Google Chrome ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE: How to Fix It

Easy 10-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
Error Code
ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE
Brand
Google Chrome
Product Type
browser
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-30 minutes
The ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error in Google Chrome means your browser sent a request to a website's IP address but could not establish a connection — the destination was simply unreachable. This is most commonly caused by a misconfigured network, corrupted DNS cache, faulty proxy or VPN settings, or a temporary outage on either your end or the website's server. The good news is that in the vast majority of cases, this error is fixable in just a few minutes without any technical expertise.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE

  1. Check If the Website Is Down

  2. Reload the Page and Restart Chrome

  3. Restart Your Router and Modem

  4. Flush the DNS Cache

  5. Change Your DNS Server

  6. Disable Proxy Settings

  7. Disable VPN or Third-Party Security Software Temporarily

    Only disable security software temporarily for testing. Re-enable it as soon as the test is complete to keep your device protected.
  8. Reset Chrome Network Settings via Flags

  9. Reset TCP/IP and Winsock (Windows Only)

    These commands reset your network configuration. Your network connections will be temporarily interrupted while the commands run.
  10. Clear Chrome Browser Cache and Cookies

  11. Disable Chrome Extensions

  12. Update Chrome and Your Network Adapter Driver

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When to Call a Professional

If you have tried all the steps above and still receive ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE on multiple websites across different browsers, the problem likely lies beyond Chrome itself. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) if you suspect a line or routing issue on their end — especially if other devices on your network also cannot reach sites. If your employer or school manages your network, contact your IT administrator, as the block may be enforced by a firewall or network policy. If you suspect a hardware fault with your router, modem, or network adapter, a network technician can diagnose and replace the faulty hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE mean in Chrome?
ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE means Chrome successfully resolved the domain name to an IP address but could not actually reach that IP address over the network. This is different from a DNS error — Chrome knows where to go, but something is blocking or preventing the connection, such as a network misconfiguration, a downed server, a firewall, or a faulty routing path between your device and the website.
Why does ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE only appear on one website?
If the error only affects a single website, that specific site's server is likely down, temporarily overloaded, or blocking requests from your IP region. It could also be that your local DNS cache has a stale or incorrect IP address stored for that domain. Try flushing your DNS cache (Step 4) and checking if the site is globally down using a site-status checker before making any other changes.
Does ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE mean my internet is down?
Not necessarily. This error can appear even when your internet connection is working fine. It specifically means Chrome cannot reach a particular destination address. Your internet may be connected but a specific route to the target server could be blocked, the server itself could be offline, or a proxy or VPN you are using may be preventing the connection. Test other websites to determine whether the issue is widespread or isolated to one site.
Can a VPN cause ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE in Chrome?
Yes, a VPN is a very common cause of ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE. When a VPN is active, all your traffic is routed through a VPN server. If that VPN server cannot reach the destination, or if the VPN connection drops briefly (a 'split-tunnel' failure), Chrome will show this error. Try disabling your VPN temporarily to test whether it is the cause. If disabling the VPN fixes the issue, try switching to a different VPN server location or contact your VPN provider.
How do I fix ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE on Android or iPhone in Chrome?
On mobile Chrome, start by toggling your Wi-Fi or mobile data off and back on. Then go to your phone's Settings > Apps > Chrome > Storage > Clear Cache. If on Wi-Fi, try forgetting the network and reconnecting. You can also change your DNS settings — on Android go to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS and enter dns.google or one.one.one.one. On iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi > tap the info icon next to your network > DNS > change to 8.8.8.8. Restart Chrome after making changes.