The ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE, shown in Google Chrome, doesn’t represent a critical error, but it can be frustrating to find out you can’t reach your favorite website or connect to the service you need for school or work. Other web browsers may show similar error messages as well. This issue can be caused by several reasons on both sides of the connection. For instance, you will get this message when the website you’re trying to reach is down or moved to another address. If this is the case, there isn’t much you can do about it.
The website you are trying to reach can also be blocked by your network administrator, Internet Service Provider, or other authority.
However, if you manage to reach the site in question from another device or a different browser on the same computer, and you are positive the website is not moved to a different address or down, you can do a couple of things to fix the issue.
Restart Your Router and Other Network Equipment
Like in many other situations when you’re experiencing some connectivity issues, it would be a good idea to restart your router and other network devices if you have them. Some users reported that they fixed the problem after resetting Wi-Fi repeaters.
If you don’t know how to do this, try unplugging the device from the power for about 30 seconds. Then let it boot up for a couple of minutes and try to connect. If this didn’t solve the problem, move on to the next option.
Disable Proxy Server
Many schools, companies, and other organizations focused on the security of their networks use proxy servers as an intermediary between their computers and the rest of the internet. This can create a problem if you take a laptop set up for proxy use out of that network and connect it somewhere else. If that’s the case with you, you’ll need to disable using proxy and then try to connect again.
You can do this by typing in the cpl into the search bar on the bottom of the desktop and then clicking on the Control Panel. Once you open the app, go to Network and Internet, then Internet options.
Switch to the Connections tab, and click on the LAN settings button. Disable Proxy server, click OK, then Apply.
If the Proxy server was already disabled or didn’t fix the problem, move on to the next option.
Clear DNS Cache
DNS stands for Domain Name Server. It is in charge of storing IP addresses for the domains you are visiting. Google Chrome tries to speed up your internet browsing by keeping all the DNS data of the sites you visited in the past. This feature can cause the issue in some cases because Chrome could use the cache data to load the page moved to a different IP address.
Some users have issues with reaching specific sites only in Google Chrome. Some may experience them in other browsers as well. If you have problems only with Chrome, it would be smart to clear the Google Chrome DNS cache. You can do this by opening the browser and typing chrome://net-internals/#dns into the address bar. Once you press Enter, Chrome will load a page on which you need to click on the Clear host cache button.
In case you can’t reach some sites in more than just Chrome, you should clear the DNS cache from the Command prompt.
Type in cmd into the search bar on the bottom of the desktop and then right-click on the Command prompt app. Click on Run as administrator.
Once you open the Command prompt, type in the following set of commands, and make sure you press Enter after each line:
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /all
- ipconfig /flushdns
- ipconfig /renew
- netsh int ip set dns
- netsh Winsock reset
These lines will both clear the DNS and reset your TCP/IP. When you finish entering all commands, restart your computer and check if the problem is solved.
Recommended reading: ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED
Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software
Antivirus software can also block access to websites. The problem occurs more frequently after the update because antivirus starts treating a specific website as a threat and blocks its access. Try disabling the antivirus, restarting the computer, and then try to open the website you’re having trouble with.
Update Google Chrome (and Other Browsers)
Believe it or not, this can cause the problem as well. Google Chrome is usually set up to update automatically, but it doesn’t hurt to check and manually update if necessary.
Click on the three vertically aligned dots on the upper-right corner of the Chrome window, then on Settings, and on About Chrome. If you’re up to date, it will show or offer to update if not.
Other browsers have similar layouts and update procedures.
Summary
ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error is a generic one, and many different things can cause it. It shows that your browser cannot get an answer from the website that is supposed to be on the IP address tied to the domain name you entered into the address bar.
The problem can be on the other end of the connection, meaning the website is down or moved. The Error message can be displayed if the website is blocked by your internet service provider or your network administrator.
Check if the website can be reached by other browsers or other devices on different networks. If yes, then try one of the following fixes:
- Restart the router and other network equipment between your computer and router (like Wi-Fi repeater or similar),
- Disable the proxy server if it is enabled
- Clear DNS cache and reset the TCP/IP
- Disable the antivirus software
- Update the browser
Try them one at a time and, one of these fixes should do the trick.
Hey, I’m David. I’ve been working as a wireless network engineer and a network administrator for 15 years. During my studies, I also worked as an ISP field technician – that’s when I met Jeremy.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in network engineering and a master’s degree in computer science and engineering. I’m also a Cisco-certified service provider.
In my professional career, I worked for router/modem manufacturers and internet providers. I like to think that I’m good at explaining network-related issues in simple terms. That’s exactly what I’m doing on this website – I’m making simple and easy-to-follow guides on how to install, set up, and troubleshoot your networking hardware. I also review new network equipment – modems, gateways, switches, routers, extenders, mesh systems, cables, etc.
My goal is to help regular users with their everyday network issues, educate them, and make them less scared of their equipment. In my articles, you can find tips on what to look for when buying new networking hardware, and how to adjust your network settings to get the most out of your wi-fi.
Since my work is closely related to computers, servers, and other network equipment, I like to spend most of my spare time outdoors. When I want to blow off some steam, I like to ride my bike. I also love hiking and swimming. When I need to calm down and clear my mind, my go-to activity is fishing.