PR_CONNECT_RESET_ERROR on Firefox? Here Are 7 Proven Fixes (2025 Guide)

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Introduction: What Causes PR_CONNECT_RESET_ERROR in Firefox

If you’re a Firefox user and have encountered the error:

PR_CONNECT_RESET_ERROR

…it means your browser was unable to establish a secure connection to the website you’re trying to access. This is a common SSL/TLS-related error that typically occurs when the connection between your browser and the server is unexpectedly reset or interrupted.

This error can appear on any operating system — Windows, macOS, or Linux — and affects both desktop and mobile versions of Mozilla Firefox.

Common Causes of PR_CONNECT_RESET_ERROR:

• Corrupted or outdated SSL/TLS settings
• Conflicting antivirus or firewall software
• Browser cache and cookies issues
• Outdated Firefox version
• Incompatible security add-ons or extensions
• Server-side problems (on the website’s end)

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through 7 expert-tested solutions to fix the PR_CONNECT_RESET_ERROR in Firefox. Each solution includes an estimated success rate, so you can choose the most effective method for your situation.

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Fix 1: Check the Website from Another Device or Network (Success Rate: ~95%)

Before diving into complex fixes, verify if the issue is with the website itself or your local setup.

Steps:

1. Try accessing the same site using:

• A different device
• Mobile data instead of Wi-Fi
• A friend’s network

1. Use online tools like DownDetector or IsItDownRightNow to check server status.

Why It Works:

This quick test helps determine whether the problem lies with your system or the website’s server.

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Fix 2: Clear Browsing Data (Cache & Cookies) (Success Rate: ~85%)

Corrupted cache or cookies can interfere with SSL connections.

Steps:

1. Open Firefox > Click the three horizontal lines (menu).
2. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
3. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data.
4. Select:

• Cookies and Site Data
• Cached Web Content

1. Click Clear and restart Firefox.

Why It Works:

Clearing cached files removes potentially broken or outdated session data that might be causing handshake errors.

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Fix 3: Disable Antivirus/Firewall Temporarily (Success Rate: ~90%)

Some antivirus programs or firewalls intercept encrypted traffic for scanning, which can cause SSL/TLS handshake failures.

Steps:

1. Temporarily disable:

• Your antivirus software
• Windows Firewall or third-party firewall

1. Restart Firefox and try loading the site again.

⚠️ Don’t forget to re-enable your security software afterward.

Why It Works:

Security software often acts as a man-in-the-middle for HTTPS traffic, which can corrupt or reset secure connections.

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Fix 4: Reset Firefox SSL/TLS Settings (Success Rate: ~80%)

Firefox uses internal certificates and protocols to manage secure connections. These can sometimes become corrupted.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
2. Scroll down to Certificates > View Certificates.
3. In the Authorities tab, click Restore Defaults.
4. Also, under Advanced, ensure boxes for:

• Use TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 are checked
• Enable OCSP stapling is enabled

Why It Works:

Resets certificate trust stores and ensures modern encryption protocols are enabled.

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Fix 5: Flush DNS Cache and Renew IP Address (Success Rate: ~75%)

Your system may be holding onto outdated DNS records or IP configurations.

Steps (Windows):

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run these commands:

   ipconfig /flushdns
   ipconfig /release
   ipconfig /renew

For macOS/Linux:

• macOS:

  sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
  sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

• Linux:

  sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches

Why It Works:

Resets local DNS cache and refreshes your network configuration, resolving potential conflicts in secure connections.

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Fix 6: Update or Reinstall Firefox (Success Rate: ~88%)

Outdated or corrupted browser installations can cause compatibility issues with modern web standards.

Steps:

1. Go to Help (?) > About Firefox.
2. Allow it to update automatically.
3. If already updated, consider reinstalling Firefox:

• Uninstall via Control Panel/Add or Remove Programs
• Download latest version from mozilla.org/firefox

Why It Works:

Ensures you’re running the most stable and secure version of Firefox with all patches applied.

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Fix 7: Disable HTTPS Mode or Use NoScript Temporarily (Success Rate: ~70%)

Some websites enforce strict HTTPS policies that may not be compatible with older or misconfigured browsers.

Steps:

1. Install HTTPS Everywhere or NoScript (if not already installed).
2. Temporarily disable HTTPS enforcement or allow scripts from the affected site.
3. Reload the page.

Why It Works:

Bypasses strict HTTPS redirection rules or script-blocking features that may interfere with secure connections.

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Summary: Choosing the Best Fix for PR_CONNECT_RESET_ERROR

Solution	Success Rate	Best For
Check Website Availability	~95%	Confirm external server issues
Clear Browsing Data	~85%	Immediate browser-side fix
Disable Antivirus/Firewall	~90%	Eliminate interference from security software
Reset SSL/TLS Settings	~80%	Certificate and protocol corrections
Flush DNS & Renew IP	~75%	Network-level troubleshooting
Update or Reinstall Firefox	~88%	Resolving deep browser corruption
Disable HTTPS Mode	~70%	Bypass strict encryption policies

Start with Fix 1 (Check Website Status) and Fix 2 (Clear Cache/Cookies) to rule out simple causes. Then move to Fix 3 (Firewall/Antivirus) and Fix 4 (SSL Settings) for deeper troubleshooting. If issues persist, proceed to Fixes 5–7 for advanced resolution.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can resolve the PR_CONNECT_RESET_ERROR in Firefox efficiently, ensuring seamless browsing without compromising security.

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