How To Fix the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error in Chrome

If you use Google Chrome regularly, you’ve probably encountered the dreaded ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error at least once. One moment, your page is loading fine – the next, you’re staring at a cryptic message that stops you in your tracks.

This error means Chrome has detected a sudden change in your internet connection. Maybe your Wi-Fi briefly dropped, you switched networks, or your VPN reconnected in the background. The good news is that it’s almost always easy to fix – and you don’t need to be a networking expert to do it.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fix the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error in Chrome. You’ll learn the most common causes, how to troubleshoot them step-by-step, and how to get back online in minutes. We’ll start with quick fixes anyone can try, then move to more advanced solutions if the problem persists.

Let’s get started!

What Causes the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error?

This error appears when Chrome loses track of its network route to a website. Even a split-second change in your internet connection can trigger it. Common causes include:

Unstable Wi-Fi Connection: Brief drops in signal or switching between your router’s 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands can interrupt Chrome’s connection.
Switching Between Networks: Moving from Ethernet to Wi-Fi, or from Wi-Fi to mobile data, forces Chrome to re-establish the connection.
VPNs and Proxy Servers: Connecting, disconnecting, or switching VPN servers (or having a proxy enabled without realizing it) alters your network path.
Waking Your Computer from Sleep Mode: Your device’s network adapter may take a moment to reconnect, during which Chrome shows the error.
Faulty Network Hardware: Loose cables, an ageing router, or a failing modem can cause intermittent drops.
Outdated or Corrupt Network Drivers: If your network adapter drivers aren’t working properly, you’ll experience more frequent connection issues.
DNS Cache Issues: An outdated or corrupted DNS cache can send Chrome to the wrong address.

Knowing the cause helps you apply the right fix faster. Let’s go through the steps – starting with the quickest solutions that solve most cases.

How to Fix the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error in Chrome

Now that you know what’s behind the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error, it’s time to fix it. We’ll start with quick, low-effort checks that solve most cases, then move into more targeted troubleshooting if the problem sticks around.

Important Instruction: Start with Solution 1 and work your way down the list. One of the first few steps will likely solve your problem, so you won’t need to complete the guide.

Step 1: Quick Fixes

These first steps take less than a minute each and solve most ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED errors. Think of them as a quick reset – no settings changed, just a fresh connection.

Solution 1: Reload the Page to Clear Temporary Connection Glitches

Before you do anything else, try the simplest fix of all. The network change may have been a temporary hiccup that has already resolved itself.

Click the reload icon (the circular arrow) next to the address bar in Chrome.
Or, press Ctrl + R on your keyboard (or Cmd + R on a Mac).

If the page loads, you’re all set! If the error reappears, move on to the next step.

Solution 2: Restart Your Router and Modem to Refresh the Network

Restarting your router and modem is one of the most reliable ways to fix network issues. This process clears your hardware’s temporary memory, which can get clogged with errors over time.

Unplug Router: Unplug the power cords from both your modem (the device that brings the internet into your home) and your router (the device that creates your Wi-Fi network).
Wait 60 Seconds: Leave them unplugged for at least a full minute. This ensures they fully power down and clear their memory.
Test Your Connection: Once your computer reconnects to the Wi-Fi, try loading the webpage again.

Solution 3: Restart Your Computer to Fix System Connection Issues

Your computer can also develop temporary glitches in its operating system or network services. A simple restart is a quick and easy way to fix them and start fresh.

For Windows: Go to the Start Menu, click the Power icon, and select Restart.
For macOS: Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and select Restart….

After your computer boots up, open Chrome and check if the error is gone.

Step 2: Chrome-Specific Fixes

If a simple restart didn’t help, the issue may be in Chrome’s stored data or your network configuration. These next steps dig deeper but are still safe and straightforward for any user.

Solution 4: Clear Chrome’s Cache and Data to Remove Corrupt Files

Chrome stores temporary data (cache and cookies) to help websites load faster. Sometimes, these files can become outdated or corrupt, especially after a network change, causing conflicts.

Open Chrome and press Ctrl + Shift + Del on Windows or Cmd + Shift + Y on Mac to open the “Clear browsing data” window directly.
Alternatively, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
In the window that appears, set the “Time range” to All time.
Check the box for “Cached images and files.” If you don’t want to be logged out of websites, leave “Cookies” and “Browsing history” unchecked.
Click the Clear data button.

Solution 5: Turn Off VPN or Proxy Server to Restore a Stable Connection

VPNs and proxies change your network route, making them a primary suspect for this error. If you use a VPN, temporarily disconnect or quit the application completely. Then, try reloading the webpage. If the error is gone, the problem lies with your VPN’s connection or configuration. You may need to try connecting to a different server within your VPN app.

Sometimes, a proxy can be enabled without you knowing.

On Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy. Make sure “Use a proxy server” is turned off.
On macOS: Go to System Settings > Network, select your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, click Details…, and then go to the Proxies tab. Make sure no proxies are checked.

Suggested Read: Best Chrome Extensions to Protect your Privacy

Solution 6: Flush DNS and Reset Network Settings to Fix Address Conflicts

This step sounds technical, but it only takes a single command in your computer’s terminal or command prompt.

For Windows Users:

Click the Start Menu and type cmd.
Right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator.”

Type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset

For macOS Users:

Open the Terminal app (you can find it using Spotlight search with Cmd + Space).

Copy and paste the following command and press Enter:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

You will be prompted to enter your Mac’s password. Type it in and press Enter (you won’t see the cursor move, which is normal). The command will run and fix the issue.

Step 3: Network and Hardware Fixes

If you’re still seeing the error, the problem may be tied to your device’s core software or hardware. These last steps address driver issues and hardware faults that can cause persistent connection drops.

Solution 7: Update Your Network Adapter Drivers to Improve Stability

A driver is the software that lets your operating system communicate with hardware like your Wi-Fi card. An outdated or corrupt driver can cause all sorts of connection instability.

On Windows:
1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the “Network adapters” section.
3. Right-click on your primary adapter (it will usually have “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet” in the name) and select Update driver.
4. Choose “Search automatically for drivers.” Windows will search for and install any available updates.
On macOS:
Apple handles driver updates differently. They are bundled with system software updates. To ensure your drivers are current, simply check for a system update:
1. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Install any available updates.

Solution 8: Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter for Automatic Fixes

For Windows users, there’s a built-in tool designed to automatically find and fix network problems. It’s a quick way to detect and fix issues automatically.

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
Click on Other troubleshooters.
Find the Network Adapter in the list and click the Run button next to it.
Follow the on-screen prompts and let Windows attempt to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Wrapping Up: Keep Chrome Connected and Avoid ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED in the Future

The ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error might interrupt your work, but fixing it is usually quick once you know where to start. Whether it’s a simple Wi-Fi hiccup, a VPN reconnecting, or a misconfigured setting, this guide should help you get Chrome back online fast.

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