How to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Error in Chrome [2026 Complete Guide]

The ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in Chrome is one of the most frustrating browsing issues, preventing you from accessing websites when you need them most. This comprehensive guide provides 15+ proven solutions that work in 2026, including fixes for Windows 11, Mac, and site-specific issues.

What is ERR_CONNECTION_RESET?

ERR_CONNECTION_RESET occurs when the connection between Chrome and a website’s server is forcibly closed or “reset” during data transmission. Unlike timeout errors, this happens instantly when something actively terminates the connection.

Common symptoms include:

• “This site can’t be reached” message
• “The connection was reset” error
• ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error code
• Immediate failure when loading websites
• Issue affects some or all websites

Main Causes of ERR_CONNECTION_RESET

Understanding the cause helps choose the right solution:

1. Network Issues: Router problems, ISP issues, DNS failures
2. Security Software: Firewall or antivirus blocking connections
3. Browser Problems: Corrupted cache, problematic extensions
4. System Configuration: Proxy settings, VPN conflicts, TCP/IP corruption
5. Website-Specific: IP blocking, geo-restrictions, server issues

Solution 1: Clear Chrome Cache and Cookies (Most Common Fix)

Corrupted cache is the #1 cause of ERR_CONNECTION_RESET errors.

Complete Cache Clear Process:

1. Open Chrome and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac)
2. Select “All time” from the time range dropdown
3. Check all three boxes:
   • Browsing history
   • Cookies and other site data
   • Cached images and files
4. Click “Clear data”
5. Restart Chrome completely
6. Test the problematic website

Alternative method for specific sites:

1. Click the padlock/info icon in the address bar
2. Click “Site settings”
3. Click “Clear data”
4. Confirm and reload the page

Solution 2: Disable Chrome Extensions

Extensions, especially ad blockers and VPNs, frequently cause connection resets.

Safe Mode Test:

1. Open Chrome in Incognito Mode (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + N)
2. Try accessing the website
3. If it works, extensions are the culprit

Identify Problematic Extension:

1. Type chrome://extensions/ in the address bar
2. Toggle OFF all extensions
3. Test the website
4. If it works, enable extensions one by one
5. Test after each to identify the problematic extension

Common problematic extensions:

• Ad blockers (uBlock Origin, AdBlock Plus)
• VPN extensions (Hola, TunnelBear)
• Privacy tools (Ghostery, Privacy Badger)
• Download managers
• Proxy extensions

Solution 3: Reset Network Settings (Windows)

Corrupted network configuration is a common cause on Windows.

Complete Network Reset Commands:

# Run Command Prompt as Administrator

# 1. Release IP configuration
ipconfig /release

# 2. Flush DNS cache
ipconfig /flushdns

# 3. Renew IP configuration
ipconfig /renew

# 4. Reset Winsock catalog
netsh winsock reset

# 5. Reset TCP/IP stack
netsh int ip reset

# 6. Reset firewall to default
netsh advfirewall reset

# 7. Restart computer
shutdown /r /t 0

For Windows 11 specifically:

1. Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings
2. Click “Network reset”
3. Click “Reset now”
4. Restart when prompted

Solution 4: Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Security software often blocks legitimate connections.

Windows Defender Firewall:

1. Open Windows Security
2. Click “Firewall & network protection”
3. Click “Allow an app through firewall”
4. Ensure Chrome is checked for both Private and Public
5. If not listed, click “Add” and browse to Chrome.exe

Third-Party Antivirus:

Temporarily disable to test:

• Norton: Right-click system tray icon → Disable Auto-Protect
• McAfee: Open McAfee → Settings → Real-Time Scanning → Turn Off
• Avast: Right-click system tray icon → Avast shields control → Disable
• Kaspersky: Settings → General → Protection → Pause Protection

Important: Re-enable protection after testing!

Solution 5: Change DNS Servers

ISP DNS servers often cause connection issues.

Recommended Public DNS Servers:

Google Public DNS:

• Primary: 8.8.8.8
• Secondary: 8.8.4.4

Cloudflare DNS:

• Primary: 1.1.1.1
• Secondary: 1.0.0.1

OpenDNS:

• Primary: 208.67.222.222
• Secondary: 208.67.220.220

How to Change DNS (Windows):

1. Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center
2. Click “Change adapter settings”
3. Right-click your connection → Properties
4. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”
5. Click Properties
6. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses”
7. Enter chosen DNS servers
8. Click OK and restart browser

Solution 6: Disable Proxy Settings

Incorrect proxy settings frequently cause ERR_CONNECTION_RESET.

Disable Proxy in Chrome:

1. Chrome Settings → Advanced → System
2. Click “Open your computer’s proxy settings”
3. Turn OFF “Use a proxy server”
4. Click Save

Command Line Method:

# Windows Command Prompt
netsh winhttp reset proxy

# Mac Terminal
networksetup -setwebproxystate Wi-Fi off
networksetup -setsecurewebproxystate Wi-Fi off

Solution 7: Update or Reinstall Chrome

Update Chrome:

1. Click three dots menu → Help → About Google Chrome
2. Chrome will check for updates automatically
3. Click “Relaunch” if update is available

Clean Reinstall Chrome:

1. Backup bookmarks: Bookmarks → Bookmark manager → Three dots → Export bookmarks
2. Uninstall Chrome:
   • Windows: Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall Chrome
   • Mac: Drag Chrome to Trash from Applications
3. Delete Chrome data folders:
   • Windows: %LOCALAPPDATA%GoogleChrome
   • Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome
4. Download fresh copy: Visit google.com/chrome from another browser
5. Install and restore bookmarks

Solution 8: Adjust MTU Settings

Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) mismatches can cause connection resets.

Find Optimal MTU:

# Windows - Find optimal MTU
ping google.com -f -l 1472

# Decrease number until ping succeeds
ping google.com -f -l 1464
ping google.com -f -l 1456

# Add 28 to successful value for MTU
# Example: 1464 works = MTU should be 1492

Set MTU Value:

# List network interfaces
netsh interface ipv4 show subinterfaces

# Set MTU (replace "Wi-Fi" with your interface name)
netsh interface ipv4 set subinterface "Wi-Fi" mtu=1492 store=persistent

Solution 9: Fix for Specific Websites Only

When ERR_CONNECTION_RESET affects only certain sites:

Check if You’re Blocked:

1. Try accessing via mobile data (different IP)
2. Use a VPN to change your IP
3. Ask someone else to test the site
4. Check DownDetector for site status

Solutions for Site-Specific Issues:

• Clear site data: Settings → Privacy → Cookies → See all cookies → Search site → Remove all
• Check hosts file: Ensure site isn’t blocked in C:WindowsSystem32driversetchosts
• Try different DNS: Site might be DNS-blocked by your ISP
• Contact website: Your IP may be incorrectly blacklisted

Solution 10: Advanced TCP/IP Stack Reset

Complete TCP/IP Reset Script:

Create a batch file with these commands:

@echo off
echo Resetting TCP/IP Stack...
netsh int ip reset reset.log
netsh winsock reset catalog
netsh int ipv4 reset
netsh int ipv6 reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew
netsh advfirewall reset
echo.
echo TCP/IP Reset Complete. Please restart your computer.
pause

Save as “fix_connection.bat” and run as Administrator.

Solution 11: Router and Modem Fixes

Power Cycle Process:

1. Unplug modem and router power cables
2. Wait 30 seconds minimum
3. Plug in modem first, wait for lights
4. Plug in router, wait for connection
5. Test Chrome connection

Router Settings to Check:

• Update firmware: Check manufacturer website
• Change DNS: Use Google or Cloudflare DNS
• Disable SPI Firewall: Temporarily for testing
• Reset to factory defaults: Hold reset button 10 seconds

Solution 12: Windows-Specific Advanced Fixes

Check Windows Services:

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc
2. Ensure these are running:
   • DNS Client
   • DHCP Client
   • Network Location Awareness
   • Network List Service
3. Right-click → Start if any are stopped

Registry Fix (Advanced Users):

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesTcpipParameters]
"MaxUserPort"=dword:0000fffe
"TcpTimedWaitDelay"=dword:0000001e

Save as .reg file and merge (backup registry first!).

Platform-Specific Solutions

Mac OS Solutions:

1. Clear DNS cache: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
2. Reset network preferences: Delete /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/
3. Create new network location: System Preferences → Network → Location → Plus icon

Linux Solutions:

# Clear DNS cache
sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches

# Restart network service
sudo service network-manager restart

# Reset iptables
sudo iptables -F
sudo iptables -X
sudo iptables -t nat -F
sudo iptables -t nat -X

When Nothing Else Works

Last Resort Options:

1. Try Beta/Canary Chrome: May have bug fixes
2. Use Chrome flags: chrome://flags → Reset all to default
3. System Restore: Restore to point before issue started
4. Contact ISP: May be ISP-level blocking or issues
5. Try alternative browsers: Firefox, Edge, Brave

Prevention Tips

Avoid future ERR_CONNECTION_RESET errors:

• Keep Chrome updated automatically
• Regularly clear cache (monthly)
• Limit extension installations
• Use reputable antivirus only
• Avoid free VPN services
• Keep router firmware updated
• Use wired connection when possible

Conclusion

ERR_CONNECTION_RESET in Chrome can be frustrating, but it’s almost always fixable. Start with the quick fixes (clearing cache, disabling extensions), then move to network resets if needed. For persistent issues, the advanced solutions like MTU adjustment or TCP/IP stack reset usually resolve even the most stubborn cases.

Remember: If the error only affects specific websites, the issue is likely on their end (IP blocking or server problems) rather than your system.

Still having issues? Comment below with your specific error details and what you’ve tried – we’ll help you troubleshoot!