How to Fix ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE

Are you also faced the “ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE” error while browsing the internet? This error mostly appears in Google Chrome. It means your browser is unable to reach the website you want to open—whether due to a network issue, a DNS problem, or a glitch in the browser settings.

In today’s guide, we will explore what is ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error, why it occurs, and—most importantly—how to fix it step-by-step. We will cover seven different methods that are easy even for beginners. Let’s get started.

What is ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE Error?

ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE is a browser-level network error that occurs when your browser fails to connect to a website’s IP address. This error message appears on the screen when the browser is unable to locate or access the website’s address.

Simply put, the browser attempts to access a website but fails to locate the correct network or address; consequently, instead of the website loading, the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error appears.

There can be several common reasons for this error, such as the DNS server failing to resolve the website address, internet connection issues, a corrupted browser cache, incorrect proxy settings, the connection being blocked by a firewall, problems with Chrome extensions, incorrect IP or DNS configuration, or the website’s server being down.

How to Fix ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE

Now, let’s find out how to fix ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error. Below are six step-by-step methods—starting with the easiest one.

1. Clear browser cache and cookies

This error can also occur due to corrupted old cache.

In Google Chrome:

• Open Google Chrome
• Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete or Go to Three dots menu (⋮) → Settings → Privacy and security → Clear browsing data
• Select “All time” in the time range
• Tick all this:
  • Browsing history
  • Cookies and other site data
  • Cached images and files
  • Hosted app data
• Click on “Clear data” button
• Restart Chrome

You can also use the steps mentioned above for Microsoft Edge and Firefox.

2. Flush DNS Cache

A corrupted DNS cache is also a very common cause of this error!

• Press Windows + S
• Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Type these commands one by one and press Enter each time:

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig /registerdns

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

netsh winsock reset

• After running these commands, restart the computer and try the website again.

3. Change DNS Server

An ISP’s default DNS server is sometimes slow or unreliable. You can use Google’s free DNS!

• Press Windows + R → type ncpa.cpl → press Enter
• The Network Connections window will open
• Right-click on your active network adapter / connection
• Select Properties
• Double- click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”
• Select “Use the following DNS server addresses”
• Enter these values:

Google Free Public DNS:

Preferred DNS server:  8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server:  8.8.4.4

Cloud Free DNS

Preferred DNS server:  1.1.1.1
Alternate DNS server:  1.0.0.1

• Click “OK”.
• Restart the browser and test.

4. Check and disable proxy settings

Incorrect proxy settings are also a major reason for this error!

• Click on the three dots (⋮) in Chrome and go to “Settings”.
• Type “proxy” in the search bar.
• Click on “Open your computer’s proxy settings”
• The “Proxy” section in Windows Settings will open.
• Check “Manual proxy setup”:
  • If it’s ON, turn it OFF.
  • Turn off the “Use a proxy server” toggle.
• Keep “Automatically detect settings” ON.
• Click “Save”.
• Restart Browser.

5. Disable Browser Extensions

Some browser extensions block network requests!

• Type chrome://extensions/ in the Chrome address bar and press Enter.
• Temporarily disable all extensions.
• Try the website again.
• If the website opens now, enable the extensions one by one and check the website; the extension that causes the problem when enabled is the problematic one.
• Remove the problematic extension: Click on the extension → select “Remove”

6. Reset Network Adapter

If nothing else works, reset the network adapter.

• Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
• Go to “Network & Internet”
• Scroll down and click on Advanced Network Settings.
• Click on “Network Reset”.
• Click on “Reset now” button
• A confirmation message will appear, click on “Yes”.
• The computer will restart automatically.
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi/Ethernet after restarting.

Prevention Tips

If you want to avoid the ‘Unreachable Address’ error in the future, follow these simple tips:

• Use a stable internet connection: A weak or unstable network can cause connection issues.
• Clear your browser cache and cookies regularly: Corrupted cache files can cause website loading problems.
• Use a reliable DNS server: If the default DNS is slow or unreliable, you can use Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS.
• Use proxies and unnecessary browser extensions only when needed, as they can interfere with website connections.

FAQs

1. How to fix err address unreachable?

Ans: To fix the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE issue, check your internet connection, clear the browser cache, flush the DNS cache, restart your router, and temporarily disable VPN or proxy.

2. Is ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE a security issue?

Ans: No, ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE is not a security-related issue. It is a network connection error caused by problems with DNS, the internet connection, browser settings, or the website server.

Conclusion

ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE is a common browser network error caused by DNS issues, internet connection problems, browser settings, or network configurations. You can resolve it by clearing the browser cache, flushing the DNS, and restarting your router.

If this error occurs on only one specific website, the site’s server might be temporarily down. By following the step-by-step methods outlined in this guide, you can fix the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error and regain access to the website.