How to Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Error in Chrome (8 Ways)

Stumbling upon the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in Google Chrome can be a significant roadblock for users attempting to access the web. This error signifies a disturbance in the connection between your browser and the server, often leaving users in a state of frustration. Understanding its causes, which range from network issues to faulty configurations in your internet settings, is crucial for resolution. Addressing this error promptly ensures a smoother, uninterrupted browsing experience, highlighting the importance of quickly finding effective solutions.

This article outlines eight pragmatic ways to combat the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error, ensuring users can resume their online activities without delay. From basic troubleshooting steps like checking your internet connection and reviewing LAN settings, to more technical solutions involving command prompt actions such as ipconfig commands, netsh commands for winsock reset, and flushing DNS cache, each method is designed to tackle different aspects that could be causing the error. Additionally, strategies to clear browser cache, disable firewall or antivirus temporarily, and the relevance of chrome extensions, or proxies, offer a comprehensive approach. By equipping readers with a variety of solutions, this guide aims to restore seamless access to Google Chrome, ultimately enhancing users’ internet browsing experience.

How to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED on Chrome (9 Ways)

Table of Contents

1. Check Your Internet Connection

When encountering the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in Google Chrome, the first step is to ensure that the internet connection is functioning properly. Here are some methods to verify and resolve connectivity issues:

Verifying Connectivity to Other Sites

To determine if the issue is with a specific website or your entire network, try accessing different websites. If other sites load without problems, the issue might be isolated to the website you were initially trying to access. In such cases, checking the website’s status on services like downforeveryoneorjustme.com or downdetector.com can provide insights into whether the site is experiencing widespread issues.

Resetting Your Router as a Preliminary Step

If multiple sites are not loading, it might indicate a broader network issue. A simple yet effective step is to reset your router:

Turn off the router and unplug it from the power source.
Wait for about one minute before plugging it back in and turning it on. This wait helps clear any temporary configurations that may be causing issues.
Reconnect your devices to the network and try accessing the web again.

Resetting the router often resolves temporary connectivity issues. If the problem persists, it could be due to more complex network or hardware issues, requiring further investigation or potentially contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

By following these steps, users can often resolve connectivity issues that lead to the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error, ensuring a smoother internet experience.

2. Evaluate the VPN Connection

When using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), it is essential to consider how it affects your browser’s ability to connect to websites. VPNs can occasionally cause network connection issues, which might lead to the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in Google Chrome. This section explores the impact of VPN on browsing and provides steps to reconnect or disable the VPN to troubleshoot the issue.

Understanding VPN Impact on Your Browsing

VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, which enhances privacy by preventing your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from seeing the websites you visit. However, if the VPN connection drops or if there’s a misconfiguration, your access to websites can be disrupted, leading to errors like ERR_CONNECTION_RESET. If the website you are trying to access does not recognize the IP address provided by your VPN, it may block or reset the connection. Re-establishing a stable connection to your VPN is often necessary to resolve this issue.

Procedure for Reconnecting or Disabling VPN

If you suspect the VPN is causing connection problems, consider the following steps to diagnose and fix the issue:

Check the VPN Connection:
- Ensure your VPN is actively connected. If your VPN software tries to reconnect automatically, give it a moment to establish the connection.
- If automatic reconnection is not happening, manually reconnect to your VPN.
Temporarily Disable the VPN:
- Open your VPN client; for instance, if you are using NordVPN, navigate to the main interface.
- Disconnect from the current server. In NordVPN, select the server connection and click on Disconnect.
- Optionally, select how long to pause the VPN connection if your client supports this feature.
Reaccess the Website:
- After disconnecting from the VPN, try accessing the problematic website again. If the site loads without issues, the VPN might be the cause of the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error.
Adjust VPN Settings:
- If disconnecting the VPN resolves the issue, consider changing to a different server or adjusting your VPN settings. Some VPNs allow configuration changes that could reduce the likelihood of connection resets.

By following these steps, users can determine if their VPN connection is the source of their browsing issues and take appropriate action to restore their internet connectivity.

3. Reset TCP/IP Settings

When users encounter the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error while browsing the internet, it can often stem from issues with the TCP/IP settings. TCP/IP, which stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, is crucial for establishing a stable internet connection. Incorrect or corrupted TCP/IP settings can lead to unstable connections and the aforementioned error. Resetting these settings to their default configuration can help resolve the issue by ensuring that the data sent to the network is transferred correctly.

Step-by-step guide for Windows users

Resetting TCP/IP on a Windows device involves a few detailed steps within the Command Prompt:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Click on the Start button, type cmd in the search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Execute the Following Commands:
- Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter to reset Winsock.
- Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter to reset the TCP/IP stack.
- Type ipconfig /release and press Enter to release the current IP configuration.
- Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter to renew the IP configuration.
- Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter to flush the DNS resolver cache.
Restart Your Computer:
- After executing these commands, restart your computer to apply the changes effectively.

These steps will reset your TCP/IP settings, potentially resolving the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error and improving your internet connection stability.

Instructions for macOS users

Resetting TCP/IP settings on a macOS device is straightforward and can be done through the Network settings:

Access Network Settings:
- Go to System Preferences and select Network.
Modify TCP/IP Settings:
- Choose your active internet connection and click on Advanced.
- Navigate to the TCP/IP tab and click on Renew DHCP Lease.
Apply Changes:
- Click OK to save the changes and exit the Network settings.

By renewing the DHCP lease, macOS users can refresh their TCP/IP settings, which might resolve connectivity issues and clear the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error.

These steps provide a clear path for users on both Windows and macOS platforms to reset their TCP/IP settings, an effective method for troubleshooting some common internet connectivity problems.

4. Disable Antivirus and Firewall Temporarily

When encountering the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in Google Chrome, it is essential to consider that your antivirus or firewall settings might be blocking your connection. Temporarily disabling these can help determine if they are the cause of the issue. Here’s how to navigate through this process on different operating systems and re-enable protection once testing is complete.

Navigating Software Settings in Windows

To adjust the settings for your antivirus or firewall in Windows, follow these steps:

Open the Start Menu: Click the Start button and select Settings.
Access Windows Security: Navigate to ‘Update & Security’ then click on ‘Windows Security’.
Open Firewall & Network Protection: Select ‘Firewall & network protection’ and click on ‘Allow an app through firewall’.
Change Settings: Click ‘Change settings’ to modify firewall permissions. This may require administrative privileges.
Manage Antivirus Software: Open your antivirus program from the system tray or start menu. Look for settings or a control panel, and find the option to disable the antivirus temporarily.

Ensure that you understand the implications of turning off your antivirus and firewall, as this makes your system more vulnerable to threats.

Adjusting Settings on macOS

For macOS users, the process involves a few different steps:

Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple menu and select ‘System Preferences’.
Go to Security & Privacy: Select the ‘Security & Privacy’ option and navigate to the ‘Firewall’ tab.
Unlock Settings: Click the lock icon at the bottom left, enter your administrator password to make changes.
Turn Off Firewall: Disable the firewall by clicking ‘Turn Off Firewall’.
Adjust Antivirus Settings: Open your antivirus application from the Applications folder. Locate the settings or preferences section and find the option to disable the software temporarily.

After making these changes, attempt to access the website again to see if the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error persists.

Re-enabling Protection After Testing

Once you have completed your testing, it is crucial to re-enable your antivirus and firewall to protect your computer from threats.

Re-enable Firewall: Go back to the firewall settings on your computer and turn it back on.
Activate Antivirus Software: Open your antivirus software and turn on the protection.
Restart Your Device: It is recommended to restart your device to ensure all settings are correctly applied and active.

By following these steps, users can effectively manage their security settings to troubleshoot the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in Google Chrome, ensuring their system remains protected throughout the process.

5. Clear the Browser Cache

When users encounter issues such as loading or formatting problems on websites, clearing the browser cache and cookies in Google Chrome can often resolve these problems. The cache stores information from websites to help them load faster on subsequent visits, but over time, this data can become outdated or corrupted, leading to errors like ERR_CONNECTION_RESET.

Accessing Cache Settings in Various Browsers

Each browser has a slightly different process for accessing the cache settings:

Google Chrome: Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, select “Settings,” then “Privacy and security,” and click on “Clear browsing data.”
Mozilla Firefox: Access options through the menu button, select “Privacy & Security,” and then choose “Clear Data” under the Cookies and Site Data section.
Safari: Go to “Preferences,” select the “Advanced” tab, and check the box to “Show Develop menu in menu bar.” Then, from the Develop menu, select “Empty Caches.”

Step-by-Step Clearing Process

For Google Chrome, follow these detailed steps to clear the browser cache:

Open Chrome: Start by opening your Chrome browser.
Access Clear Browsing Data: Click on the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, navigate to “More tools,” and select “Clear browsing data.”
Select Time Range and Data Types: Choose a time range from options like “Last hour” or “All time.” Check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
Clear Data: Click on the “Clear data” button to remove the selected files from your cache.

For users on mobile devices, such as Android, navigate to chrome://net-internals, select the downward arrow, and choose ‘clear cache’ to manage the cache directly.

Benefits of Clearing Cache Regularly

Regularly clearing your browser cache has several advantages:

Improves Browser Performance: It prevents the accumulation of outdated or corrupted files, which can slow down your browser.
Resolves Loading and Formatting Issues: Clearing the cache ensures that you are viewing the most current version of a website, as outdated files can cause display issues.
Enhances Security: Regular clearing helps remove stored data that could be used maliciously if accessed by malware or other harmful software.

By following these steps and understanding the importance of managing browser cache, users can maintain optimal performance and security while browsing the internet.

6. Disable Proxy Server Access

When encountering the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in Google Chrome, it is advisable to check if proxy settings might be interfering with your internet connection. Disabling proxy server access can be a crucial step in troubleshooting this issue. Here’s how to manage proxy settings on both Windows and macOS systems.

Checking Proxy Settings in Windows

To modify or disable proxy settings in Windows, follow these steps:

Open Proxy Settings: Press the Start button, type Internet Options, and select it from the list. This opens the Internet Properties window.
Navigate to Connections Tab: Click on the Connections tab and then select LAN settings.
Adjust Proxy Settings: In the LAN Settings, locate the Use a proxy server for your LAN checkbox. If this is checked, uncheck it to disable the proxy server.
Enable Automatic Detection: Ensure that the Automatically detect settings option is checked. This allows Windows to automatically detect network settings without using a proxy.
Apply and OK: Click OK to close the LAN settings and then OK again to close the Internet Properties window.

Disabling these settings should help resolve connectivity issues that are causing the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error.

Adjusting Proxy Settings in macOS

For users on macOS, adjusting the proxy settings involves a different set of steps:

Access System Preferences: Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner and select System Preferences.
Go to Network Settings: Select Network, and then choose the network service you use from the list on the left (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
Open Advanced Settings: Click the Advanced button, then switch to the Proxies tab.
Uncheck Proxies: Under “Select a protocol to configure”, uncheck any proxies that are enabled.
Apply Changes: Click OK to close the advanced settings, and then Apply to save changes in the Network settings.

By following these steps, macOS users can effectively disable any proxy settings that might be contributing to network errors such as ERR_CONNECTION_RESET. This process ensures that the connection to the internet is direct and not routed through any additional servers that could disrupt access.

7. Update Your Browser

Updating Google Chrome is crucial for maintaining security, stability, and accessing new features. However, users might encounter issues during the update process. Common error messages include “Update failed: Updates are disabled by administrator” or “Update failed (Error: 3 or 11) An error occurred while checking for updates: Update server not available”. These issues can prevent the browser from updating properly and may require specific steps to resolve.

Checking for Available Updates

To ensure that your browser is up-to-date, follow these steps:

Open Google Chrome: Click on the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
Go to Help: Select ‘Help’, then click on ‘About Google Chrome’.
Automatic Check: Chrome will automatically check for updates. If an update is available, you can follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

If you encounter errors during this process, such as “An error occurred while checking for updates: Update check failed to start”, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take.

Understanding the Importance of Browser Updates

Browser updates are not just about new features; they also include critical security patches and performance improvements. Running an outdated browser can leave your system vulnerable to exploits and bugs that have been resolved in later versions. For instance, Google Chrome no longer supports older operating systems like Windows XP and Vista, and users on these platforms won’t receive updates, exposing them to potential security risks.

If updates fail, consider these remedies:

Reinstall Chrome: Uninstall the browser, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements, and reinstall Chrome. On Windows, you might use the standalone installer, while on Mac, re-downloading Google Software Update may help.
Check Network Permissions: Make sure that tools.google.com and dl.google.com are not blocked by your firewall or antivirus settings. These domains are essential for downloading updates.
Remove Unwanted Software: Sometimes, software that you don’t remember installing can interfere with Chrome’s update process. Removing these can help resolve update issues.

Regularly updating your browser ensures you have the latest security measures and optimal performance, enhancing your internet browsing experience.

8. Review Network Configuration and Devices

When addressing the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in Google Chrome, it’s essential to review the network configuration and devices thoroughly. This involves inspecting device configurations for errors and potentially resetting network devices to their factory settings.

Inspecting Device Configurations for Errors

Physical connectivity issues, such as defective cables or connectors, can generate network errors on the network equipment to which they are connected. Often, the simplest and most straightforward issues, such as physical damage or improper connections, are overlooked. Users should visually inspect all network cables and connectors to ensure they are undamaged and correctly plugged in.

IP conflicts can also cause significant network disruptions. This typically occurs when two devices on the same network are assigned the same IP address. Users can resolve this by checking the DHCP configuration on their routers. It’s advisable to set the router to assign DHCP addresses starting from the higher end of the subnet, leaving the lower addresses for devices that require static IPs. To check for IP conflicts, users can utilize the ipconfig command on Windows to ensure that each device has a unique IP address.

Additionally, incorrect network settings on individual devices can lead to connectivity issues. Users should ensure that network adapters on all devices are configured with the correct IP, subnet, and DNS servers. Checking firewall settings is also crucial; necessary ports such as 80 for HTTP and 443 for HTTPS should be open to allow web traffic.

Resetting Network Devices to Factory Settings

If initial inspections and adjustments do not resolve the issue, resetting network devices to factory settings may be necessary. This can help clear any misconfigurations that are not immediately apparent:

Router Reset:
- Locate the reset button on the router, usually found at the back of the device.
- Use a pointed object to press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds until the router restarts.
- After resetting, reconfigure the router settings according to your network requirements, such as setting up the SSID, network password, and DHCP configurations.
Reconfiguring Network Settings on Devices:
- After resetting the router, each device connected to the network may also need to have its network settings reconfigured to match the new network parameters.
- This includes setting up Wi-Fi connections anew, ensuring that each device is using the correct network credentials and configurations.

Resetting network devices is a powerful step that can resolve persistent connectivity issues but should be used as a last resort due to the need for reconfiguration post-reset.

By carefully inspecting and, if necessary, resetting network configurations and devices, users can address many common causes of the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error, ensuring a stable and secure internet connection.

Conclusion

Navigating through the complexities of the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in Google Chrome, this article provided a comprehensive guide towards resolving this pervasive issue. By offering a range of strategies—from checking internet connections and evaluating VPN functionality, to more technical approaches like resetting TCP/IP settings, disabling antivirus and firewall software temporarily, clearing browser cache, and even disabling proxy servers—the guide aimed to restore uninterrupted web access. These methods, coupled with the recommendation to regularly update your browser and review network configurations, underscore the importance of a meticulous and informed approach to troubleshooting connectivity problems, ensuring users can enjoy a seamless browsing experience.

As we conclude, it’s critical to remember that resolving the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error is not just about a one-time fix but involves ongoing vigilance in maintaining the health of your Internet-related settings and equipment. Regular updating of your browser, careful management of network configurations, and a proactive stance on security can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering such errors in the future. Whether you’re a tech novice or an experienced user, the advice outlined in this article serves as a reliable resource for managing and mitigating connectivity issues, empowering users with the knowledge to navigate the digital world confidently.

FAQs

1. What are some methods to resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in Chrome?
To address the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in Chrome, you can start by checking your network connection and restarting your router. Additionally, clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, disabling any VPNs or proxy services, and temporarily turning off antivirus or firewall software may help resolve the issue.

2. How can I fix the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error on an Android device using Chrome?
To fix the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error on Android, ensure that your internet connection is stable. You may also consider temporarily disabling your antivirus software, clearing your DNS cache, resetting Chrome’s settings to default, or uninstalling and reinstalling Chrome.

3. What steps should I take to fix a Google Chrome connection error?
If you encounter a connection error in Google Chrome, first make sure that your computer is connected to Wi-Fi or a wired network. Attempt to reload the problematic tab as Chrome might have stored data that prevents the page from loading correctly.

4. How do I reset the connection settings in Chrome?
To reset your Chrome connection settings, open Chrome and navigate to the top right corner where you’ll click More, then Settings, followed by Advanced. For Chromebook, Linux, and Mac users: choose Reset settings and then select Restore settings to their original defaults, followed by Reset settings. Windows users should click Reset and cleanup, then Reset settings to their original defaults, and finally Reset settings.

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