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Can to Solve the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE Problem in Chrome? Easy Steps for a Positive Result

By: Author Alex Lim

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Categories Networking

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Why Does Chrome Show the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE Error? (Simple Fixes for a Smooth Experience)

When Chrome says “ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE,” it can’t connect to the website you want. This happens when Chrome can’t find the website’s address or reach its server. The message means something is blocking the connection. It might be your computer, your network, or the website’s server.

Why Does This Error Happen?

  • DNS Problems: The computer uses DNS to turn website names into numbers. If the DNS is broken or slow, Chrome can’t find the site.
  • Router or Modem Issues: Sometimes, the device that gives you internet needs a restart.
  • Browser Cache Problems: Chrome may remember old or broken data.
  • Extensions: Some add-ons in Chrome can block sites.
  • Proxy or VPN Settings: These can send your traffic the wrong way or block it.
  • Firewall or Antivirus: Security software might block some sites.
  • Server Problems: The website might be down or blocked.

How to Fix ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE

Solution 1: Restart Your Router and Modem

  1. Unplug both devices.
  2. Wait 30 seconds.
  3. Plug them back in.

Solution 2: Clear DNS Cache

In Chrome, type chrome://net-internals/#dns and click “Clear host cache.”

On Windows, open Command Prompt as admin and type:

ipconfig /flushdns

Solution 3: Change DNS Provider

Use Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 or use Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1

Change these in your network settings.

Solution 4: Clear Chrome’s Cache

  1. Go to chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
  2. Choose “Cached images and files” and clear them.

Solution 5: Turn Off Extensions

  1. Go to chrome://extensions
  2. Turn off all extensions.
  3. Turn them on one by one to find the problem.

Solution 6: Disable Proxy or VPN

  1. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
  2. Turn “Use a proxy server” off.
  3. Disconnect from VPN if you use one.

Solution 7: Check Firewall and Antivirus

Turn them off for a moment. If Chrome works, add an exception for Chrome or the website.

Solution 8: Make Sure the Website Is Up

  • Use a service like UptimeRobot.
  • Check the website’s status page.
  • Use DNS Checker to see if the site’s address is working everywhere.

Solution 9: Check Server Settings (If You Own the Site)

  1. Look at the .htaccess file or firewall rules.
  2. Remove anything new that might block users.

Advanced Fixes

Reset TCP/IP Stack

Open Command Prompt as admin and type:

netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset

Reset Chrome Settings

  1. Go to chrome://settings/reset
  2. Edit Hosts File:
    Go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
  3. Remove any lines that block the site.

Turn Off Experimental Features

Go to chrome://flags and set DNS or networking features to default.

Test Network

Use ping or tracert in Command Prompt to see where the connection stops.

Disable IPv6

In adapter settings, uncheck “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).”

Real Stories

  • Someone moved their website to a new host and saw this error. Waiting 24 hours fixed it after DNS changes.
  • A person had a Chrome extension that broke sites. Turning it off fixed the error.
  • At work, a user had a proxy set up. Turning it off solved the problem.
  • On public WiFi, some sites were blocked. Switching networks helped.
  • An admin changed firewall rules on a server. That let Chrome connect again.

Updates to Chrome and Windows

  • Chrome now checks your network more strictly. If IPv6 is set up wrong, you might see this error. Turning off IPv6 can help.
  • Windows 11 has a network troubleshooter in Settings. It can fix DNS and firewall errors.
  • Chrome and Windows now use secure DNS. If your DNS blocks this, you’ll need to change DNS settings.

Tips for Website Owners

  • After making DNS changes, tell users it can take up to 48 hours for the site to work everywhere.
  • In shared hosting, check for firewalls that block some countries or addresses.
  • SSL certificate problems can also cause this error.
  • Check server logs for blocked or dropped connections.
  • Use tools to watch your site’s uptime from different places.

If you see ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE, check your network, browser, and the website itself. Try the steps above one at a time. Most problems are easy to fix with a little patience. If you own a site, keep an eye on DNS, firewall, and SSL settings. This keeps visitors happy and your site running smoothly.