Google Chrome ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE: How to Fix It
Easy 10-30 minutes Medium Severity
Verified June 2026
- Error Code
- ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE
- Brand
- Google Chrome
- Product Type
- browser
- Severity
- Medium
- DIY Difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated Fix Time
- 10-30 minutes
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Tools You'll Need
- Google Chrome browser
- Administrator access to your computer
- Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac)
- Internet connection
How to Fix Error Code ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE
-
Reload the Page and Try a Different Browser
-
Clear Chrome's Cache and Cookies
Clearing cookies will sign you out of most websites. Make sure you know your login credentials before proceeding. -
Disable Chrome Extensions
-
Reset Your Network Settings (Flush DNS and Reset TCP/IP)
Running these commands will temporarily disconnect your internet connection. Close any active downloads or online work before proceeding. -
Change Your DNS Server
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Disable Your Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily
Only disable your firewall and antivirus briefly for testing purposes. Re-enable them immediately after your test. Do not browse other websites while your protection is turned off. -
Reset Chrome Flags and Settings
Resetting Chrome settings will disable all extensions and clear some preferences. Note your important settings before proceeding. -
Update or Reinstall Google Chrome
Before uninstalling, make sure you are signed in to your Google account so your bookmarks and settings sync automatically after reinstalling. -
Check Your Proxy Settings
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When to Call a Professional
If you have tried all steps above and the error persists on multiple websites across multiple browsers, your network adapter, router, or modem hardware may be faulty. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for line diagnostics or call a computer technician if the issue appears isolated to your machine. If this error only occurs on one specific website, the problem is entirely on the website's server side and there is nothing more you can do — the site administrator needs to resolve it.Frequently Asked Questions
What does ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE mean in Chrome?
ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE means that Chrome sent a request to a web server but the server returned an empty response — no data, no status code, nothing. This can be caused by a corrupted browser cache, a faulty network configuration, an interfering browser extension, or a problem on the website's server itself.
Is ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE caused by the website or my computer?
It can be either. If the error only appears for one specific website and loads fine in other browsers, the website's server may be having issues. If you see the error across multiple websites in Chrome, the problem is most likely with your browser, network settings, or security software on your computer.
How do I fix ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE on Chrome on Windows 10 or 11?
The most effective fixes on Windows are: (1) clear Chrome's cache and cookies, (2) run network reset commands in Command Prompt as Administrator (netsh winsock reset, ipconfig /flushdns), (3) disable browser extensions, and (4) temporarily turn off your antivirus to test if it is blocking the connection. Restarting your router can also help.
Why does ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE keep coming back?
If the error keeps recurring, the most common persistent causes are an antivirus or firewall that keeps interfering with Chrome's traffic, a browser extension that re-enables itself, or a corrupt Chrome profile. Try creating a new Chrome profile (go to chrome://settings, click your profile icon, and select 'Add') to see if the error disappears in a fresh profile.
Does ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE mean the website is down?
Not necessarily. While it can indicate the website's server is not responding correctly, it more often points to a local issue with your browser or network. Check a site like downdetector.com or isitdownrightnow.com to verify if the website is actually down, and also try loading it in a different browser to help isolate whether the problem is with Chrome or the website.