Fix "This Site Can't Be Reached" in Chrome and Edge
"This site can't be reached" is one of the most common browser errors — and one of the most fixable. Here's a reliable checklist.
On this page
"This site can't be reached" usually appears alongside an error code like ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED, ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED, or ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE. Each code points to a slightly different cause, but the checklist below covers all the common ones.
Step 1: Check your own internet connection
Can you load other websites? If nothing loads, the problem is your internet connection, not the browser. Try restarting your router. If your internet is working fine but one site won't load, continue below.
Step 2: Check whether the site is down
Use your phone on mobile data to visit a "is it down" checker. If the site is down for everyone, there's nothing you can do on your end except wait.
Step 3: Try the URL with and without "www"
Some sites only work as www.example.com or as example.com, not both. Try both versions in the address bar.
Step 4: Flush your DNS cache
Windows: open Command Prompt as administrator and type ipconfig /flushdns.
Mac: open Terminal and type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.
Step 5: Disable your firewall and VPN temporarily
A firewall rule or a VPN server might be blocking the connection. Temporarily disable each to test. If the site loads after disabling your VPN, the VPN server you're using doesn't have access to that site — switch to a different server location or disconnect.
Step 6: Clear browser cache and cookies
Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete, select cached files and cookies, and clear. Try the site again in a fresh tab.
Step 7: Reset network settings
On Windows, open an administrator Command Prompt and run:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip resetRestart your computer after this step.
Understanding the error codes
- ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED: DNS couldn't find the domain — flush DNS or change DNS server.
- ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED: The server was found but rejected the connection — likely a firewall or the site is blocking your IP.
- ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE: Your computer can't reach the server's IP address — often a local network or routing issue.
If one site consistently fails while others work, ask us with the full error code and we'll help troubleshoot.
Frequently asked questions
The site loads on my phone but not my laptop, even on the same Wi-Fi. Why?
Your laptop's DNS cache or network settings differ from your phone's. Start with flushing your DNS cache on the laptop and check whether the laptop's browser has any proxy settings configured (Chrome Settings > System > Open your computer's proxy settings). A misconfigured proxy will block specific sites while your phone (using different settings) has no problem.
I get this error only at work, not at home. Is my work blocking the site?
Very likely. Many workplace networks filter web content through a proxy or firewall. Your IT department can confirm which sites are blocked and why — or they can add an exception if it's a business-relevant site.
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