How to Fix the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE in Google Chrome

The ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error in Chrome can be caused by various factors such as unstable internet connections, outdated browsers, cache and cookies, extensions, issues with DNS servers, security software, and more. 

Often, the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error occurs when attempting to visit a non-existent website. However, this issue can also appear when accessing a known and legitimate site.

This frustrating issue can disrupt your browsing experience and prevent you from accessing the necessary websites. This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow steps to help you diagnose and resolve the problem.

Check Your Internet Connection

An unstable internet connection can cause the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error. Make sure you have a stable connection, and try reloading the webpage.

If the issue persists, restart or reboot your router. Unplug the power cable, wait 5 seconds, and then plug it back in. Once the router has fully restarted, reconnect your device to the Wi-Fi network and check if the error has been resolved.

Restart Chrome

Restarting Chrome if you’re experiencing issues is always a good idea. Closing the browser and reopening it can often resolve errors like ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE. Remember to save any important work before restarting.

Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can fix many issues, including ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE. To do this, follow these simple steps:

1. Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of Chrome.
2. Select More tools > Clear browsing data.
   
3. Choose a time range (we recommend “All time”) and check “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data.”
   
4. Click on Clear data.

After completing these steps, refresh the problematic webpage and see if the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error persists.

Disable Extensions

Browser extensions can sometimes interfere with web pages, causing the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error. To troubleshoot this, disable all extensions and then reload the page:

1. Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of Chrome.
2. Hover over More tools and select Extensions.
   
3. Disable each extension by toggling the switch to “off.”
   

Reset Chrome Settings

Restoring Chrome to its default settings can help resolve ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE. Keep in mind that this will disable all extensions and clear temporary data. To reset Chrome:

1. Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of Chrome.
2. Select Settings.
3. Scroll down and click on Reset Settings.
4. Find and click on Restore settings to their original defaults.
   
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset settings.

Check for Firewall or Antivirus Interference

Firewalls or antivirus software can sometimes block specific websites, resulting in the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error. Ensure that your security software isn’t preventing the webpage from loading. You may need to add an exception for the site in question.

Flush DNS Cache

Clearing your computer’s DNS cache can help resolve ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type “cmd” and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
3. Type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter.
   
4. Close the Command Prompt and check if the issue is resolved.

Change DNS Server

Switching to a different DNS server can sometimes fix the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type “ncpa.cpl” and press Enter to open Network Connections.
3. Right-click on your active connection and select Properties.
4. Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
5. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the following addresses: 8.8.8.8 (preferred) and 8.8.4.4 (alternate).
   
6. Click OK to save the changes and close all open windows.

Update Chrome

An outdated browser can cause the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error. Updating Chrome to the latest version may resolve the issue:

1. Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of Chrome.
2. Hover over Help and select About Google Chrome.
   
3. Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them if necessary.

Reinstall Chrome

If all else fails, try reinstalling Chrome to fix the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error before uninstalling and backing up your bookmarks and other important data.

Summary

The ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error in Chrome can be caused by factors such as unstable internet connections, outdated browsers, cache and cookies, extensions, or issues with DNS servers and security software.

To fix the error, you can try checking your connection, restarting Chrome, clearing cache and cookies, disabling extensions, resetting settings, updating Chrome, examining firewall or antivirus interference, flushing the DNS cache, changing the DNS server, and reinstalling Chrome.