Chrome's ERR_CONNECTION_RESET message means the connection to a webpage was interrupted. Google's help documentation lists unstable connectivity, an outdated browser, VPN problems, and security software among possible causes. The message alone does not reveal which one is responsible.
Start by testing another website and checking your connection. Only change browser or network settings once you have narrowed the problem.
What is the issue?
A page may display This site can't be reached, accompanied by ERR_CONNECTION_RESET. It might affect one website or several. The error tells you that a connection was interrupted, not exactly why.
Why does it happen?
Google identifies several possible contributors:
- An unstable internet connection.
- A VPN or proxy interfering with a connection.
- Firewall or antivirus software blocking traffic.
- An outdated Chrome version.
- Browser settings, extensions or website-specific conditions.
An error occurring on only one website does not prove that website is at fault.
How to fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET
Step 1: Test another website
Check the address for typos and reload the failed page once. Open two unrelated, normally reliable websites. If several websites fail, check the network first. If others work, continue with the browser checks below.
Why it helps: This separates a potentially widespread connectivity problem from a site-specific or browser-specific problem without assuming the cause.
Step 2: Check the connection and router
Confirm that Wi-Fi or Ethernet is connected. If many sites fail, test another device on the same network. Restart your modem or router when appropriate, or contact the internet service provider if the connection remains down. Public Wi-Fi networks may require a sign-in portal.
Why it helps: Restoring unstable connectivity can prevent the connection from being interrupted during page loading.
Step 3: Restart and update Chrome
Quit Chrome completely and reopen it. In Chrome, open Help → About Google Chrome to check for updates. If an update is installed, relaunch Chrome and retry the page.
Why it helps: Restarting clears temporary browser state; software updates can address browser defects. Neither can repair an underlying network outage.
Step 4: Compare Incognito mode and extensions
Open the site in an Incognito window. If it works there, review extensions at chrome://extensions. Disable extensions to test, then re-enable them one by one to identify a contributor. An extension explicitly allowed in Incognito may still run there.
Why it helps: Comparing browsing modes can narrow down profile-specific issues and extension interference.
Step 5: Review VPN, proxy and security software
If you use a VPN, check its connection and configuration. On a personal device, a controlled test without the VPN may identify interference, if allowed by your security requirements. Review any firewall or antivirus blocking alerts. Do not permanently disable security protections just to make a site load. On a managed computer, ask your administrator before changing proxy or protection settings.
Why it helps: A VPN, proxy or security tool may interrupt traffic, but changes should not create unnecessary security risks.
Step 6: Check site-specific data if necessary
If the issue persists in normal Chrome and extensions have been ruled out, Google also recommends considering browsing-data troubleshooting. Start with the affected site's data where appropriate; removing cookies can sign you out. If a site fails on several browsers and networks, contact its support or try again later.
How to verify the fix
Reload the original page and navigate within the site. Repeat the action that failed, then verify that other websites continue to load normally. If the error returns, record the affected websites, networks and browsing modes to help isolate the cause.
Which step should you try first?
| Observation | Next check |
|---|---|
| Several sites fail | Connection, router and Wi-Fi sign-in |
| Only one site fails | URL, reload and browser comparison |
| Works in Incognito | Extensions and profile settings |
| Only fails with a VPN | VPN and proxy configuration |
| Began after a security-software change | Review blocking reports safely |
Conclusion
ERR_CONNECTION_RESET describes an interrupted connection; it does not identify a single cause. Start with reversible, low-risk checks, then verify the original site after each change.