Fix Site Can’t Be Reached Error in Chrome (10 Methods)

Fix Site Can’t Be Reached Error in Chrome (10 Methods)

Seeing the dreaded “Site can’t be reached” message in Chrome? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. This common issue can happen due to DNS failures, browser configuration problems, or network errors. In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix site can’t be reached errors with clear, step-by-step solutions that actually work.

Whether you’re seeing this due to a DNS error in Chrome or because of a temporary browser connectivity glitch, this post covers all the working solutions to get your browsing experience back on track.

🔍 Why This Error Happens

There are several reasons why you might encounter this error:

• DNS server not responding

• Internet connectivity issues

• Outdated or corrupted Chrome settings

• Firewall or antivirus interference

• Faulty browser extensions

Let’s explore each solution methodically.

✅ 1. Check Your Internet Connection

Sometimes, the issue is as simple as a lost connection.

Steps to verify:

• Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on and connected

• Try loading a different website

• Restart your router

If other websites also show the same error, it’s likely a network issue.

✅ 2. Restart Your Device

It may sound basic, but restarting your PC or router can reset your network configuration and solve minor glitches.

✅ 3. Clear Chrome DNS Cache

Clearing the DNS cache in Chrome can fix loading issues.

Here’s how:

1. Open Chrome

2. Type this in the address bar: chrome://net-internals/#dns

3. Click Clear host cache

This often resolves DNS error Chrome issues instantly.

✅ 4. Flush Your System DNS Cache

Sometimes the system DNS cache gets corrupted.

Steps for Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

2. Type: ipconfig /flushdns

3. Press Enter

This can resolve underlying DNS resolution problems.

✅ 5. Change Your DNS Server

Switching to a more reliable DNS like Google DNS or Cloudflare can fix loading problems.

Steps to set Google DNS:

1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center

2. Click on your connection > Properties

3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)

4. Set DNS to:

   • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8

   • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4

5. Save and restart Chrome

✅ 6. Reset Chrome Settings

A corrupted Chrome profile can cause connection issues.

To reset Chrome:

1. Go to chrome://settings/reset

2. Click on Restore settings to their original defaults

3. Confirm reset

This resets all settings but retains your bookmarks and passwords.

✅ 7. Disable Conflicting Extensions

Some Chrome extensions may block your connection.

Disable extensions:

1. Go to chrome://extensions/

2. Toggle off all extensions

3. Reload the site

Enable one at a time to find the culprit.

✅ 8. Check Firewall or Antivirus Settings

Your firewall or antivirus might block access to certain websites.

• Temporarily disable the firewall or antivirus

• Try accessing the site again

Don’t forget to re-enable your protection after testing.

✅ 9. Use Chrome’s Cleanup Tool

Chrome includes a cleanup tool for harmful software.

1. Go to Settings > Reset and clean up

2. Click on Clean up computer

3. Run the scan

This detects and removes malware that could interfere with Chrome.

✅ 10. Reinstall Chrome

If all else fails, reinstalling Chrome can help fix deeper issues.

• Uninstall Chrome via Control Panel

• Download the latest version from Google Chrome’s official site

• Reinstall and try again

Conclusion: You Can Fix This Error Easily!

Don’t let the “This site can’t be reached” error stop your productivity. By following these tested methods, you can fix most DNS errors in Chrome and restore smooth browsing.

➡️ Try these steps one by one, and let us know in the comments which one worked for you!

Speed Up Your Browser with These Tips

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What causes “This site can’t be reached” in Chrome?

It is usually caused by DNS resolution failure, network issues, or browser misconfigurations.

2. Is it safe to change DNS settings to Google DNS?

Yes, Google DNS (8.8.8.8) is a widely used, secure public DNS service.

3. Will resetting Chrome delete my bookmarks?

No. Resetting Chrome only restores default settings. Your bookmarks and saved passwords remain intact.

4. Can a virus cause this error in Chrome?

Yes. Malware or adware may block certain sites. Use Chrome’s cleanup tool or an antivirus scan.