How to Fix the “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET” Error

Yvonne
Updated on 2023-07-01
Your browser is unable to connect to the remote server if you receive the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" error. The majority of the time, the connection is being blocked by something.

Your browser must connect to a website in order to access it. When the browser receives a response to a request, it begins to receive and deliver data. A web page like the one you are currently viewing is created from that information.

You might encounter an "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" error if that connection isn't made in some circumstances.

There are several possible causes for this issue. Fortunately, you should be able to troubleshoot the mistake in a matter of minutes if you comprehend the possible causes of it.

Fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET

We'll discuss what leads to the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" error in this article. Then we'll demonstrate for you how to fix it quickly. Let's start working!

What Leads to the Error "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET"?

Error code "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" is unique to Google Chrome. However, other browsers might display comparable notifications. For instance, Firefox displays the error message "The connection was reset."

When you visit a website and the browser is unable to establish a connection, connection reset errors show. The connection is "reset" in that case, which prevents the server from sending data to your browser.

The "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" notice in Chrome appears as follows:

The err_connection_reset error in Chrome

This error typically indicates a connection issue with your internet, such as:

  • Your Virtual Private Network has a problem (VPN)
  • Your antivirus software or firewall is preventing access to the distant server.
  • you have a proxy settings issue
  • a cache problem with your browser

The good news is that resolving any of these problems is surprisingly simple. In the sections that follow, we'll demonstrate how to fix each one in turn.

How to resolve the error "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" 

Checking to see if your internet connection is functioning properly should be your first step if you have the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" problem.

Start by viewing a few different websites to check if they are loading properly.

However, even if they do load, we advise that you reset your router by unplugging it, waiting a minute, and then plugging it back in. In a few minutes, your connection should be operational once more.

You can check to see if the mistake still exists after it's up. The next round of troubleshooting should be carried out if it doesn't resolve the issue.

1. Examine your VPN

It's crucial to be aware of the possibility of connection loss if you use a VPN for business or privacy concerns. When that occurs, you might not be able to connect to some websites until it is fixed.

Depending on the VPN application you employ, it might attempt to reconnect on its own or you might have to do it manually. Additionally, some software provides you the choice to obstruct navigation while it tries to re-establish network connectivity:

The OpenVPN software showing the Settings panel.

The website you're trying to visit may ban or reset the connection if you use an IP address it doesn't recognize if you use a VPN for work. If that's the case, reconnecting to the VPN should fix the issue.

2. Reset your TCP/IP configuration

You can make your operating system (OS) update your TCP and IP protocol settings if manually resetting your browser doesn't work. This can resolve the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" problem by resetting your internet connection to its initial configuration.

How to Reset Windows TCP/IP Settings

You can use the command line to update and reset your TCP/IP settings if you're using Windows.

To do this, select Start, enter "cmd" (without the quotes), and then click OK. You'll see a window that looks like this:

The command prompt in Windows without any entered prompts.

Go ahead and type each of the upcoming commands one at a time. Each line has a distinct command, so enter the first one, press Enter, and then proceed to the next:

Netsh winsock reset
Netsh int ip reset
Ipconfig /release
ip/config /renew
Ipconfig /flushdns

The above command will also flush your local Domain Name System (DNS) cache in addition to restarting your internet connection. This additional command can help prevent connection problems caused by an out-of-date cache.

Try visiting the website that produced the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" issue once your internet connection has been restored. If it still exists, try the following solution.

Resetting TCP/IP Settings in Mac OS

You can do the following steps to reset your TCP/IP settings on macOS in only a few seconds:

  • Navigate to System Preferences and choose Network.
  • Open the Advanced settings for the internet connection you are now using.
  • Select the TCP/IP tab.
  • Click on DHCP Lease Renewal.

Try visiting the website that previously displayed the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" issue after you've reset your TCP/IP settings. If the issue was with your internet connection, the error ought to be fixed.

3. Turn off your firewall and antivirus software

When it comes to defending you online, firewalls and antivirus software can be pretty aggressive. Your antivirus program could occasionally stop you from downloading and accessing files or even from going to certain websites.

The same holds true for your firewall, which may force a connection reset when you attempt to access a particular website.

You'll also need to manually turn off your antivirus program if it's preventing access to a remote server. You must read the documentation for the program you're using because the procedure will vary.

According to our experience, your firewall or antivirus program resetting the connection is relatively uncommon. Your browser is significantly more likely to display a warning if you attempt to access an unsafe website. Disabling both sets of software is worthwhile if you've already tried every other solution to rule them out as a possible culprit, though.

4. Clear the Cache in Your Browser

Most websites you visit have data stored in your browser so that when you return to them, they won't have to be loaded from start. In some circumstances, outdated cache files can cause "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" issues when loading a website.

If so, clearing the cache in your browser will help you fix the issue. Regardless of the browser you're using, that method pretty much always works the same.

For instance, if you use Chrome, you can select the Cached pictures and files checkbox under Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data:

Clear browsing data

Click on Clear data, then wait while Chrome removes the files it has cached.

Once it's finished, you can try to reload the page that caused the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" issue. The procedure shouldn't take very long.

Other browsers will also function with this approach. Other browsers' methods for emptying the cache are remarkably similar.

5. Turn off the proxy server

When trying to load a website, errors like "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" may appear if your connection is being routed through a proxy server. That may be the case either because you are unable to connect to the proxy server in the first place or because the proxy server is unable to create a connection to the website.

In any event, you can disable a proxy server unless you need one for a specific purpose.

If you're using Windows, enter the Start menu, type "Internet Options" (without the quotations), and then choose the result that appears.

The Internet Properties window will appear. Select the LAN settings option under the Connections tab:

Modifying your Windows internet settings via the Internet Properties > Connections panel.

Find the option to "Use a proxy server for your LAN" in the following box. Check the box next to the option that reads "Automatically detect settings" if that setting is active.

Disabling a proxy server in Windows through the Internet Properties > Connections > Local Area Network (LAN) Settings panel.

That's it—just click OK. You can now attempt to visit the website that generated the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" issue. This ought to solve the issue if you've already exhausted all other options.

Summary

Your browser is unable to connect to the remote server if you receive the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" error. The majority of the time, the connection is being blocked by something other than your internet settings.

There are five methods you can use to resolve the "ERR_CONNECTION_RESET" problem, depending on the specifics of your situation:

  • Verify your VPN.
  • Reset your TCP/IP configuration.
  • Remove the firewall and antivirus software.
  • the cache on your web browser.
  • Activate the proxy server.