This Site Cannot Be Reached in Chrome How to Fix It

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This Site Cannot Be Reached in Chrome: How to Fix It

"This site can't be reached" is Chrome's message when it couldn't connect to a website at all. The error code in small grey text under the message tells you where it went wrong, so read it first and then use the matching fixes below.

First: One Site or Every Site?

Every site fails and other apps have no internet either: this is a connection problem, not Chrome. Start with WiFi connected but no internet.
One site fails: open it on your phone using mobile data. If it fails there too, the site is down; wait and try later.
Works in another browser (Edge, Firefox) but not Chrome: jump to Fixes 5-8.

What the Error Code Means

Error code	What it usually means	Start with
ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED / DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN	The site's name couldn't be looked up (DNS)	Fix 1, 3, 4
ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT	No answer from the server in time	Fix 2, 6, 7
ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED	The server or something in between refused	Fix 6, 7
ERR_CONNECTION_RESET	The connection was cut off part-way	Fix 2, 6, 7
ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED	Your device has no connection	Fix 2

Fix 1: Check the Address and Reload

Check the spelling of the web address and press F5 to reload. A missing letter or a wrong ending (.com vs .co) gives a name-not-resolved error.

Fix 2: Restart the Router and PC

Unplug the router for 30 seconds, wait for it to come back, then restart the PC. This fixes many time-out and reset errors.

Fix 3: Clear Chrome's Host Cache and Flush Windows DNS

In Chrome's address bar, go to chrome://net-internals/#dns and click Clear host cache.
Then open Command Prompt and run:

ipconfig /flushdns

More detail for other devices is in how to flush DNS.

Fix 4: Try a Different DNS Server

If name errors keep coming back, your provider's DNS may be failing. Chrome can use its own: open Settings > Privacy and security > Security, turn on Use secure DNS and choose a provider from the list. To change DNS for the whole PC instead, see DNS server not responding.

Fix 5: Test in Incognito and Turn Off Extensions

Press Ctrl + Shift + N and open the site in an Incognito window. If it works there, an extension or stored data is to blame:

Go to chrome://extensions.
Turn every extension off, then test the site.
Turn them back on one at a time to find the one causing it, and remove it.

Fix 6: Check Proxy and VPN Settings

A leftover proxy or a disconnected VPN often gives time-out or refused errors.

Disconnect any VPN and test again.
On Windows, open Settings > Network & internet > Proxy. Unless your work needs one, turn off Use a proxy server, and under Automatic proxy setup leave Automatically detect settings on.

Fix 7: Check Firewall and Security Software

Security programs sometimes block a site or Chrome itself. Check your antivirus for a blocked-site message. To test, pause its web protection for a minute, try the site, and turn it back on straight away. If that was it, add an exception in the program rather than leaving protection off.

Fix 8: Clear Cookies and Cache, Update or Reset Chrome

Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete, choose All time, tick Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files (leave Passwords unticked) and click Delete data.
Go to Settings > About Chrome to install any update, then click Relaunch.
Still failing: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults. This turns off extensions and clears temporary data, but keeps bookmarks and saved passwords.

Fix 9: Reset the Windows Network Stack

If several browsers fail on the same sites, open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

Restart the PC afterwards.

Still Not Fixed?

If a site fails only on your home network but works on mobile data, the router may be blocking it through parental controls or a DNS filter; check the router's settings. If unexpected pop-ups or redirects appear along with the errors, scan for malware with the steps in how to remove malware from Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the problem my computer or the website?

Open the same site on your phone using mobile data. If it fails there too, the website is down and you can only wait. If it works, the problem is on your PC or network.

What does ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED mean?

Chrome couldn't turn the website's name into an address. Check the spelling, then flush the DNS cache or try a different DNS server.

What does ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED mean?

Your PC reached the server, but the connection was refused. It is often the site itself, or a proxy, VPN or security program blocking the connection.

Will clearing browsing data delete my passwords?

Not if you only tick Cookies and Cached images and files. Leave Passwords unticked.