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How to Fix “This Site Can’t Be Reached” Error in Google Chrome & Other Browsers
Posted: Mar 31, 2025
Learn what causes the "This site can’t be reached" error in Google Chrome and other browsers, and how to troubleshoot it using various methods. For assistance, call the customer service line at 1-888-802-5856.
IntroductionEncountering the "This site can’t be reached" error in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or other browsers can be frustrating. This error prevents you from accessing websites and often appears due to network issues, DNS problems, browser settings, or website server downtime. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix this issue and regain access to your desired website.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common causes of this ‘this site can’t be reached’ error and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.
Common Causes of the ‘This Site Can’t Be Reached’ ErrorBefore diving into solutions, let’s look at the potential reasons why this error occurs:
1. DNS Issues – The Domain Name System (DNS) might be misconfigured or unavailable.
2. Internet Connectivity Problems – A weak or disconnected internet connection can trigger the error.
3. Corrupt Browser Cache & Cookies – Outdated cache and cookies may prevent websites from loading.
4. Firewall or Antivirus Restrictions – Security software may block access to certain websites.
5. Website Server Down – The website you’re trying to visit might be temporarily down.
6. Misconfigured Network Settings – Incorrect IP or proxy settings can cause connectivity problems.
7. Browser Issues – Extensions, outdated browsers, or incorrect settings might be responsible.
Now, let’s go through the troubleshooting solutions step by step.
How to Fix ‘This Site Can’t Be Reached’ Error1. Restart Your Router & Computer
- A simple restart can resolve temporary connectivity issues:
- Turn off your router and modem.
- Wait for 30 seconds and turn them back on.
- Restart your computer and check if the website loads.
2. Check Your Internet Connection
- Make sure your internet connection is working properly:
- Try opening other websites to see if the issue is site-specific.
- Run a speed test to check for slow connectivity.
- Switch to mobile data or a different Wi-Fi network to see if the issue persists.
3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Corrupt cache and cookies may interfere with website access.
- In Google Chrome:
1. Open Chrome and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac).
2. Select Browsing History, Cookies, and Cached Images and Files.
3. Click Clear Data, then restart your browser.
- Flush DNS Cache:
1. Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac).
2. Type: ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
3. Restart your browser and try accessing the site again.
4. Change DNS Servers:
1. Go to Network Settings.
2. Choose Change Adapter Options> Right-click your network> Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)> Properties.
4. Use the following DNS servers:
- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1
5. Click OK and restart your connection.
5. Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily
Sometimes, security software blocks websites:
- Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus and check if the site loads.
- If the website works, add it to the firewall’s exceptions list.
6. Disable Proxy or VPN
If you’re using a proxy or VPN, try disabling it:
- Go to Settings> Network & Internet> Proxy and turn off proxy settings.
- If using a VPN, disconnect and try accessing the site without it.
If using a VPN, disconnect and try accessing the site without it.
7. Reset TCP/IP and Network Settings
Incorrect network settings can cause connection problems:
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
- netsh int ip reset
- netsh winsock reset
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /renew
3. Restart your computer and try loading the website again.
8. Update or Reinstall Your Browser
An outdated browser may cause connection issues:
- Update Chrome, Firefox, or Edge to the latest version.
- If the issue persists, uninstall and reinstall the browser.
9. Try a Different Browser
If the error occurs only in a specific browser, try another one:
- If Chrome doesn’t work, try using Edge or Firefox.
- If the site loads, the issue may be browser-specific.
10. Check If the Website Is Down
The site itself may be experiencing issues:
- Use DownDetector or
- If the site is down, you may need to wait for it to be restored.
11. Scan for Malware or Viruses
Malware infections can cause browsing issues:
- Run a full system scan using some good antivirus programme.
- Remove any detected threats and restart your system.
12. Reset Browser Settings
If all else fails, reset your browser settings to default:
- In Chrome, go to Settings> Reset and Clean Up> Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm the reset and restart your browser.
- Final Thoughts
The "This site can’t be reached" error can be caused by network issues, browser settings, or website downtime. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can quickly diagnose and fix the issue to regain access to blocked websites.
- FAQs:
- What does "This site can’t be reached" mean?
This error occurs when your browser cannot connect to the website’s server. It may be caused by DNS misconfigurations, network connectivity problems, or server unavailability.
- Is this error specific to Google Chrome?
No, while the message is common in Chrome, other browsers display similar errors with different wording. For example:
- Firefox: "Hmm. We’re having trouble finding that site."
- Safari: "Safari cannot open the page."
- What should I do if none of the fixes work?
If the issue persists:
1. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance.
2. Check with the website administrator to ensure the site is operational.
3. Reach out to the live expert team at +1-888-802-5856 for assistance.
- What does "ERR_CONNECTION_" mean?
The "ERR_CONNECTION_" prefix indicates a connection problem between your browser and the website. These errors highlight various network, DNS, or server-related issues.
- What are common "ERR_CONNECTION_" error types?
1. ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT: The server took too long to respond.
2. ERR_CONNECTION_RESET: The connection was reset unexpectedly.
3. ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED: The server refused the connection.
4. ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED: The connection was closed prematurely.
5. ERR_CONNECTION_FAILED: The connection to the server failed.
- How do I troubleshoot "ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT"?
1. Restart your router and computer.
2. Check your internet speed and connection stability.
3. Flush your DNS cache using ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt.
4. Disable VPNs or proxies, if any, that might delay the connection.
- How can I resolve "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET"?
1. Clear browser cache and cookies.
2. Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus software.
3. Reset your network settings using commands like netsh winsock reset.
4. Check for potential malware that may interfere with your connection.
- What does "ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED" mean, and how do I fix it?
This error usually happens when:
1. The website server denies the connection.
2. Your IP address is blocked.
3. Browser extensions or settings interfere. Fixes include:
4. Ensure the website isn’t down.
5. Disable interfering browser extensions.
6. Switch to a different DNS server, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8).
- Do "ERR_CONNECTION_" errors always mean something is wrong on my end?
Not always! Sometimes, the issue is with the website’s server. Use tools like DownDetector to check if the website is experiencing downtime.
- Why is Chrome not allowing me to access certain websites?
Chrome may block access to certain websites for several reasons:
1. Security Concerns: The website might lack a valid SSL certificate, making it insecure for browsing.
2. Browser Settings: Permissions or privacy settings in Chrome could be restricting access.
3. Network Issues: Problems with your internet connection or DNS settings might prevent access.
4. Extensions or Antivirus: Browser extensions or antivirus software could be interfering with website loading.
5. Blocked Content: The website might be blocked by your network administrator or firewall.
To troubleshoot:
- Check your internet connection and try accessing other websites.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies.
- Disable extensions temporarily to see if they’re causing the issue.
- Update Chrome to the latest version.
- Review site permissions under Chrome’s settings.
If the issue persists, you can contact customer service at 1-888-802-5856 or find detailed steps here.
- Are these errors exclusive to Chrome?
No, other browsers have similar error messages. For example:
- Firefox: Errors like "The connection was reset" or "Secure connection failed."
- Microsoft Edge: Similar messages like "Hmmm… can’t reach this page."
If the problem persists, you can consult an expert support team at +1-888-802-5856 for further assistance.
- How to Fix "Hmm, Can't Reach This Page" Error?
This error usually occurs due to connectivity or configuration issues. First, check your internet connection and ensure the website isn’t down. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies, update DNS settings to a public DNS (like 8.8.8.8), and flush your DNS cache using ipconfig /flushdns. If the issue persists, disable proxy settings or restore your browser’s default settings. For further assistance, you can call customer service at 1-888-802-5856.
- Why am I seeing the "Secure Connection Failed" error and how can I fix it?
This error usually occurs when your browser cannot establish a secure link to the website. Common reasons include:
- Expired or invalid SSL certificates on the website.
- Incorrect date and time settings on your device.
- Outdated browser or antivirus settings blocking the connection.
To fix it, check your device’s date and time, update your browser, and ensure your antivirus isn’t blocking the website. If the issue persists, contact support at 1-888-802-5856.
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