Google Chrome ERR_INVALID_AUTH_CREDENTIALS: How to Fix It

Easy 5-20 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
ERR_INVALID_AUTH_CREDENTIALS
Brand
Google Chrome
Product Type
browser
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
5-20 minutes
The ERR_INVALID_AUTH_CREDENTIALS error in Google Chrome means the browser attempted to log in to a website or proxy server using HTTP authentication, but the username or password provided was rejected as incorrect. This typically happens when saved credentials are outdated, a proxy is misconfigured, or browser data has become corrupted. The good news is this is almost always fixable in a few minutes without any technical expertise.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code ERR_INVALID_AUTH_CREDENTIALS

  1. Double-Check Your Username and Password

  2. Clear Saved Credentials from Chrome

    Clearing saved passwords will remove all stored login data from Chrome. Make sure you know your passwords before proceeding, or export them first via Settings > Autofill > Password Manager > Export.

  3. Check and Correct Proxy Server Settings

    Do not disable a proxy if you are on a corporate or school network — doing so may violate network policies or block your internet access. Check with your IT administrator first.

  4. Clear Chrome's DNS Cache and Reset Socket Pools

  5. Disable Chrome Extensions Temporarily

  6. Try an Incognito Window

  7. Reset Chrome Network Settings

    Running network reset commands requires administrator privileges. Only do this if you are comfortable using the command line and understand that it will reset all network adapters to default settings.

  8. Create a New Chrome Profile

  9. Update or Reinstall Google Chrome

    Before reinstalling, sign in to your Google account in Chrome and enable sync so your bookmarks, passwords, and settings are backed up to your Google account.
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When to Call a Professional

If this error occurs exclusively on a corporate or workplace network and your IT team has not been able to resolve it, the issue may lie with server-side authentication configuration, Active Directory or LDAP credentials, or a proxy server that needs reconfiguration. In that case, escalate the issue to your IT administrator or the web server owner. Similarly, if the website itself is returning the error to all users — not just you — it is a server-side problem that only the site owner can fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ERR_INVALID_AUTH_CREDENTIALS mean in Chrome?
It means Chrome tried to authenticate with a website or proxy server using HTTP Basic or Digest authentication, but the server rejected the credentials as incorrect. This can happen due to a wrong username or password, outdated saved credentials in Chrome, or a misconfigured proxy server.
Why do I keep getting ERR_INVALID_AUTH_CREDENTIALS even with the correct password?
Chrome may be auto-submitting old, incorrect saved credentials before you can type the correct ones. Try clearing Chrome's saved passwords and autofill data via Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data, then attempt to log in again. Also check if an extension such as a password manager or VPN is intercepting the authentication dialog.
Does ERR_INVALID_AUTH_CREDENTIALS mean my account is locked or hacked?
Not necessarily. In most cases it simply means the credentials being sent do not match what the server expects — often because of cached outdated data in Chrome. However, if you are certain your credentials are correct and the error persists, it is worth checking your account security on the website directly to rule out any unauthorized access.
Can a VPN or proxy cause ERR_INVALID_AUTH_CREDENTIALS?
Yes. If your VPN or proxy server requires authentication and those credentials have changed or expired, Chrome will show this error. Check your VPN app or proxy settings and ensure the username and password are current. You can also temporarily disable the VPN or proxy to confirm whether it is the source of the problem.
Does this error only happen in Chrome, or in all browsers?
This specific error message is Chrome-specific, but the underlying authentication issue can affect all browsers. If you test the same URL in Firefox or Edge and it works fine, the problem is isolated to Chrome's stored credentials or settings. If it fails in all browsers, the issue is with your network, proxy, or the website's server itself.

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