How to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED Error in Chrome?

Google Chrome is a widely used and trusted browser, but like any software, it occasionally presents errors for users during browsing.

Did you attempt to open a website in Chrome, only to encounter an error message stating, "This site can't be reached," accompanied by the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED code? One such common error is ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED, which prevents access to a specific website.

This error usually indicates an issue with the connection between your device and the website, rather than a problem with the website itself. It falls under the category of connection errors. While sometimes a simple page refresh can resolve it, more persistent occurrences might require additional troubleshooting.

In this article, we’ll delve into what the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error means, explore its causes, and provide practical solutions to resolve it.

What is ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED Error?

The ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error in Google Chrome indicates that the browser couldn’t connect to a website’s server. To understand this issue, it’s helpful to know what happens when you try to access a website. When you type a website’s URL into the address bar or click a link, Chrome attempts to connect to the server hosting the site, it then requests the necessary files, such as code and images, to display the page.

If there’s a problem with your internet connection or your device, this process may be disrupted, preventing Chrome from establishing or maintaining the connection. As a result, the browser shows the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error message, signalling that it couldn’t communicate with the server or load the webpage.

What Causes the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED Error? (Unexpectedly Closed the Connection)

To resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error, it’s essential to identify what is preventing Chrome from connecting to the website’s server. Common causes include:

1. Server Offline (Null Route): The website’s server may be unavailable or offline, making it inaccessible.

2. Server Resource Limits: The server may have reached its hosting capacity, preventing it from handling more requests.

3. Unstable Internet Connection: A weak or inconsistent Internet connection can interrupt network communication.

4. Corrupted Cache: Issues with the browser’s or DNS cache can interfere with connectivity and cause errors.

5. VPN Configuration Issues: Incorrect settings in VPN software may block access to certain websites.

How to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED Error in Chrome Browser? (13 Methods to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED Error)

Below, we will explain 13 detailed troubleshooting solutions that you can follow to identify and resolve the cause of the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error. These steps will guide you in determining whether the issue lies with your browser, network settings, or the website itself, and help you find the most effective solution.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

When encountering the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error, start by verifying that your internet connection is active and stable.

This error often appears if your connection drops while attempting to access a website. Common reasons for a lost connection include a disconnected cable, moving out of Wi-Fi range, router issues, or an unstable mobile data connection.

To confirm if the issue is with your internet, try using another app that requires a connection. For instance, open Spotify and attempt to stream a song that hasn’t been downloaded to your device. If the song plays, your internet is working, and the issue may be specific to Chrome.

2. Reset Network Settings

Even with a functioning internet connection, small misconfigurations in your network settings can stop your browser from connecting to a website’s server. One common cause of the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error is a TCP/IP setup issue, which can often be resolved by resetting your network settings. Below are the steps for Windows and macOS.

Reset Network Settings for Windows:

1. Open the Start menu and search for Command Prompt.

2. Right-click on the result and select Run as Administrator. Type the following command to reset TCP/IP settings and press Enter:

> netsh int ip reset

3. To reset the Windows Sockets interface (Winsock), enter this command and press Enter:

> netsh winsock reset

4. Restart your computer to apply the changes. After rebooting, try accessing the website again to see if the issue is resolved.

Reset Network Settings for macOS

1. Open System Settings and navigate to Network.

2. Select your active internet connection and click the Details button next to it.

3. Go to the TCP/IP tab and click Renew DHCP Lease, then click OK.

4. Restart your Mac and check if the error is fixed.

3. Clear Your Chrome Browser Cache

Clearing your Chrome browser cache can help resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error, especially if the cached data has become corrupted. Chrome uses a local cache to store certain website files, which speeds up browsing. However, issues with this cache can lead to errors like this one.

Here’s how you can clear the browser cache in Chrome to remove the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error:

Open Chrome and type the following into the address bar:

chrome://settings/privacy

1. Click on Clear browsing data to open the interface.

2. In the pop-up window:

• Set the Time range to All time.
• Check the box for Cached images and files.
• Click Clear data to remove the cached files.

After completing these steps, try reloading the website to see if the error is resolved.

4. Review Firewall and Antivirus Settings

An overly strict firewall or antivirus program can sometimes block access to websites, causing the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error. These tools aim to protect your device but may mistakenly prevent Chrome from connecting to specific sites.

To determine if this is the issue, try temporarily disabling your firewall or antivirus software. If the error goes away, you can reset your firewall settings to fix any misconfigurations or consider switching to a different antivirus solution.

Here’s how to disable the built-in firewall on Windows and macOS:

• For Windows:

1. Open the Control Panel.

2. Navigate to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.

3. Select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off and disable it temporarily.

• For macOS:

1. Go to System Preferences.

2. Open the Security & Privacy section.

3. Adjust the firewall settings as needed.

After testing, remember to re-enable your firewall or antivirus to maintain security.

5. Flush the DNS Cache

When you visit a website, your computer uses the Domain Name System (DNS) to find the server's IP address associated with the domain name. To speed up browsing, your system stores these IP addresses in a local DNS cache. However, if the cache contains outdated or incorrect data, it can lead to errors like ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED.

Flushing the DNS cache can resolve these issues by forcing your system to retrieve fresh IP address information. Here’s how you can clear the DNS cache:

1. Flush Your Computer's DNS Cache:

2. Use system-specific commands to clear the DNS cache and reset the stored data.

3. Flush Chrome’s DNS Cache:

• Open Chrome and type the following into the address bar:

chrome://net-internals/#dns

• Click Clear host cache to refresh Chrome's DNS cache.

After completing these steps, retry accessing the website to check if the error ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED is resolved.

6. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Network restrictions or geo-blocking can sometimes cause connectivity issues. Using a VPN can help bypass these restrictions by routing your internet traffic through a server located in a different region. This is particularly useful if a website is blocked in your area or if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is restricting access to certain domains.

Here’s how you can use a VPN to address the issue:

1. Choose a reliable VPN service and download its application onto your device.

2. Open the VPN app and connect to a server of your choice.

3. Once connected, try accessing the website in Chrome again to see if the error is resolved.

Using a VPN can often restore access to websites affected by regional or ISP-based restrictions.

7. Disable VPN or Proxy Server

While VPNs and proxy servers can help with certain connectivity issues, they can also cause errors like ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED if they malfunction. If you suspect this might be the issue, try disabling your VPN or proxy server to see if it resolves the problem.

Steps to Disable a VPN:

1. Close or deactivate the VPN application on your device.

2. If you’re using a VPN Chrome extension, go to Settings > Extensions and disable it.

Steps to Disable a Proxy Server on Windows:

1. Open the Control Panel and search for Internet Options.

2. Select Internet Options to open a network settings pop-up.

3. Go to the Connections tab and click LAN settings.

4. In the Local Area Network (LAN) Settings window:

• Uncheck Automatically detect settings.
• Uncheck Use a proxy server for your LAN.

Disable VPN for macOS:

Refer to Apple’s guide on managing proxy settings to disable any active proxies once you’ve disabled your VPN or proxy server, test Chrome again to check if the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error is resolved.

8. Deactivate Chrome Extensions

Certain Chrome extensions can interfere with your internet connection and cause the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error. To check if an extension is the issue, you can temporarily disable all extensions and see if the error is resolved. If disabling them fixes the problem, you can re-enable them one at a time to identify the problematic extension.

How to Manage Chrome Extensions:

Open Chrome and type the following into the address bar:

chrome://extensions/

1. On the Extensions page, toggle off all installed extensions to deactivate them.

2. Refresh the webpage to see if the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error disappears.

If the problem is resolved, enable each extension one at a time to find which one is causing the issue. Once identified, you can keep it disabled or remove it entirely.

9. Update or Reinstall Chrome

Using an outdated version of Chrome can sometimes lead to issues like the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error due to compatibility problems or misconfigurations. To ensure optimal performance, update Chrome to its latest version. If the problem persists, consider reinstalling Chrome for a fresh installation.

Steps to Update Chrome:

Open Chrome and enter the following in the address bar:

chrome://settings/help

1. Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them if available.

2. After the update, click the Relaunch button to restart the browser and apply changes.

For Mobile Devices:

• On Android or iOS, go to your app store, search for Chrome, and select the option to update the app if an update is available.

Chrome’s Reinstallation (Optional):

If updating doesn’t fix the issue, uninstall Chrome completely and reinstall it to ensure no corrupted files are causing the error.

10. Reset Chrome Settings

If the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error persists, resetting Chrome to its default settings can help eliminate issues caused by misconfigurations or conflicting settings. Chrome provides a built-in feature to quickly restore its original settings.

How to Reset Chrome Settings:

1. Open Chrome and type the following into the address bar:

chrome://settings/privacy

2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the Advanced option to reveal more settings.

3. Locate the Restore settings to their original defaults option at the bottom and click it.

This action will reset Chrome to its default state, removing any changes or customizations that might be causing the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED.

11. Switch to Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1)

Previously, we discussed clearing the DNS cache, which is essential for resolving website domain names into IP addresses. If your current DNS provider is causing issues, it might lead to the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error.

To fix this, you can switch to Cloudflare's free DNS service (1.1.1.1). This service is reliable, fast, and privacy-focused, making it a great alternative. Configuring Cloudflare DNS on your device can help resolve connection problems caused by the existing DNS provider.

Cloudflare provides easy-to-follow guides for setting up 1.1.1.1 on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Adjusting your DNS settings to use Cloudflare could resolve this ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error and improve your browsing experience.

12. Scan Your Computer for Malware and Viruses

A common reason for the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error is malicious software or viruses on your computer. Such threats can disrupt the browser's communication with the server, leading to connection errors.

While Chrome’s built-in cleanup tool can identify and resolve some issues, it’s a good idea to run a full system scan using a trusted malware detection and antivirus program. Performing a thorough scan ensures that any hidden threats are detected and removed, helping to restore normal browser functionality.

13. Utilize Chrome's Cleanup Tool to Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED Error

Chrome provides a built-in Cleanup Tool to help identify and resolve problems that may interfere with the browser, such as malware. This tool can scan your computer for harmful software that might block Chrome or trigger errors like ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED.

To access this feature, type chrome://settings/cleanup into the Chrome address bar. Once the page opens, click on the Find button to start scanning your system for any malicious programs that could be causing the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error.

Conclusion

While Google Chrome outperforms many other browsers, such as Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Opera, and Safari, in several aspects, it is still susceptible to occasional issues that users may encounter.

Typically, the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error message indicates a connectivity problem between your computer and the website, rather than an issue with the website itself.

The most effective way to address the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error is by identifying and resolving its underlying cause.

To help you troubleshoot, we've outlined potential causes of this error along with practical solutions that can help fix the issue. You can try any of the suggested methods, and we're confident that one of them will work for you.

If none of these approaches resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error, your last option would be to contact your web hosting provider for assistance.

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