CMOS battery on your motherboard

Causes of the clock error in Google Chrome

There are a few reasons why you get the “Your clock is ahead or behind” message in Chrome . Typically, this error appears together with the NET:ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID error code . Although this has to do with the website’s SSL certificate , as it is associated with a message regarding the clock, it means that there is a problem with the date and time on the computer.

There are a few reasons why the clock settings in the operating system go wrong. We mention which are the main ones:

  • The motherboard battery has been depleted. The computers have a  CMOS battery  that allows important data, such as the date and time, to be stored on the motherboard, even after the computer is completely turned off. If the battery is depleted, the time and date on the computer may not be accurate.
  • The operating system does not have the time and date set. Sometimes, even when the CMOS battery is working fine, the OS has a wrong time setting. It also happens when there are changes in the time, for example when going to daylight saving time or leaving it behind.
  • The SSL certificate of the page you are visiting has expired. Remember that the error “Your clock is ahead or behind” is associated with a code related to SSL certificates. When they expire, it is possible that you will get the clock error in Google Chrome.
  • The browser cache contains outdated information. Chrome temporary files sometimes include inaccurate date and time information.

How to fix the clock error in Google Chrome step by step

In this part of the guide we are going to explain what are the instructions that you must follow if you want to make the message “ Your clock is early or behind ” disappear completely in the browser, which in English appears as Your clock is ahead . Or what is the same, how to fix the  clock error in Google Chrome .

Clear cookies and browser cache

Doing a  deep cleaning  of the browser files is usually the first step. In most cases, this allows you to eliminate navigation glitches without having to do anything else.

To  clear cookies and cache in Google Chrome , do the following:

  1. Click on the dots button to see the main menu.
  2. Click on  Settings.
  3. In the list of lateral sections, click on  Privacy and security.
  4. Open  Clear browsing data.
  5. By doing this, the Clear browsing datawindow   will have appeared. In the Time dropdown  , select  Since forever .
  6. Then, check the  Cookies and other site dataand  Cached files and images boxes .
  7. Click on  Clear datato confirm.

After following these steps, restart your browser and your computer. Then try to  access the website  that was giving you trouble again to see if the error has been fixed. Please note that after doing this,  you will be logged out  of all pages you frequently visit.

Synchronize system time and date

Another possibility why the Google Chrome clock error is appearing is the system has an incorrect time setting . You may need to manually update this value on some operating systems. In the case of Windows, you have a button that synchronizes the date and time with the server taking into account your geographical location.

If you are a Windows 10 user  , this is what you should do:

  1. Go into  System Settings.
  2. Opens  Time and language.
  3. Under  Date and time, click  Sync now .
  4. Also, check the Set time automaticallyand  Set time zone automatically options  .

On the contrary, if you have already installed  Windows 11 , follow these instructions:

  1. Open  Settings.
  2. Click on  Time and language.
  3. Enter the  Date and timesection .
  4. Turn on the Set time automaticallyand  Set time zone automatically options  .
  5. Under  Additional Settings, click the  Sync Now button .

At this point, the system should have synchronized the time with the  time.windows.com server . Normally the time is correct even after rebooting the system.

Change the CMOS battery on your motherboard

When the clock error in Google Chrome and operating system appears continuously,  there are high chances that the CMOS battery is dead . In that case, open your computer, provided you have the proper knowledge, and replace the battery. In most cases, this is a button cell, although we recommend that you make sure which model it is exactly.

When you have  changed the motherboard battery , follow the steps shown in the two previous sections to put the time in the browser and the system in order.

Replacing the CMOS battery is not a very difficult process. However, we leave you some additional documentation so that you can solve all your doubts.

 

by Abdullah Sam
I’m a teacher, researcher and writer. I write about study subjects to improve the learning of college and university students. I write top Quality study notes Mostly, Tech, Games, Education, And Solutions/Tips and Tricks. I am a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence or virtue.

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