ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLEGoogle Chrome

How to Fix ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE (Google Chrome)

Quick Answer

The ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error indicates that Google Chrome cannot establish a connection to the requested website's server. This often occurs due to network configuration issues, DNS problems, or temporary server unavailability. A quick fix involves checking your internet connection and restarting your router.

What Causes This Error

No internet connection or unstable network connectivity.
Incorrect DNS (Domain Name System) server settings or DNS cache issues.
Firewall or antivirus software blocking the connection.
Proxy server misconfigurations.
Outdated or corrupted network drivers.
Website server being temporarily down or inaccessible.

Step-by-Step Fixes

1Verify Internet Connection and Restart Network Hardware

Check if other websites load correctly in Chrome or other browsers. If not, the issue is likely with your internet connection.
Ensure your device is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Confirm that your Wi-Fi is enabled and connected to a network, or that your Ethernet cable is securely plugged in.
Unplug your router and modem from their power outlets. Wait for approximately 30 seconds.
Plug the modem back in first, wait for its indicator lights to stabilize (usually 1-2 minutes), then plug in your router and wait for its lights to stabilize.
Reconnect your device to the network and attempt to access the website again.

2Clear Browser Data and DNS Cache

Open Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner, navigate to 'More tools', and then select 'Clear browsing data'.
In the 'Clear browsing data' window, set the 'Time range' to 'All time'.
Check the boxes for 'Cookies and other site data' and 'Cached images and files'. Optionally, you can also clear 'Browsing history'.
Click the 'Clear data' button. Close and reopen Chrome, then try to access the website.
To clear the DNS cache on Windows, open Command Prompt as an administrator. Type 'ipconfig /flushdns' and press Enter. On macOS, open Terminal and type 'sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder' and press Enter, then enter your password if prompted.

3Change DNS Server Settings

On Windows: Open 'Control Panel', go to 'Network and Sharing Center', click 'Change adapter settings'. Right-click your active network adapter (e.g., 'Wi-Fi' or 'Ethernet'), and select 'Properties'.
Select 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' and click 'Properties'.
Choose 'Use the following DNS server addresses' and enter '8.8.8.8' for 'Preferred DNS server' and '8.8.4.4' for 'Alternate DNS server' (Google Public DNS). Click 'OK' twice to save changes.
On macOS: Go to 'System Settings' (or 'System Preferences'), click 'Network'. Select your active connection, click 'Details' (or 'Advanced'), then 'DNS'.
Click the '+' button to add new DNS servers. Enter '8.8.8.8' and '8.8.4.4'. Remove any existing problematic DNS entries. Click 'OK' or 'Apply' to save changes. Restart your browser and test.

4Disable Proxy Settings

Open Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu, go to 'Settings'.
In the search bar within Settings, type 'proxy' and select 'Open your computer's proxy settings'. This will open your operating system's proxy configuration.
On Windows: In the 'Proxy' section, ensure 'Automatically detect settings' is toggled 'On' and 'Use a proxy server' is toggled 'Off'. If a manual proxy is configured, disable it unless you specifically require it for your network.
On macOS: In 'Network' settings, select your active connection, click 'Details' (or 'Advanced'), then 'Proxies'. Uncheck all proxy protocols (e.g., 'Web Proxy (HTTP)', 'Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS)') unless you have a specific need for them. Click 'OK' or 'Apply'.
Close and reopen Chrome, then attempt to access the website.

Advanced Fixes

Temporarily Disable Firewall or Antivirus Software

Locate your firewall or antivirus software icon in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (macOS).
Right-click the icon and look for options like 'Disable', 'Pause protection', or 'Exit'. Select an option that temporarily disables the software.
Attempt to access the website in Chrome. If the website loads, your security software is interfering. Re-enable the software immediately after testing.
If the software is the cause, review its settings to add an exception for Chrome or the specific website, or consider updating or reinstalling the software.

Reset Network Settings

On Windows: Open 'Settings', go to 'Network & Internet', then 'Advanced network settings', and select 'Network reset'.
Click 'Reset now' and confirm your choice. Your computer will restart. This will reinstall network adapters and reset networking components to their default settings.
On macOS: Go to 'System Settings' (or 'System Preferences'), click 'Network'. Select your active connection (e.g., Wi-Fi), click 'Details' (or 'Advanced'), then 'TCP/IP'. Click 'Renew DHCP Lease'.
If issues persist on macOS, you may need to delete network configuration files. This is an advanced step and should be done with caution, as it can require reconfiguring all network connections. Search for specific instructions for your macOS version.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE mean?

ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE indicates that Google Chrome could not connect to the IP address of the website you are trying to visit. This typically means the browser cannot find the server, or the server is not responding, often due to network issues, DNS problems, or the site being offline.

Is ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE a problem with my computer or the website?

The ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error can stem from either your local network/computer configuration or from the website's server itself. It's crucial to troubleshoot your internet connection and browser settings first, as these are common local causes. If other websites work and only one specific site fails, the issue might be with that website's server.

Will restarting my computer fix ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE?

Restarting your computer can often resolve temporary network glitches, clear cached data, and refresh system processes that might be contributing to the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error. It is a recommended first step before attempting more complex troubleshooting methods.

How can I check if a website is down for everyone or just me?

You can use online tools such as 'Down For Everyone Or Just Me' (downforeveryoneorjustme.com) or 'Is It Down Right Now?' (isitdownrightnow.com). Simply enter the website's URL into these services, and they will report its current status, helping you determine if the problem is widespread or specific to your connection.

Does a VPN affect ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE errors?

Yes, a VPN can affect network connectivity and potentially cause or resolve ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE errors. If you are using a VPN, try disabling it temporarily to see if the website loads. Conversely, if your local network is the issue, connecting to a different VPN server might bypass the problem by routing your connection through a different path.