The ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error is a common issue that Google Chrome users might encounter while browsing the internet. This error message means that the connection between your web browser and the site you’re trying to visit has been closed unexpectedly. You could find this disappointing, especially when you want to access important information or complete a task online.
To surf the internet without any issues, you should fix this error to restore Internet connectivity and ensure a smooth browsing experience. Whether it’s a minor network hiccup or a more complex issue, there are multiple things you can do to troubleshoot and resolve the problem.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn what the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error means and why it happens. Then, you’ll explore various methods to troubleshoot and fix the error. After going through this tutorial, you’ll know how to quickly resolve the err connection closed error and return to your online activities without interruptions.
Table of Contents
Introduction To ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED Error
The NET::ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error is usually related to the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), which establishes a reliable connection between your browser and the server.
When this connection is suddenly closed, the browser displays the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED message, which typically means that the server received a request to close the connection, either from your browser or due to an intermediate network issue. This can occur during the initial handshake process or at any point while data is transferred.
What does this mean in Google Chrome, and when do you see it? The ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error in Chrome means that the connection to the website (domain name) you want to access was unexpectedly closed. It occurs when your browser cannot create a stable connection with the web server. Here is how it appears in Chrome:
If you’re still confused, here’s an example so you understand it in simple terms. Let’s say you make a phone call to a friend. You dial his number, and the phone starts to ring. When your friend picks up the call, the line suddenly goes dead. You hear a click, and the call is disconnected.
This is similar to what happens with the NET::ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error. Your browser tries to “call” the website, but something causes the connection to drop unexpectedly.
When this happens, you won’t be able to access your WordPress website or custom site, which leads to interrupted browsing. Various issues can cause this, such as network problems, incorrect browser settings, even issues with your firewall or antivirus software. Here are some common reasons why you might see the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error:
- Network Configuration Problems: Incorrect network settings or configuration issues can cause this error. For instance, incorrect DNS settings can disrupt the connection.
- Firewall & Antivirus Interference: Sometimes, your firewall or antivirus software might block the connection, thinking it’s unsafe. This can happen due to strict security settings.
- Browser Issues: Cached data, cookies, or problematic extensions can interfere with the connection. A cluttered browser can lead to connection problems.
- ISP Restrictions: Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might block certain websites or restrict access due to various policies or regional restrictions.
- VPN or Proxy Server Settings: Misconfigured VPN or proxy settings can also cause the ERR CONNECTION CLOSED error. These tools reroute your connection. However, if they malfunction, you may lose access to certain websites.
Important: Don’t mix the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error message with the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED, because both are different. The ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED is usually caused by server-side problems, such as the web hosting server being down or experiencing issues.
How To Fix ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED Error
Dealing with the NET::ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Here are some practical solutions to help you get back online:
Check Your Internet Connection
When you encounter an ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED message, the first thing to do is check if your Internet connection is stable. Here’s how to ensure your connection is working correctly:
First, if using a wired connection, ensure the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into your PC and router. If it is, you may need to restart your router by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging it back in. Furthermore, check if other devices using the same network are also experiencing connectivity issues.
On the other hand, if you’re a wireless connection user, you should verify that your device is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. Ensure you’re not out of Wi-Fi range; to do this, try moving closer to your Internet device or router to ensure a strong signal. If you’re connected to the correct Wi-Fi and in range, then restart your device to refresh the network connection.
If the problem persists, contact your Internet service provider (ISP) to check for any outages or service issues in your area. If that’s not the case, something else might be causing the error.
Reset Network Settings
Network settings determine how your computer connects to the internet. If these settings are misconfigured, they can disrupt your connection. Resetting the settings helps refresh and correct any issues.
To do this, open Windows Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do it by searching for Command Prompt in the quick search box near the Start menu, right-clicking on it, and choosing Run as administrator. Alternatively, press Win+R to open Run dialog box. Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as an administrator. Click Yes when prompted.
In the Command Prompt, write the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
netsh int ip resetnetsh winsock resetThe first command resets your TCP/IP settings while the second resets the Windows Sockets interface (winsock). After executing the commands above, restart your computer/PC to apply changes. By resetting your network settings, you can fix misconfigurations that may cause the NET::ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error; this will ensure a smoother and more stable internet connection.
Check Firewall Settings Or Antivirus Software
Firewalls and antivirus software are designed and used to protect your computer from harmful threats. However, sometimes they can mistakenly block safe websites, leading to the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error.
If this is the case, temporarily disabling them can help you determine if they are the cause. Before continuing this process, understand the risk, because disabling your firewall or antivirus temporarily reduces your computer’s protection. Only do this for a short time, and be cautious about which sites you visit.
Here are the steps to disable firewalls on Windows:
Press Win + I to open Settings. Click on Update & Security.
Select Windows Security and click Firewall & network protection from the right pane of the window.
Click on the active network profile (Domain, Private, or Public). In our case, the Public network is active, so we’ll continue with this.
Toggle the switch under Microsoft Defender Firewall to Off. When you turn it off, you’ll receive a prompt to confirm. Click Yes to continue.
If you don’t want to mess with Windows firewall profiles and deactivate the active one, use the following alternate method to turn off the firewall on the Windows operating system.
In this alternate approach, you should navigate to Control Panel → System and Security → Windows Defender Firewall location and click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
In the next window, choose Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) for private and public network settings. Then, click the OK button.
After turning off the firewall, visit your website to see if the error remains. If it does, you may need to disable your antivirus software.
To disable antivirus on your computer, right-click on the antivirus icon that you will find in the system tray. Select the option to disable protection temporarily (this option’s location can vary depending on the software you’re using). Follow any prompts to confirm.
After testing, re-enable your firewall and antivirus software to protect your computer. If the error disappears when disabled, you might need to adjust the firewall settings to allow your browser to connect to the internet properly.
Important: If adjusting the firewall settings doesn’t work, you may try resetting it to its default settings when you first got your laptop/computer. Your organization’s policies that have been applied to configure the firewall will be reapplied.
Use A Virtual Private Network
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error, especially if the issue is because your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is blocking certain websites.
When you employ a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted and transmitted through a secure server in a different location. This will mask your IP address and allow you to visit sites your ISP could block. If your ISP is causing the NET::ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error, a VPN can help you bypass these restrictions and restore your internet connection.
Here are some reliable VPN services to consider:
- NordVPN: Known for its strong security features and large server network.
- ExpressVPN: Offers fast speeds and excellent privacy protection.
- CyberGhost: User-friendly, with a focus on streaming and privacy.
Using a VPN will not only help you bypass ISP blocks; it adds an extra layer of security to your online activities. Select the VPN that best fits your needs and follow its instructions to set it up on your device.
Disable VPN Or Proxy Server
If your internet connection, network, firewall, or antivirus settings are not in conflict, and your ISP is not blocking the website you’re trying to access, the issue might be with your VPN or proxy server.
VPNs and proxy servers reroute your internet traffic through different web servers. While this can provide extra security and privacy, it can also cause connection issues if the VPN server is not working or the proxy settings are incorrect. Disabling these services can help you determine if they are causing the error.
Here are the steps to disable VPN on Windows:
Open the Settings app; you can do this by pressing the Win + I hotkey combination. Click on Network & Internet. After that, Click on VPN from the left-hand menu. Select the VPN connection you want to disable and click Disconnect. If your VPN is the culprit, click Remove to delete it permanently.
In contrast, if there is no issue with your VPN, you might have problems with your proxy server. To disable the proxy server on Windows, go to Start → Settings → Network & Internet. Click on Proxy, then under Manual proxy setup, toggle the switch Use a proxy server to Off.
Furthermore, switch off the option labeled Automatically detect settings under Automatic proxy setup.
Disabling your VPN or proxy server can help determine if they are causing the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error, allowing you to restore your internet connection. If the error disappears after disabling them, you may need to adjust your VPN or proxy settings, or you can consult the service provider for further assistance.
Flush DNS Cache
If you’ve reached this solution, then most probably, the previous methods didn’t work which indicates some issues with the DNS cache. You might be wondering what the DNS cache is.
When you type a website’s URL or domain in your browser’s address bar, your computer/browser requires a way to look for the correct IP address. This is where Domain Name Systems (DNS) come into play.
To speed up your browsing experience, your computer uses the DNS cache to store the correct IP addresses of websites you’ve visited. If these records become outdated or corrupted, your Chrome browser might have trouble connecting to the websites, leading to the NET::ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error.
In this case, you need to flush the DNS cache to remove these problematic records and allow your computer to fetch fresh ones.
Flush System DNS Cache (DNS Cache In Windows)
Open Command Prompt. Type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdnsWhen you hit Enter, you should see a confirmation message saying, “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache”.
Flush DNS Cache In Chrome
After removing or flushing the DNS cache from Windows, open your Chrome browser. In the search box, type chrome://net-internals/#dns and press Enter. Then, click the Clear host cache button.
At this point, you might wonder why flushing the DNS cache in Windows and Chrome browsers is necessary. Flushing the DNS cache in Windows and Chrome can solve various internet connectivity issues and improve browsing performance. Here’s a detailed explanation of why you might want to do this.
Flushing DNS Cache in Windows does the following:
- It resolves connectivity issues.
- If a website has recently changed its IP address or migrated your WordPress site to a new server, your DNS cache might still have the old information. Flushing the cache ensures your system retrieves the latest DNS records.
- Clearing the DNS cache can remove any potentially malicious entries that might have been placed there by malware or during a DNS spoofing attack. This helps enhance your system’s security.
- The DNS cache contains a history of the websites you’ve visited. Flushing it can help protect your privacy by removing this record.
Flushing DNS Cache in Chrome does the following:
- Just like the system DNS cache, the browser also maintains its own DNS cache. If you’re experiencing issues with certain websites not loading or loading incorrectly in Chrome, clearing the browser’s DNS cache can help resolve these problems.
- Flushing Chrome’s DNS cache forces the browser to retrieve the latest information.
- Over time, the browser’s DNS cache can become cluttered with outdated entries; this could slow your browsing experience. Flushing the cache can help improve performance and speed up browsing.
- If you encounter errors like DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN or ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED in Chrome, flushing the DNS cache can often resolve these issues by clearing any incorrect or outdated DNS entries.
That’s why flushing the DNS cache in both Windows and Chrome is required, so you can ensure that your system and browser use the most up-to-date DNS information, which helps resolve connectivity issues, improve security, and enhance overall performance.
Clear Your Chrome Browser Cache
If flushing the DNS cache in Windows and your Chrome browser doesn’t solve the error, the browser’s cache might be causing the issue. Now, what’s the difference between the DNS cache in Chrome and Chrome browser cache?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s explain their difference. The DNS cache and the browser cache serve various purposes, but both make web browsing faster.
DNS Cache
The DNS (Domain Name System) cache is a temporary database maintained by your operating system and web browser that stores the IP addresses of websites you’ve recently visited.
When you type a URL into your browser, it first checks the DNS cache to see if it has a stored IP address for that domain. If it does, the browser can connect directly to the site without needing to query a DNS server, which speeds up the connection.
However, if the cached IP address is outdated or incorrect, you may experience connection issues, such as being unable to access the site or being redirected to an old version.
Browser Cache
On the other hand, the browser cache stores static files from websites, such as HTML pages, CSS stylesheets, JavaScript scripts, images, and other multimedia content.
The purpose of the browser cache is to reduce the time it takes to load a webpage by reusing these previously downloaded files instead of fetching them from the server again.
This not only speeds up browsing but also reduces bandwidth usage. However, if the cached files are outdated, you may not see the most recent version of a webpage. When you clear the browser cache, the browser is forced to download the latest files from the server; this ensures you see updated content.
So, the DNS cache helps your system find the IP addresses of websites fast, whereas the browser cache helps your browser load the content of those websites quickly. Clearing the DNS cache can resolve issues related to outdated IP addresses while clearing the browser cache can solve problems related to outdated or corrupted website content.
Here’s how you can clear the cache in Google Chrome:
In your Chrome Window, go to ⋮ → Settings. Click on Privacy and security then on Delete browsing data.
In the pop-up, select Cached images and files. Choose the time range (e.g., All time to clear everything). Lastly, click Delete data.
Now, try accessing your site to see if the error persists. Otherwise, you may need to use a different DNS server, which we cover in the section below.
Use A Different DNS Server
Sometimes, the ERR CONNECTION CLOSED error may result from problems with your current DNS server. DNS servers translate domain names (like www.yoursite.com) into IP addresses your computer can understand and connect to.
If your current DNS server is slow, overloaded, or experiencing technical difficulties, it may fail to resolve the domain name properly, causing the connection to be closed prematurely. That’s why switching to a different, more reliable public DNS server, such as Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS, can resolve these issues and restore normal connectivity.
For this tutorial, we’re switching to Cloudflare’s DNS. However, you can also use Google’s DNS. Here’s how to do it on Windows:
- Navigate to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on Change adapter settings.
- Right-click your network connection and select Properties.
- Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
- Click OK and close all other windows.
If you want to use Google’s public DNS Server, you’ll also follow the same steps; however, you will use the following addresses in step 5:
- Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4
Changing your DNS server can address the NET::ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error by ensuring that your computer can quickly and accurately resolve domain names, avoiding connection issues caused by slow or faulty DNS responses. This simple and effective troubleshooting method can improve the reliability and speed of your internet connection.
Deactivate Chrome Extensions
A Chrome extension is a software program that improves the functionality of the Chrome web browser. Extensions can add new features, modify the appearance of web pages, automate tasks, and integrate with other services and applications.
They are available through the Chrome Web Store. You, the user, can easily install or remove them. Examples include ad blockers, password managers, and productivity tools.
If you’re using Chrome extensions to complete your projects or tasks, try disabling them to see if they’re the root cause of the ERR CONNECTION CLOSED error, because some extensions may conflict with website scripts or block necessary elements, leading to connection errors.
To disable them, click on ⋮ located at the top-right of your Chrome and go to Extensions → Manage Extensions. Alternatively, type chrome://extensions/ in your browser to reach the installed extensions page. Once there, toggle off each extension to disable them.
After disabling all extensions, check if the error persists. If the problem is fixed, enable the extensions one at a time to identify the culprit.
Update Or Reinstall Chrome
Using an old version of Google Chrome can be a significant factor in encountering the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error. Like all software, Chrome receives regular updates to improve its performance, enhance security, and fix known bugs.
If using an older version, your browser may lack the latest security patches and compatibility improvements. This can lead to issues with how the browser interacts with websites and network protocols like SSL/TLS protocols, potentially causing the connection to be unexpectedly closed.
Additionally, websites and online services often update technologies and security rules, which older versions of Chrome may not support. For instance, updates to HTTPS security standards or new web technologies can make older browsers incompatible, leading to errors.
To resolve these issues, go to ⋮ → Help → About Google Chrome to keep your Chrome browser updated to the latest version. Here, the Chrome browser automatically checks and installs updates. Once it’s done, click Relaunch to finish updates.
If updating to the newest version doesn’t work, you can try to reinstall it. To do this, go to Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program. Right-click on the Google Chrome application and select Uninstall.
Next, visit Chrome’s download page and follow the instructions to reinstall Chrome.
Now, return to the site where you were facing the ERR CONNECTION CLOSED error, refresh your web page, and see if the error is resolved.
Reset Chrome Settings
Over time, changes in Chrome’s settings— intentional or accidental —can lead to misconfigurations that interfere with network connections. For instance, changes in proxy settings, DNS configurations, or security settings might disrupt your ability to connect to websites.
In this case, resetting Chrome removes these custom settings, ensuring that the browser’s configuration is clean and default, which can resolve connectivity issues like the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error.
To do this, click on the three dots in the top-right corner to open the menu. Select Settings from the menu. Scroll down and click on Reset settings. On the right, click on Restore settings to their original defaults.
When prompted, click Reset settings to confirm.
Before resetting, it’s crucial to back up your important data, such as extensions, as this process will remove custom settings, cache and cookies, and extensions. However, your bookmarks, saved passwords, and history will not be affected. We recommend you sync your Chrome data with your Google account to save and restore it later.
Use The Chrome Cleanup Tool
The Chrome Cleanup Tool is a handy feature they removed in 2023 with the arrival of Chrome 111. However, you can follow the instructions given in this section if you’re using Chrome 110 or older on Windows.
This can help detect and remove harmful software that could be causing the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error. Note that if you’re using the latest version of Chrome, you can jump to the next solution.
To run the Chrome cleanup tool:
- Click on ⋮ → Settings →Advanced.
- Under Reset and clean up, select Clean up computer.
- Click Find to start the scan. Chrome will look for harmful software and remove it if found.
Using the Chrome Cleanup Tool can help identify and eliminate outdated software that might be causing connection issues, ensuring a smoother browsing experience.
Scan Your Computer For Malware
If you’re not using Chrome 110 or an older version, you can clear your computer using malware-scanning tools. Malware can sometimes cause connection issues, such as the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error. Scanning a PC for malware can help identify and remove harmful programs that may be affecting your browser.
Here are some recommended malware scanners:
- Malwarebytes: A popular tool known for effectively removing malware.
- Windows Defender: Built into Windows, providing basic protection.
- Avast: Offers a free antivirus with a good detection rate.
Download and install the tool including the latest virus definitions. Open the scanner and select the option for a full system scan. This will check all folders, files, and programs on your computer.
Once the scan is complete, review the detected threats and follow the prompts to remove them. We recommend scanning your computer regularly for malware because it helps keep your system secure and can resolve issues like the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error in Google Chrome indicates a problem with your internet connection or browser settings.
- Check cables and Wi-Fi to ensure you’re using a stable internet connection.
- Reset network settings to refresh connections.
- Temporarily disable firewalls or antivirus software that might block connections.
- Using or disabling a VPN or proxy can help troubleshoot the issue.
- Flush your DNS cache to clear outdated or corrupted DNS records.
- Clear your browser cache to remove old data.
- Consider using Cloudflare DNS for more reliable connections.
- Disable Chrome extensions to check for conflicts.
- Reset Chrome settings if needed, and update or reinstall Chrome.
- Use the Chrome Cleanup Tool and run a malware scan to remove harmful software.
FAQs
What is the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error?
It indicates that the connection to the website was unexpectedly closed, usually due to network or browser issues.
Why does the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error occur?
It happens when there are network problems, misconfigured browser settings, firewall/antivirus interference, or issues with the website’s server.
How can I fix the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error?
Check your internet connection, reset network settings, disable firewalls/antivirus, and clear your browser cache, and DNS cache.
Can a VPN or proxy cause this error?
Yes, using or misconfiguring a VPN or proxy can lead to connection issues. Try disabling them to see if it resolves the problem.
What does flushing the DNS cache do?
It clears outdated or corrupted DNS records, helping to fix connection issues.
How do I reset Chrome settings?
Go to ⋮ → Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to their original defaults to reset Chrome settings.
Is it safe to temporarily disable my firewall or antivirus program?
It’s generally safe for a short time if you want to diagnose the issue fast, but be cautious and re-enable them afterward.
How can Cloudflare DNS help?
It offers a faster and more reliable DNS service, potentially resolving connection issues.
Should I disable all Chrome extensions?
Yes, temporarily disable all extensions to check if one of them is causing the problem. Re-enable them one by one to find the culprit.
How can I prevent the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error in the future?
Keep your browser updated, use reliable DNS services, maintain a secure and stable internet connection, and regularly scan for malware.
Other Related Tutorials & Blogs:
– How To Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error
– How to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error
– How to Fix ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Error
– How To Fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET
– How To Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR
- About the Author
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Rhett Freeman( Researcher, Content Writer and WordPress Content Guru )
Rhett isn’t just a writer at Hosted.com – he’s our resident WordPress content guru. With over 6 years of experience as a content writer, with a background in copywriting, journalism, research, and SEO, and a passion for websites.
Rhett authors informative blogs, articles, and Knowledgebase guides that simplify the complexities of WordPress, website builders, domains, and cPanel hosting. Rhett’s clear explanations and practical tips provide valuable resources for anyone wanting to own and build a website. Just don’t ask him about coding before he’s had coffee.
