What is the ‘Your clock is behind’ error and how to fix it

Have you been seeing a “your clock is ahead/behind” error lately in Google Chrome? Then, you’re not alone. This annoying message usually means there’s a time mismatch between your laptop or PC and the server. And while it might sound confusing, it often boils down to your device’s date and time settings being incorrect and unsynchronised. 

Some other things that could cause the clock ahead/behind error include an incorrect time zone, an insecure website, or even your browser’s cache causing trouble. So, let’s explore what causes this error and how you can fix it.

What is the ‘your clock is behind’ error?

The “your clock is ahead/behind” error blocks access to websites and prevents you from viewing content, thus basically stopping you from browsing the internet altogether.

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Although it’s annoying, this problem is usually not caused by a virus or security threat to your laptop/desktop and it typically happens because your clock is out of sync.

How to fix the ‘your clock is behind’ error

1. Check your date and time settings

i. First things first, make sure your laptop or PC’s date and time are set correctly. Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen to see if the date and time match the actual time. If they’re off, simply adjust them by following these steps:

ii. Right-click on the clock in the bottom-right corner and select ‘Adjust date and time.’

iii. In the settings window, make sure the ‘Set time automatically’ and ‘Set time zone automatically’ options are turned on.

iv. If these options are already on but the time is still wrong, click ‘Change’ under ‘Set the date and time manually’ and adjust as needed.

v. Click ‘Change’ to save your new settings.

If the settings are correct but you’re still seeing the error, it could be due to something else entirely.

2. Try some basic Google Chrome fixes

You can also try out some basic Chrome fixes to address the ‘Your clock is ahead/behind’ error. Start by clearing your Chrome browser’s cache and cookies as these can sometimes cause issues. Next, make sure Chrome is up to date with the latest version. You can also try disabling or removing any extensions that might be interfering. If nothing works, try reinstalling Chrome and signing in again.

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3. Check if the error affects all websites

Check if the error happens on just one site or everywhere you browse by visiting other pages on the same site or trying different websites. If the error only shows up on one site, it could be due to an expired SSL certificate, which is a security issue on the website itself. If it’s happening everywhere, the problem is likely something else.

4. Adjust your time zone

If you’ve recently moved or are travelling, your time zone might be wrong. Make sure it’s set correctly in your Windows settings:

i. Right-click on the clock in the bottom-right corner and choose ‘Adjust date and time.’

ii. Select the right time zone from the dropdown menu.

iii.You can also turn on ‘Set time zone automatically’ to let Windows handle it for you.

5. Sync the time manually

Sometimes, Windows takes a while to sync the time, especially if you’ve been offline. To sync it manually:

i. Right-click on the time and date in the bottom-right corner and select ‘Adjust date and time.’

ii. Click  ‘Sync now’ to update the time.

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6. Update your system region

An incorrect region setting can also cause this error. To fix it:

i. Open the Settings app.

ii. Go to ‘Time & Language.’

iii. Click on ‘Language and region.’

iv. Choose your correct region from the dropdown menu.

7. Check your internet time server

Your internet time server keeps your date and time accurate. If you recently changed it, it might affect your settings. To check:

i. Right-click on the time and date in the bottom-right corner and select ‘Adjust date and time.’

ii. Click ‘Additional clocks’ under Related Links.

iii. Go to the ‘Internet Time’ tab.

iv. Click ‘Change settings.’

v. Make sure ‘time.windows.com’ is selected and ‘Synchronise with an Internet time server’ is checked. Click ‘OK,’ then ‘Apply,’ and ‘OK’ again.

8. Replace the CMOS battery

If your date and time settings keep changing on their own, your CMOS battery might be dying. This tiny battery keeps track of the time even when your computer is off. Replacing it can fix the ‘your clock is ahead/behind’ issue and you can easily do so by visiting a PC or laptop repair shop.

One of these fixes should take care of the ‘Your clock is behind’ error.