Google Chrome Error Code ERR_FAILED: How to Fix It

Easy 10-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
ERR_FAILED
Brand
Google Chrome
Product Type
browser
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-30 minutes
The ERR_FAILED error in Google Chrome is a catch-all failure code that appears when Chrome cannot complete a network request or load a page for an unspecified reason. It can be triggered by corrupted browser data, bad extensions, DNS issues, proxy misconfigurations, VPN interference, or overzealous firewall and antivirus software. Because it is a generic code, you may need to work through several fixes in sequence to find the exact cause on your system.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code ERR_FAILED

  1. Reload the Page and Check Your Internet Connection

  2. Clear Chrome's Browser Cache and Cookies

    Clearing cookies will sign you out of most websites. Make sure you know your login credentials before proceeding.

  3. Disable Chrome Extensions One by One

  4. Flush DNS Cache and Reset Network Settings

    Running network reset commands requires administrator privileges. Do not close the Command Prompt window until each command finishes.

  5. Change Your DNS Server to Google or Cloudflare

  6. Disable VPN, Proxy, and Check Firewall Settings

    Do not leave your antivirus or firewall disabled for longer than needed for testing. Re-enable it as soon as you confirm whether it is the cause.

  7. Update Google Chrome to the Latest Version

  8. Reset Chrome Settings to Default

  9. Reinstall Google Chrome

    Before uninstalling, ensure your Chrome data is synced to your Google account so you do not lose bookmarks or saved passwords. Go to chrome://settings/syncSetup to verify sync is enabled.
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When to Call a Professional

If ERR_FAILED persists after completing all steps above, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to check whether they are blocking certain traffic or if there is a routing issue on their network. If the error only occurs on a work or school computer, contact your IT administrator, as the block may be enforced by a network-level firewall or group policy that you cannot change yourself. If you suspect malware is interfering with your browser, run a full system scan with reputable antivirus software or consult a professional technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ERR_FAILED mean in Google Chrome?
ERR_FAILED is Chrome's generic network error code, meaning a request failed for an unspecified reason. Unlike more specific errors such as ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED or ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED, ERR_FAILED does not pinpoint a single cause. It can result from a corrupted cache, a bad browser extension, DNS issues, a VPN or proxy conflict, firewall blocking, or a bug in the website itself.
Why do I get ERR_FAILED only on certain websites?
If ERR_FAILED only happens on specific websites, the cause is likely one of the following: the website itself is temporarily down or misconfigured, your antivirus or firewall is blocking that particular domain, your DNS server cannot resolve that address, or a Chrome extension is interfering with requests to that site. Try loading the URL in a different browser like Firefox or Edge to determine whether the issue is Chrome-specific or site-specific.
Does ERR_FAILED mean my computer has a virus?
Not necessarily. ERR_FAILED is most often caused by browser configuration issues, network problems, or extension conflicts rather than malware. However, some types of malware can manipulate browser settings or redirect traffic in ways that produce this error. If the error appeared suddenly alongside other unusual behavior such as unwanted pop-ups or changed browser settings, run a full antivirus scan to rule out infection.
How do I fix ERR_FAILED on Chrome for Android?
On Android, start by checking your mobile data or Wi-Fi connection. Then open Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data, and clear cached images and cookies. Next, check whether a VPN app on your phone is active and disable it temporarily. Finally, go to the Google Play Store, search for Chrome, and tap Update if an update is available. Restart the app and try loading the page again.
Will clearing cache and cookies delete my passwords in Chrome?
No. Clearing cached images and cookies does not delete your saved passwords in Chrome. Passwords are stored separately in Chrome's password manager and are protected by your Google account sync. However, clearing cookies will sign you out of websites, so you will need to log back in. If you want to keep being signed in, uncheck 'Cookies and other site data' and only clear 'Cached images and files' as a first attempt.

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