This article explains how to check the validity of an SSL certificate using an internet browser on a computer, smartphone or tablet. The steps to follow vary slightly depending on the browser and operating system in use.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Google Chrome for Windows and Mac
Step 1. Launch Chrome
Normally the corresponding icon is placed in the section All apps in the "Start" menu (on Windows) or in the folder Applications (on Mac).
Step 2. Visit the website whose SSL certificate you want to check
Type the URL into the browser address bar and press the Enter key. Alternatively, you can perform a search using the engine of your choice.
Step 3. Click on the lock icon
It's located on the left of the address bar at the top of the Chrome window. The "Connection is secure" pop-up window will appear showing information about the certificate.
Step 4. Click on the Certificate item
It is located in the center of the pop-up window that appears. The certificate properties window will appear.
Step 5. Review the certificate information
All the data you need is organized into three tabs: "General", Detail "and" Certification Path. "Scroll through the contents of these three tabs to find the information you are looking for.
Step 6. Click the OK button when you have finished viewing the certificate information
The "Certificate" window will close.
Method 2 of 6: Google Chrome for Android and iOS devices
Step 1. Launch Chrome
It is characterized by a blue, green, yellow and red circular icon called "Chrome" and is visible within the "Applications" panel (on Android) or directly on the Home (in the case of iPhone and iPad).
The version of Chrome for iOS devices does not show the same amount of certificate information that is possible on Android devices
Step 2. Visit the website whose SSL certificate you want to check
Type the URL into the browser address bar and press the key Go or Enter of the virtual keyboard.
Step 3. Tap the lock icon
It is located in the address bar next to the site URL. It will indicate whether the connection is secure or not and the name of the entity that issued the certificate.
- If you are using an iOS device, you will not be able to review further information about the certificate.
- If you are using an Android device, read on.
Step 4. Press the Details button
It is visible within the pop-up window that appeared.
Step 5. Select the Certificate Information link
It is placed under the name of the entity that issued the certificate. At this point you will be able to examine the detailed information relating to the certificate in question.
Method 3 of 6: Firefox for Windows and Mac
Step 1. Launch Firefox on your computer
The corresponding icon is visible within the section All apps from the Windows "Start" menu or folder Applications of the Mac.
Remember that it is not possible to check the information of an SSL certificate using the version of Firefox for Android and iOS devices. In this case use the website https://www.digicert.com/help. Enter the name of the domain whose SSL certificate you want to check and press the button CHECK SERVER.
Step 2. Visit the website whose SSL certificate you want to check
Type the URL into the browser address bar and press the Enter key. Alternatively, you can perform a search using the engine of your choice.
Step 3. Click on the green lock icon
It is located in the address bar at the top of the Firefox window to the left of the URL of the site you have visited. A pop-up window will appear.
Step 4. Click on the right arrow icon next to "Connection"
The "Site Security" menu will appear.
Step 5. Click on the More Information button
Additional data related to the site certificate will be displayed.
Step 6. Click the View Certificate button
It is located within the "Website Identity" section of the "Security" tab. All details relating to the SSL certificate of the website in question will be displayed.
Method 4 of 6: Safari for Mac
Step 1. Launch Safari on Mac
It features a compass icon visible on the System Dock.
Step 2. Visit the website whose SSL certificate you want to check
Type the URL into the browser address bar and press the Enter key. Alternatively, you can perform a search using the engine of your choice.
Step 3. Click on the lock icon
It is located inside the address bar visible at the top of the Safari window. A pop-up window will appear.
Step 4. Click the Show Certificate button
In this way you will be able to view the detailed information relating to the certificate of the site you visited, including the date and the issuing body, the expiration date and the status of validity.
Step 5. Click on the OK button to close the appeared dialog box
It is located in the lower right corner of the latter.
Method 5 of 6: Safari for iPhone and iPad
Step 1. Launch Safari
It features a compass icon that is normally found on the device Home.
The version of Safari for iOS devices does not have a feature that allows you to check information related to SSL certificates, but to get around this you can use one of the many websites that provide this data
Step 2. Visit the website
It is a website that allows you to check the validity and information of SSL certificates of any accessible domain.
Step 3. Enter the URL of the website you want to check
Step 4. Press the CHECK SERVER button
It's located below the text field where you entered the URL or domain to check.
Step 5. Scroll down the page to see the results that appeared
You will be able to consult all the information on the certificate, including the entity that issued it and the expiry date.
Method 6 of 6: Microsoft Edge for Windows
Step 1. Launch Edge
It features a letter "e" icon visible in the "Start" menu. It could also be placed directly on the computer desktop.
Step 2. Visit the website whose SSL certificate you want to check
Type the URL into the browser address bar and press the Enter key. Alternatively, you can perform a search using the engine of your choice.
Step 3. Click on the black and white padlock icon
It is located on the left of the address bar visible at the top of the screen. A menu related to the information of the website in question will be displayed.
Step 4. Click the View Certificate button
The certificate data will be shown on the right side of the Edge window. In some cases it may not be necessary to perform this step.
