How to Fix the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error? (9 Fixes)

Are you seeing the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error popping up in your browser? You’re not alone, and the good news is, there are simple ways to tackle it.

This guide will help you understand what’s causing this error, how you can fix it, and what steps to take to prevent it from happening again. You’ll find practical tips and easy-to-follow solutions, whether you’re tech-savvy or just starting out.

Let’s get you back to browsing smoothly with some straightforward fixes.

What Is ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE?

ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE is a network error message in Google Chrome indicating that your browser cannot access a specific website. That is often due to connectivity or configuration issues. It can also indicate that the website’s address does not exist or is temporarily unavailable.

Other similar errors are:

• This site can’t be reached
• ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT
• ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR
• ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED
• HTTP error 404
• ERR_CACHE_MISS

Why Does ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE Occur?

There are several reasons why this error may pop up in your browser when trying to access a website. Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot the issue effectively.

Let’s explore the most common causes of the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error.

Corrupt or Outdated Website Data

One of the main reasons for encountering ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE is outdated or corrupted data in your browser cache. Every time you visit a website, your browser stores the cache of the sites you visit frequently. That cached data allows your browser to load pages faster on subsequent visits.

However, when this data becomes outdated or corrupted, it can prevent your browser from properly accessing a site. This issue isn’t limited to just visual elements like cached images. Chrome browser cache and local DNS cache can also store faulty addresses, leading to connectivity problems.

That is why cleaning your cache is crucial when troubleshooting such errors.

Chrome Extensions and Firewalls

Another reason for the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE in Chrome may be a conflicting extension. Chrome extensions are useful add-ons to your browser designed to improve the overall user experience. However, on occasion, a faulty extension may also block access to a site.

Additionally, restricting security settings in the Chrome browser may also prevent you from reaching a site with the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE.

Faulty Router or Network Device

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your browser but with your internet connection itself. A faulty router or network device can disrupt your ability to connect to websites, leading to the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error in Google Chrome.

These devices are the backbone of your home or office network, and if they malfunction, they can cause intermittent or complete connectivity loss. Regularly checking and maintaining your network hardware can help avoid such frustrating interruptions.

Proxy Server Interference

Your computer’s proxy settings might also be a reason behind the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error in Chrome. A proxy server acts as a gateway between your device and the internet. If the proxy settings are misconfigured, they can block access to certain websites, resulting in this error message. Making sure your proxy configuration is correct is critical for maintaining a stable internet connection.

Understanding these common issues can help you diagnose and address the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error. Keep reading to discover practical solutions that can help you resolve these problems and restore your browsing experience.

How to Fix ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE Error

Encountering the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error can be frustrating. But there are several straightforward solutions you can try to resolve it. These fixes address common issues that might be causing connectivity problems.

Let’s walk through each potential solution to get you back online.

1. Restart Your Router or Device

Restarting your router or device might seem too simple, but it’s often an effective fix. When you turn off your router and wait for about 30 seconds before turning it back on, you’re allowing it to reset its settings and clear any temporary glitches.

This process can resolve many connectivity issues because it refreshes your connection with your internet service provider. If your device was struggling with a weak or unstable connection, a quick restart can often restore it to normal.

2. Try a Different Browser

Sometimes, the problem isn’t with your network connection but with the browser you’re using. Trying a different browser like Mozilla Firefox, Edge, or Safari can help determine if the issue is browser-specific.

If you can access the website in another browser, it might indicate that there’s something wrong with your original browser’s settings or extensions. This quick check can save you time and point you towards the right solution to fix ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE.

3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Your browser stores information like browsing history, cached images, and cookies to speed up page loading. However, outdated or corrupted cache data can cause the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error. Clearing your cache and cookies can help fix the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE by forcing your browser to load fresh versions of webpages.

Here are the steps you can take to clear the Chrome browser cache.

1. Click the three-dot menu in the Google Chrome browser window.
2. Select Delete browsing data from the expanded menu.
   

   

3. Select a time range from the respective dropdown menu
4. Check the boxes for Browsing history, Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
   

   

5. Click Delete data to complete the process.

Flush Chrome’s DNS Cache

Google Chrome, like most browsers, also collects DNS cache to speed up your browsing experience. When you visit a website, Chrome saves its DNS information so that the page loads more quickly on future visits.

While this is generally helpful, it can sometimes lead to issues like the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error if the cached DNS entries become outdated or corrupted. This happens because your browser might try to connect using an old IP address that’s no longer valid.

Clearing the DNS cache in Chrome can help resolve these issues by forcing the browser to fetch the most recent DNS information from the web.

Here’s how you can flush DNS cache in Chrome:

1. Open a new tab in Chrome.
2. Type chrome://net-internals/#dns into the address bar and press Enter. This will take you to Chrome’s internal DNS settings page.
   

   

3. Hit the Clear host cache button:

This action will clear the stored DNS entries, allowing your browser to retrieve up-to-date information the next time you visit a site.

If clearing your DNS cache didn’t solve the issue, move on to checking your browser extensions. Sometimes, a small tweak can make all the difference.

4. Disable Browser Extensions

Deactivating Google Chrome extensions can also help fix ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE. Extensions improve your browsing experience, but they can sometimes interfere with accessing websites. A problematic extension might block a website’s address or cause conflicts, leading to this error.

To disable Chrome extensions, follow the steps below.

1. Open Google Chrome and hit the three-dot menu in the upper right corner.
2. Select Extensions > Manage Extensions.
   

   

3. Slide the toggle off for all your Chrome extensions
   

   

4. Check if you are still facing the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error. If you’re not seeing it anymore, this confirms that the error stems from a faulty extension.
5. Re-enable the Chrome extensions one by one to identify the problematic ones.

This process helps identify the offending extension and allows you to enjoy a smoother browsing experience once it’s disabled.

In case none of the browser-level fixes so far have solved the address unreachable error, you may need to check your computer’s settings.

5. Reset Network Settings

Resetting your network settings can address underlying issues with your device’s connection configuration. If these settings are misconfigured, they might prevent you from accessing certain websites, resulting in the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error.

With the resetting of these settings, you’re restoring them to their default state, which can resolve any conflicts or errors. This action can fix the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE, as well as other connectivity problems, and ensure that your device communicates correctly with network resources.

Steps for Windows:

Windows allows you to reset your network settings by typing a simple command using the Command Prompt tool. This is a rather speedy approach to address any issues with a particular network. And potentially fix the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE.

Here are the steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
   

   

2. Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.
   

   

   Then Windows will return an output stating that the command was successfully executed and prompt you to restart your computer.

   

3. Restart your computer so the changes take effect.

Steps for MacOS

On a MacOS, you can use the operating system’s user interface to tackle this error. You can find the steps you need below:

1. Open Apple menu > System Settings
2. Navigate to the Wi-Fi section
3. Click the Details button next to your Wi-Fi connection
4. Hit the Forget this network button on the pop-up that will come up
   

   

5. Then click Ok
6. It’s a good idea to restart your Mac to ensure that all changes take effect.
7. Finally – rejoin the network.

This simple process can help restore your internet connection to its optimal state, allowing you to browse without interruptions.

If you’re still facing the error after this, there might be other factors at play, which could require further investigation.

6. Check Proxy and VPN Settings

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet, which can help manage network traffic and boost privacy. However, misconfigured proxy settings can lead to connectivity issues, like the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error. If the proxy settings are incorrect, your browser might be unable to access websites.

To address this, it’s important to check and, if necessary, disable the proxy server. Here’s how you can do it through Google Chrome:

1. Open your Chrome browser Settings.
2. Head to the System tab in the left sidebar.
3. Click on the Open your computer’s proxy settings option and Chrome will load them in a window on your screen.
   

   

4. Make sure that no proxy is set (including any manual proxy settings) or that the correct settings are applied.
5. Disconnect from any VPN services.

Are you still seeing the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE in your browser? If so, you should check your DNS cache and dig deeper into your computer’s settings.

7. Clear DNS Cache and Change DNS Settings

The Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names into IP addresses. In essence, it allows you to access websites using easy-to-remember names. Sometimes, an incorrect or outdated DNS server address can lead to errors like ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE.

Therefore, clearing the DNS cache will update the locally stored DNS settings and that can help fix the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error.

Follow the steps below to see how to flush the DNS cache in each operating system.

Windows 10 and 11 Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
   

   

3. To change DNS settings, go to Network & Internet settings, select your connection, and click Properties.
   

   

4. Scroll down to IP settings and click Edit.
   

   

5. Choose Manual.
   

   

6. Enter the following DNS server addresses (Google’s DNS) 8.8.8.8 in Preferred DNS server box and in Alternate DNS server – 8.8.4.4
   

   

7. Click Save.

MacOS Steps:

1. Open Terminal by clicking Command + Space.
2. Type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter. You may be prompted to enter your password.
3. To change DNS settings, open System Settings from the Apple menu.
   

   

4. Click on Network.
   

   

5. Select your active network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi)
   

   

6. Scroll down and click Advanced.
   

   

7. Go to the DNS tab.
8. Click the plus (“+“) button to add Google’s DNS servers: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
9. Click OK and then Apply to save the changes.

8. Update Network Drivers and Software

Another possibility of experiencing the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error is an outdated driver or software issue. So, to fix ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE, you should check if any of your drivers or even your software is out of date.

Keeping everything in your operating system updated can save you from a lot of trouble.

Let’s see how you can do that in Windows and MacOS in the following sections.

Steps for Windows 10 and 11

The steps to check for updates in Windows 10 and 11 are pretty straightforward and rather similar. That’s why we are listing them in one batch below.

1. Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it from the list.
   

   

2. Expand the Network adapters dropdown menu.
3. Right-click your network adapter and select Update driver.
   

   

4. Choose “Search automatically for drivers.”
   

   

5. Follow the prompts to complete the update.

Steps for MacOS

If you are troubleshooting an ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE on MacOS, follow these steps to make sure everything is up to date.

1. To confirm your MacOS is up to date, click on the Apple menu and select System Settings.
   

   

2. Then, Click Software Update to check for updates.
3. If updates are available, click Update Now.

9. Contact Your ISP or Hosting Provider

Occasionally, the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error might be due to issues beyond your control. In these situations, reaching out to your internet service provider (ISP) or the website’s web hosting provider can be beneficial.

Your ISP can identify any service disruptions or configuration issues that might be affecting your connection. If you think the problem is with the website, the hosting provider can check for server issues or misconfigurations. Both ISPs and hosting providers have dedicated support teams ready to help resolve such problems, so don’t hesitate to contact them for assistance.

How to Troubleshoot the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE on Different Devices

When you run into the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error, the fix might depend on the device you’re using. Each operating system has unique tools that can help you troubleshoot and resolve these connectivity issues. Let’s explore what you can do on different devices to get back online.

Windows 10 and 11

If you’re on a Windows 10 or 11 device, you’re in luck because Microsoft offers some handy built-in tools to help diagnose network problems. One of the most useful tools is the Windows Store App Troubleshooter. This tool is designed to detect and fix issues with apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store, including any network-related hiccups.

Additionally, Windows has a general Network Troubleshooter that can be accessed through the settings menu. It scans for common connectivity problems and provides solutions, making it a solid first step when dealing with errors like ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE.

Mac OS

On a Mac, you have several options to troubleshoot network issues. The macOS Network Diagnostics tool is a straightforward way to identify and rectify connectivity problems. You can find it in the Network section of System Preferences.

It guides you through checking your settings and network status, offering suggestions to improve your connection. Another useful feature is the Activity Monitor, which can help you see what might be using up your network resources and potentially causing the error.

Android and iOS

For those using Android or iOS devices, troubleshooting network issues usually involves checking your Wi-Fi and mobile data settings. Both operating systems offer network diagnostics that can help you figure out why you’re experiencing connectivity issues.

On Android, you can use the Network & Internet settings to see what’s going on, while iOS includes a feature called “Reset Network Settings” that can resolve various network glitches with a single tap. These tools are designed to make it easy to spot and fix any issues that might be causing the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error.

No matter what device you’re using, having a basic understanding of these tools can help you troubleshoot and fix network problems effectively. Keep these resources in mind next time you run into connectivity issues, and you’ll be back online in no time.

How to Keep Your Connection Running Smoothly

Keeping your internet connection stable and efficient is critical for avoiding errors like ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE. A few regular maintenance practices can make a big difference in securing a seamless online experience.

Let’s outline some key strategies to help you maintain a reliable connection.

Regular Maintenance Tips

Performing regular maintenance on your devices and network helps prevent many common internet issues. Here are a few habits to adopt:

1. Restart Your Router Periodically – just like any device, routers benefit from a reboot now and then to clear out temporary glitches.
2. Check for Loose Connections – ensure that all cables are securely connected to your router and devices.
3. Scan for Malware. Use a trusted antivirus program to scan your devices regularly. Malware can interfere with your internet connection and cause errors.

Incorporate these simple steps into your routine to preemptively tackle many issues that can lead to connectivity errors.

Keep Software and Firmware Updated

Regular updates are crucial for maintaining a smooth internet connection. Software updates often include patches for bugs that could interfere with your browsing experience. Similarly, firmware updates for your router ensure it operates efficiently and securely.

Most routers allow you to check for firmware updates through their web interface. If possible, set your devices to update automatically so you never miss an important fix. Keeping everything up-to-date is a simple yet effective way to prevent various issues, including the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error.

Clear Cache and Cookies Regularly

Clearing your cache and cookies is a good habit that keeps your browser running smoothly. Cached data and cookies can accumulate over time, causing your browser to slow down or display outdated content. This buildup might even lead to errors like ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE.

To clear your cache and cookies, go to your browser settings, find the Privacy and Security section, and select Delete browsing data. Make sure to choose cached images and cookies. Doing this every few weeks can help keep your browsing experience crisp and error-free.

Monitor and Manage Network Settings

Monitoring your own network stack is another effective way to maintain a stable connection. Regularly check your device’s network settings to make sure they are configured correctly.

You can also use options that allow your device to automatically detect settings to prevent issues caused by manual setup misconfigurations. Pay attention to settings like DNS and proxy servers, as incorrect configurations can cause connectivity issues.

For instance, using a reliable DNS server like Google’s (8.8.8.8) can improve your connection stability. Be on the lookout for any unusual changes in your settings, which could indicate interference from malware or misconfigured applications.

Wrapping Up

To sum it up, dealing with the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error doesn’t have to be daunting. With a clear understanding of the error’s causes and a set of straightforward solutions, you can quickly resolve the issue and enjoy seamless browsing.

Regular maintenance and staying updated are key to preventing future hiccups. Keep this guide handy for the next time you encounter connectivity problems, and you’ll be navigating the web with ease.