The ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error in Google Chrome can be frustrating as it prevents you from accessing certain websites. This error indicates that Chrome was unable to connect to the web address you requested. There are several potential causes of this error:
- Issues with your internet connection or router
- Incorrect proxy server settings in Chrome
- Outdated or corrupted data in your browser cache or DNS cache
- A Chrome extension interfering with the connection
- A problem with the website itself
Fortunately, there are a number of troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error and get Chrome working properly again. Follow the methods below in order until you find one that fixes the issue for you.
Method 1: Check Your Internet Connection
Before trying other fixes, first make sure your internet connection is working properly:
- Check if other devices on your network can connect to the internet. If they can’t, the problem is likely with your router or modem rather than Chrome.
- Power cycle your router and modem by unplugging them, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging them back in. Wait a few minutes for the connection to be re-established.
- If you’re on Wi-Fi, make sure you have a strong signal. Try moving closer to the router.
- Contact your ISP if problems with your internet connection persist.
Method 2: Clear Browser Data
Corrupted data in Chrome’s cache can cause issues like the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error. Clearing your cache and cookies can often fix this:
- In Chrome, click the three-dot menu icon and go to More tools > Clear browsing data.
- Select “All time” for the Time range and make sure “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files” are checked.
- Click Clear data.
- Restart Chrome and try accessing the website again.
Method 3: Disable Proxy Server
Having the wrong proxy settings in Chrome can prevent you from connecting to websites. Make sure proxies are turned off:
- Open Chrome’s settings and click Advanced.
- Under System, click Open proxy settings.
- Under Manual proxy setup, make sure Use a proxy server is not checked.
- Click Save and restart Chrome.
Method 4: Flush the DNS Cache
Clearing the DNS cache will force Chrome to obtain the latest DNS info for websites rather than using outdated cached data:
- In Chrome’s address bar, type chrome://net-internals/#dns and press Enter.
- Click the Clear host cache button.
- Restart Chrome and try re-accessing the website.
Method 5: Disable Extensions
A faulty extension can interfere with Chrome’s ability to connect to web addresses. Disable your extensions one-by-one to pinpoint the culprit:
- Go to More tools > Extensions in Chrome’s menu.
- Toggle off each extension using the blue switch.
- Reload the problem website after disabling each one to see if it fixes the error.
- If you identify a problematic extension, leave it disabled or uninstall it.
Method 6: Change DNS Servers
Switching to a reliable public DNS service like Google Public DNS can resolve connectivity issues if your default DNS servers are having problems:
- Open your OS’s network connection settings.
- Select your active network adapter, then click Properties.
- Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 and click Properties.
- Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
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- Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
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- Click OK and restart Chrome.
Method 7: Reinstall Chrome
If none of the above steps work, try uninstalling and reinstalling Chrome. This will reset Chrome to its default state and replace any corrupted files:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
- Select Google Chrome and click Uninstall.
- Download the latest version of Chrome from google.com/chrome.
- Run the installer to reinstall a fresh copy of Chrome.
Conclusion
The ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error has several potential causes but is usually fixable using the troubleshooting steps above. Start by checking your internet connection and systematically work through clearing browser/DNS data, disabling proxies and extensions, changing DNS servers, and reinstalling Chrome if needed. If you still can’t resolve the error after trying these methods, consider contacting the website owner to see if the issue is on their end, or get additional support from your ISP or a computer technician. With some patience and persistence, you should be able to get Chrome working smoothly again.