ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE

Web browsing has become a daily habit for most people. Whenever you need information, you can open a web browser and search for it. The browser offers multiple sources and lets you choose the answer that best fits your needs instead of forcing a single result.

However, even reliable browsers can sometimes run into issues. Imagine searching for something and suddenly seeing the message “ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE” on your screen. It’s frustrating, right? To help you understand what this error means, what causes it, and how to fix it quickly, this blog will guide you step by step. Dive in!

Table of Contents

ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE appears on the Chrome screen when the search fails to reach the target website. It displays “this site can’t be reached” with the specific code. Though many people confuse it with timeouts (ERR_CONNECTION_TIME_OUT )and SSL issues (ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR), it is completely different. It denotes the unreachable destination rather than delays or security blocks of the website. Whether you are on Windows, Mac, or mobile, it can affect access to specific sites due to traffic or unreachability.

ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE errors disrupt the individual’s online activities, such as streaming, shopping, and work, when the network strains during peak hours. In technical terms, it arises due to the failure of post-DNS lookups or routing blocks where the signals can’t move from your device to the server. With the rise of remote work, these errors can increase due to overloaded routers and ISPs.

A Common Reason to get ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE While Searching

Here is the list of reasons users can consider when their screen shows ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE while searching.

Network connectivity is considered to be the primary cause of the errors. The network instability, such as WiFi or modem failure or ISP outages, stops the data packets from reaching the site destination.
The ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE shows up when DNS resolution problems occur. The servers fail to link the domain name to the IP address due to cache corruption or provider downtime.
The browser may face specific issues such as a corrupted cache, a malicious extension, and a proxy error blocking legitimate traffic. They can make the site an unreachable destination for users.
The overheated routers and faulty cables can destroy the hardware and damage the activities and firewall filter connection, which can make the site unreachable.
The proxy interference changes traffic wrongly and causes errors when the setting is not updated.
Even the sudden monsoon change and power fluctuations can indirectly trigger router resets and cause server errors.

How to Diagnose ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE First

Here are the quick diagnostic steps to find the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE errors beforehand for a smooth search.

Before starting your search, test the server connectivity by pinging the site.
Open the Command Prompt on your Windows and type “ping google.com” to confirm the network stability.
Move to incognito mode (Ctrl+Shift+N) to analyze the extension and cache. If the site takes a long time to load, check your network for proper functioning.
Try to search on other browsers such as Firefox or Edge. If it works smoothly, you need to check your Chrome updates or servers.
Check the router lights and go for a speed test to know the bandwidth activity. If it shows under 5 Mbps bandwidth, it requires attention.
Use advanced system virus scans such as Windows Defender and Malwarebytes to prevent malware access.

Steps to Fix The ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE Error

If you are tired of facing ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE errors for every search, follow the step-by-step instructions to enhance the error-free search.

➤ Check Your Internet Connection

When you are facing continuous ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE on your search, check your internet connection for stability. Turn off all the network connectivity and restart your wi fi or modem and router for a connection. Unplug the modem and router for 60 seconds, then refresh the page to resolve 70% of the error cases. It helps to clear the temporary glitches and gives the server a better connection.

On Windows desktops, run the Network Troubleshooter: Settings > network & internet > status > network troubleshooter. It ensures to refresh the system and reconnect for a smooth search. Clearing the Chrome cache allows you to disable extensions one by one, which identifies the culprit, such as ad blockers.

➤ DNS Solution

When the errors keep continuing, it means that your system becomes outdated or the DNS is damaged. To get your Windows system back to bandwidth, remove the DNS cache by using the ipconfig/flush command in the Admin command prompt.

For Mac, use ‘sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder’ to restart the system. It helps the system prevent stale records and cause mismatches. Users can change the DNS to a reliable one for an immediate effect.

➤ Proxy And Firewall Filter

Disabling the proxy temporarily helps your device to bypass the intermediary server and connect directly to the internet. It helps you restore fast internet access and resolve the errors.

Go to the Chrome settings and scroll to the system tab. In the tab, check for the Open proxy settings and turn off “Automatically detect settings” and uncheck “Use A proxy server.” These temporary deactivations of firewalls help to test your site access and re-enable it with expected needs.

Users can reset the Chrome flags to protect the reliability. Follow the instructions: chrome://flags/>Reset all> Relaunch. It helps to understand the system conflict and enforce proxies.

➤ Network Repairs

Command prompt as admin: ipconfig /release, followed by ipconfig /renew to reset IP.
Then, command Reset TCP/IP stack: netsh int ip reset and netsh winsock reset before rebooting for an active function.
Windows updates: Check out the Windows updates and security, as the data patches can fix Chrome compatibility.
If your VPN is enabled, disconnect it for a short time, as alternate routes can cause unreachability.

Devices And Specific Codes to Fix Errors

Devices	Code To Fix
Windows 11/10	Run sfc /scannow in admin CMD to repair the system file. Use PowerShell for Restart-NetAdapter on Wi-Fi.
Mac	Go for Network Preferences > Advanced > Renew the DHCP Lease
Android	Choose Airplane mode and clear the Chrome app cache via Settings > Apps.
Linux	sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.

Final Thoughts

ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE rarely requires professional assistance. Users can check their network connectivity and firewall settings to identify the cause and restart the system if needed. Following basic troubleshooting steps and making DNS changes can resolve up to 95% of issues. Keep your system updated and monitor your network speed for smooth server connectivity and to prevent mismatches. Enjoy a safe and seamless browsing experience with regular system maintenance!

ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE – What It Means & How to Fix It Quickly