# API01005: SSL Certificate Error

## What This Means[​](#what-this-means "Direct link to What This Means")

There's a problem with your website's SSL/TLS certificate. This certificate is what makes the connection secure (HTTPS). The POS won't connect to sites with invalid certificates to protect your data.

## Common Causes[​](#common-causes "Direct link to Common Causes")

* **Expired certificate** — SSL certificates need to be renewed periodically
* **Self-signed certificate** — Not issued by a trusted authority
* **Wrong domain** — Certificate doesn't match the domain name
* **Incomplete certificate chain** — Missing intermediate certificates
* **Mixed content** — Some resources loaded over HTTP instead of HTTPS

## How to Fix[​](#how-to-fix "Direct link to How to Fix")

### 1. Check Certificate Status[​](#1-check-certificate-status "Direct link to 1. Check Certificate Status")

Visit your site in a browser and click the padlock icon to view certificate details. Look for:

* Expiration date
* Issued to (should match your domain)
* Issued by (should be a recognized authority)

### 2. Renew Expired Certificate[​](#2-renew-expired-certificate "Direct link to 2. Renew Expired Certificate")

If expired:

* Most hosting providers offer free Let's Encrypt certificates
* Contact your hosting provider to renew
* Check if auto-renewal is enabled

### 3. Fix Certificate Mismatch[​](#3-fix-certificate-mismatch "Direct link to 3. Fix Certificate Mismatch")

Ensure the certificate covers:

* Your exact domain (`yourstore.com`)
* WWW variant (`www.yourstore.com`) if used
* Consider a wildcard certificate (`*.yourstore.com`)

### 4. Install Missing Intermediate Certificates[​](#4-install-missing-intermediate-certificates "Direct link to 4. Install Missing Intermediate Certificates")

Use an SSL checker tool (like SSL Labs) to identify missing certificates. Your hosting provider can help install them.

### 5. Force HTTPS[​](#5-force-https "Direct link to 5. Force HTTPS")

In WordPress, ensure:

* Site URL uses `https://`
* Force SSL is enabled in WooCommerce settings

## Related Errors[​](#related-errors "Direct link to Related Errors")

* [API01002](/error-codes/API01002.md) — Connection Refused
* [API06001](/error-codes/API06001.md) — Invalid URL Format