How to Overcome the "This Site Can't Be Reached" Error in Google Chrome

Picture yourself in the middle of research, meeting a deadline, or browsing, and suddenly your screen displays: “This site can’t be reached.” This digital dead-end can stall work, ideas, and momentum. However, this error is rarely permanent, and with a systematic approach, you can get back online quickly.
This guide walks you through every step to fix the "This site can't be reached" error. We’ll start with quick wins and escalate to advanced network fixes.

Decoding the "This Site Can't Be Reached" Error in Google Chrome

Before jumping into fixes, let’s decode the error. When Chrome throws this message, it simply couldn’t connect to the website’s server. Often, it comes with a specific code:
ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT: Your request went out, but the server didn’t respond in time.
ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED: The domain name couldn’t be translated to an IP. Likely a DNS problem.
ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED: The server actively rejected your connection. Could be a firewall or server downtime.
ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE: Your computer knows the IP but can’t reach it. Usually a deeper network issue.
Even without these codes, a structured troubleshooting sequence can usually restore access.

How to Fix “This Site Can’t Be Reached”

Here’s how to tackle it. Start with the easy wins, then move to advanced solutions.

1. Confirm the URL and Network Connection

Mistakes happen. Even a small typo can block access.
Check the URL: Look for errors like .con instead of .com.
Test your connection: Visit Google or YouTube. If nothing loads, restart your router and modem for 60 seconds. Persistent issues? Contact your ISP.

2. Clean Out Chrome Cache

Old or corrupted cached files can block websites.
Click Chrome’s three dots → More Tools → Clear browsing data.
Go to Advanced, set Time range to All time.
Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
Click Clear data, restart Chrome, and try again.

3. Flush Your DNS Cache

Your system keeps a DNS cache to speed up browsing. Outdated entries can block sites.
Windows: Run Command Prompt as admin → ipconfig /flushdns.
Mac: Terminal → sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder. Enter your password.

4. Adjust Your DNS Servers

ISP DNS can be slow or unreliable. Public DNS is faster and more stable.
Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1
Update this in Network Settings (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac).

5. Reset the TCP/IP Stack

Corrupted network protocols can prevent access. Run these commands as admin:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
Restart your computer.

6. Review Firewall and Antivirus Software

Sometimes security software overreacts.
Temporarily disable your firewall/antivirus.
If the site loads, whitelist it and re-enable protection.

7. Reset Chrome Settings

Chrome-specific issues? Resetting helps without losing bookmarks or passwords.
Settings → Reset and clean up → Restore settings to their original defaults.

8. Refresh Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers can block connections.
Device Manager → Network adapters → Right-click → Update driver.

9. Inspect Proxy Settings

Incorrect proxy settings can cut off access entirely.
Windows: Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy.
Turn off manual proxy unless required.
Ensure Automatically detect settings is on.

Conclusion

The “This site can’t be reached” error can be frustrating but is usually fixable. Begin with basic steps like checking URLs, clearing cache, and flushing DNS, then update network settings and drivers if necessary. When the issue isn’t on your end, businesses and professionals can use reliable tools to ensure continuous global access, making web dead-ends only minor detours.