To inspect the certificate a website presents, use Chrome’s DevTools Security panel, Firefox’s Site Information panel, or Safari’s Connection Security Details menu on Mac. Check that the certificate covers the hostname you intended to visit, that it is within its validity dates, and that its issuer is expected. If the browser shows a certificate warning, do not enter sensitive information or treat viewing the certificate as permission to continue.
Open the website’s certificate in Chrome
Chrome’s site-information icon provides a quick view of a site’s security status, but Google’s documented route to the full certificate details for the main page origin is through DevTools.
![Computer Networking Bible: [3 in 1] The Complete Crash Course to Effectively Design, Implement and Manage Networks. Including Sections on Security, Performance and Scalability](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41H4YJnxKgL._SL160_.jpg)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Open the website in Chrome on your computer. Select the site-information icon to the left of the address bar for a quick security-status check.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Open DevTools. Press Command+Shift+P on macOS, or Control+Shift+P on Windows, Linux, or ChromeOS to open the Command menu.
#1 Best Overall
-
Type privacy, then choose Show privacy and security.
-
In Security > Overview, select View certificate.
The Security panel can also identify problems such as broken HTTPS and mixed content. Chrome Settings’ certificate-management controls concern certificates trusted on the device; they are not the same as viewing the certificate presented by the website you have open. Google’s Chrome help covers site information, and Chrome DevTools documentation describes the certificate-viewing route.
Open the website’s certificate in Firefox
-
Select the padlock or shield icon to the left of the address bar.
Recommended: Fix Windows Errors and Clear Junk Files in Minutes - Free Scan →Recommended: Crashes or Glitches? A Free Driver Scan Usually Finds the Culprit →Recommended: PC Feels Slow? A Free Scan Shows What's Dragging Windows Down →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Choose Connection secure, then More site information.
-
In Page Info, select View Certificate. Firefox opens
about:certificate.
Firefox’s viewer has separate tabs for the TLS server certificate, intermediate certificate, and root certificate, making it possible to inspect the chain as well as the certificate for the site. If Firefox has displayed a certificate warning, choose Advanced… and then View Certificate to inspect the problematic certificate. The interface may vary slightly by browser version. See Mozilla Support’s certificate guide and its connection-security instructions.
Open the website’s certificate in Safari on Mac
With the site open, choose Safari > Connection Security Details. If Safari presents a certificate warning, choose Show Certificate to review its contents.
Apple’s documented path applies to Safari on Mac; it does not establish an equivalent full-certificate workflow for Safari on iPhone or iPad. Apple advises cancelling if the certificate is identified as untrusted or signed by an untrusted issuer, or if its name and organization do not match the website owner. See Apple’s Safari security guidance.
What to check in the certificate
-
Covered website name: Compare the hostname in the address bar with the names listed in the certificate. The certificate should cover the site you meant to visit.
-
Validity period: Check the certificate’s start and expiration dates. The current date should fall within that range.
-
Issuer: Review who issued the certificate. An untrusted issuer is a reason to stop rather than proceed.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Certificate chain: Firefox’s tabs let you inspect the server certificate along with intermediate and root certificates. Its viewer also shows fields such as Subject, Subject Alternative Name, public-key information, serial number, signature algorithm, fingerprints, and key usage.
Best Value
Sale
The TCP/IP Guide: A Comprehensive, Illustrated Internet Protocols Reference- Used Book in Good Condition
A TLS certificate helps establish that a connection is encrypted and that the certificate covers a particular domain; it does not prove that the site itself is honest, or that its content and operators are safe. Mozilla explains that TLS certificates help establish domain control and protect data exchanged over TLS from eavesdropping or tampering.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do if the browser reports a certificate problem
Pause before entering passwords, payment details, or other sensitive information. Inspecting the certificate can help you understand a warning, but it does not fix the problem or make it safe to bypass the warning. If the name does not match the site you intended to visit, or the issuer is untrusted, leave the page. Chrome’s Security overview can identify an expired certificate as a broken-HTTPS condition; do not interpret the certificate viewer as an override or endorsement.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
