How to fix Chrome browser unable open website with “This site can’t be reached” error on macOS

Encountering difficulties opening websites through the Chrome browser on your Mac can be quite frustrating.  Recently users have been grappling with a vexing problem – the inability to open websites on the Chrome browser for Mac. The issue goes beyond mere access problems; some users find themselves unable to log in, greeted instead by the disheartening “This site can’t be reached” error message.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into effective workarounds to address this issue head-on. Stick with us as we uncover practical solutions to get your Chrome browser working seamlessly on your Mac.

Solution 1: Disable Firewall

If you’re utilizing antivirus or firewall software, it could potentially interfere with establishing a secure connection to Google servers, causing the browsing issue. In such cases, disabling the firewall or antivirus might be a viable solution. The steps for this may vary based on the software you have, but if you’re using the built-in firewall, follow these steps:

1. Launch System Settings and navigate to Network Firewall.
2. Disable the toggle next to Firewall.
3. After making this adjustment, check if you can now open websites via Chrome on your Mac.

By temporarily turning off the firewall, you eliminate a potential barrier to establishing a connection, allowing you to test whether this resolves the problem. Proceed to the next workaround if you’re still experiencing issues after trying this fix.

Solution 2: Turn off Secure DNS

While Chrome typically has Secure DNS enabled in automatic mode by default, there are instances where this setting can cause difficulties in looking up sites. Follow these steps to disable Secure DNS:

1. Launch Chrome, locate the overflow icon, and select Settings.
2. Navigate to Privacy and Security > Security.
3. Disable the option that reads “Use Secure DNS.”

After making this adjustment, attempt to open websites on Chrome for your Mac. By turning off Secure DNS, you might overcome any challenges Chrome faces when trying to access sites in this mode. If the issue persists, proceed to the next workaround for further resolution.

Solution 3: Use Custom DNS on Chrome

If the issue persists, consider switching to a custom DNS on Chrome. By default, Chrome relies on the Domain Name Server (DNS) provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). However, you have the flexibility to choose from various DNS service providers, such as Cloudflare, OpenDNS, and Google. Follow these steps to make the switch:

1. Launch Chrome, click on the overflow icon, and select Settings.
2. Navigate to Privacy and Security > Security > Use Secure DNS.
3. Select ‘With’, click ‘Customized’, and choose a DNS from the drop-down menu.

After implementing this change, check if you can now successfully open websites via Chrome on your Mac. Sometimes, using a different DNS provider can resolve issues related to site access. If the problem persists, we’ll explore additional solutions in the next steps.

Solution 4: Use Custom DNS on Mac

For a comprehensive solution, consider switching to a custom Domain Name Server (DNS) on your Mac, replacing the default one provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Follow these steps to implement this change across your operating system:

1. Launch System Settings, navigate to Network, and select your network.
2. Click on Details next to your network and select DNS.
3. Click the plus icon to add a custom DNS address. Choose from the following options:
   • Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1
   • Google: 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4
   • OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220

After adding the custom DNS address, check if you can now successfully open websites via Chrome on your Mac. This step ensures that your entire operating system uses the specified DNS, potentially resolving any issues related to site access. If the problem persists, we’ll explore additional measures to ensure a seamless browsing experience on your Mac.

Solution 5: Use IPv6

IPv6 provides a larger IP address space by increasing the address size from 32 bits (present in IPv4) to 128 bits. This expansion allows for more addresses, additional address setup options, and simplified autoconfiguration. Follow these steps to manually switch to IPv6:

1. Head to System Settings > Network > choose your network.
2. Click on Details next to your network and select TCP/IP.
3. Under Configure IPv6, choose Manually from the drop-down.
4. Enter the IPv6 address, router address, and prefix length provided by your ISP.

By selecting IPv6 manually, you explore an alternative addressing protocol that might address the browsing issue on Chrome. After making these adjustments, check if you can now successfully open websites on your Mac. If the problem persists, we’ll continue exploring additional strategies for a resolution.

Conclusin

In conclusion, you’ve now explored various methods to address the challenge of being unable to open websites through the Chrome browser on your Mac. The fixes provided, ranging from disabling the firewall to adjusting DNS settings and considering IPv6, aim to provide a comprehensive set of solutions.

If you encounter any difficulties or have questions regarding the steps outlined in this guide, feel free to drop your queries in the comments section. We’re committed to assisting you, and we’ll respond promptly with solutions to ensure a seamless browsing experience on your Mac. Your feedback is valuable, and we look forward to helping you resolve any lingering concerns.