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"This Site Can't Be Reached": Every Cause and Fix

Chrome's headline when it can't load a site at all. The error code underneath tells you why: DNS, a refused or timed-out connection, or no internet.

This site can't be reached

Chrome couldn't connect to the website at all. The code under the message (such as ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED) says which step failed: finding the address, connecting, or getting a reply.

Quick checks

  • Read the error code under the message; it points to the right fix.
  • Check the web address for typos.
  • Try another site and another device to see whether the problem is the site or your connection.
  • Restart Wi-Fi or the router if nothing loads.

Fixes on Mac

  1. Match the code to the cause

    1. DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN or ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED: the name didn't resolve; fix DNS.
    2. ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED: the server rejected the connection.
    3. ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT: no reply; check the network and firewalls.
    4. ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED: no network connection at all.

  2. Flush DNS and Chrome's caches

    1. Run sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder in Terminal.
    2. Clear chrome://net-internals/#dns and flush chrome://net-internals/#sockets.

  3. Set a public DNS server

    1. System Settings › Network › Wi-Fi › Details › DNS: add 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8.

  4. Remove proxies and VPNs

    1. Disconnect VPNs; turn off unused proxies under System Settings › Network › Wi-Fi › Details › Proxies.

Fixes on Windows

  1. Run the network fixes

    1. Run ipconfig /flushdns, ipconfig /renew and netsh winsock reset in an administrator Command Prompt, then restart.
    2. Use Settings › Network & internet › Advanced network settings › Network reset as a last resort.

Other devices

  1. Phones and tablets

    1. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
    2. Restart the device and the router.

Still not working?

If the site fails everywhere and dig +short name @1.1.1.1 can't resolve it, the domain has a problem. If it resolves but ping and traceroute can't reach it, the server is down. Either way, only the site's owner can fix it.

If only your network fails, restart the router and check for filtering (parental controls, a company firewall, a DNS blocker).

See what’s happening

LightAtom's connections view shows whether your Mac connects to the site's servers at all, labelled with the domain name.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Chrome say “This site can't be reached”?

Chrome couldn't load anything from the site: it couldn't find its address, connect, or get a reply. The code below the message tells you which, and each has its own fix.

What if it happens on every site?

Then your connection, DNS or a proxy/VPN setting is the problem, not the sites. Restart the router, check the Wi-Fi connection and try the internet troubleshooter.

Is the website down or is it me?

Open it on mobile data or another device. If it fails there too, the site is down. If it works, the problem is your network or browser.

Does clearing cookies fix it?

Rarely. Cookies don't stop a connection being made. Flushing DNS and Chrome's host cache helps more often.

Related errors and tools

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LightAtom team

The people who build LightAtom, a network monitor for macOS.