Seeing the “This site can’t be reached” error can be annoying, especially when your internet looks fine, YouTube is loading, WhatsApp is working, and only one website refuses to open. If you are searching for how to fix this site can’t be reached, the good news is that this problem is usually not as serious as it looks.
In most cases, it is caused by DNS failure, browser cache issues, proxy settings, router glitches, firewall blocking, or a temporary website/server problem.
I have tested this error on Windows 10, Windows 11, Chrome, Edge, and mobile networks. In my experience, the fastest fix is not always reinstalling the browser. Most users waste time doing that first.
The smarter method is to start with simple checks, then move toward network-level fixes like flushing DNS, changing DNS servers, and resetting TCP/IP settings.
Below, I will walk you through the exact steps I personally use when troubleshooting this error.
What does “This site can’t be reached” mean?
The message “This site can’t be reached” means your browser tried to connect to a website but failed before the page could fully load. Chrome usually shows this error with extra details like:
- DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
- ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT
- ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED
- ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED
- ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE
- ERR_CONNECTION_RESET
These codes matter. During my testing, I found that DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN usually points to a DNS lookup issue, while ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT often means the browser waited too long and got no response from the server.
In plain English, your browser is saying: “I tried to find or reach this website, but something blocked me.”
Why this error occurs
This error can happen for several reasons. Some are on your side. Some are on the website owner’s side.
1. DNS lookup failure
DNS works like the phonebook of the internet. When you type a website name, DNS translates it into an IP address. If that translation fails, Chrome cannot find the website.
In my experience, DNS issues are one of the most common causes of this error.
2. Corrupted browser cache
Browsers save old files to load websites faster. Nice idea, until the saved files become outdated or broken. A bad cache can make Chrome keep loading an old failed connection.
3. Router or internet connection issue
Sometimes your internet is “working,” but not perfectly. One app may work while some websites fail. This happens more often on unstable Wi-Fi, weak mobile hotspots, or overloaded routers.
4. Proxy or VPN conflict
A proxy or VPN can route your connection through another server. If that server is slow, blocked, or misconfigured, you may see the “This site can’t be reached” message.
5. Firewall or antivirus blocking the site
Security software can sometimes block safe websites by mistake. I have seen this happen with school networks, office networks, and aggressive antivirus settings.
6. Website server is down
Not every problem is your fault. The website itself may be offline, under maintenance, overloaded, or blocked in your region.
Quick comparison: Which fix should you try first?
| Method | Best For | Difficulty | Time Needed | My Testing Result |
| Refresh and check URL | Typing mistakes or temporary load failure | Easy | 10 seconds | Works for simple errors |
| Restart router | Wi-Fi or ISP glitches | Easy | 2–5 minutes | Very useful for random failures |
| Clear browser cache | Site loads badly only in one browser | Easy | 2 minutes | Works often |
| Flush DNS | DNS_PROBE errors | Medium | 2 minutes | One of the strongest fixes |
| Change DNS server | ISP DNS problem | Medium | 5 minutes | Very effective |
| Disable VPN/proxy | VPN or proxy conflict | Easy | 1 minute | Works when VPN is the cause |
| Reset network settings | Deep Windows network issue | Advanced | 5 –10 minutes | Best last option |
How to fix this site can’t be reached: Step-by-step guide
Follow these steps in order. Do not jump straight to the advanced fixes unless you already know the cause.
Step 1: Check if the website is down for everyone
Before changing settings, check whether the website itself is working.
- Open another website, such as Google or YouTube.
- Try opening the same website on your phone using mobile data.
- Ask a friend to open the same site.
- Try another browser, such as Edge, Firefox, or Safari.
If the site does not open anywhere, the issue is probably with the website server. In that case, you cannot fix it from your device. You will need to wait or contact the website owner.
If the website opens on mobile data but not on your Wi-Fi, your router, ISP, DNS, or local network is likely causing the problem.
Step 2: Check the website address carefully
This sounds too simple, but it matters.
During my testing, I found that many “site can’t be reached” cases were caused by small URL mistakes. For example:
- gogle.com instead of google.com
- http instead of https
- Extra spaces in the URL
- Wrong domain extension, like .co instead of .com
Do this:
- Delete the full URL from the address bar.
- Type the website address again manually.
- Remove unnecessary slashes or symbols.
- Try adding https:// before the domain.
Small typo, big headache. It happens.
Step 3: Restart your router and device
This is basic, but it works more often than people think.
- Turn off your Wi-Fi router.
- Unplug it from power.
- Wait for 30–60 seconds.
- Plug it back in.
- Restart your computer or phone.
- Open Chrome and try the website again.
In my experience, this fix works best when multiple websites are slow, images are not loading, or your connection feels unstable.
Step 4: Clear Chrome cache and cookies
A corrupted cache can keep showing the same error again and again.
Here is how to clear it in Chrome:
- Open Chrome.
- Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings.
- Open Privacy and security.
- Click Delete browsing data.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
- Choose All time.
- Click Delete data.
- Restart Chrome.
Now try opening the website again.
If the website works after clearing cache, the issue was likely old or corrupted browser data.
Step 5: Open the website in Incognito Mode
Incognito Mode disables most extensions by default. This helps you check whether a browser extension is causing the problem.
- Open Chrome.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + N on Windows.
- On Mac, press Command + Shift + N.
- Type the website address.
- Press Enter.
If the site opens in Incognito Mode, one of your extensions may be blocking it.
To fix that:
- Type chrome://extensions/ in the address bar.
- Turn off all extensions.
- Turn them on one by one.
- Test the website after enabling each extension.
- Remove the extension that causes the error.
Ad blockers, VPN extensions, privacy tools, and security extensions are common suspects.
Step 6: Flush DNS cache on Windows
This is one of my favorite fixes for the “This site can’t be reached” error.
DNS cache stores old domain lookup records. If those records become outdated, Chrome may fail to reach a website even when the site is working.
Follow these steps:
- Click the Windows search bar.
- Type cmd.
- Right-click Command Prompt.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Type this command:
ipconfig /flushdns
- Press Enter.
- Wait for the success message.
- Restart Chrome.
- Try opening the website again.
During my testing, this fixed the issue several times when the error code was DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN or ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED.
Step 7: Renew your IP address
If flushing DNS does not work, renew your IP configuration.
Open Command Prompt as administrator again and run these commands one by one:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
And ipconfig /flushdns
After that, restart your computer.
This helps when your device has a bad local IP lease or network conflict.
Step 8: Change DNS server
Your internet provider’s DNS server may be slow or failing. Switching to a reliable public DNS can solve the problem.
You can use:
- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
Here is how to change DNS on Windows 11:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network & Internet.
- Click Advanced network settings.
- Select your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
- Click View additional properties.
- Find DNS server assignment.
- Click Edit.
- Choose Manual.
- Turn on IPv4.
- Enter preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Enter alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
- Click Save.
- Restart your browser.
In my experience, this is one of the best fixes when only some websites fail to open.
Step 9: Disable VPN or proxy
VPNs are useful, but they can break some websites.
To test this:
- Turn off your VPN app.
- Close Chrome completely.
- Reopen Chrome.
- Try the website again.
Now check proxy settings:
- Open Windows Settings.
- Go to Network & Internet.
- Click Proxy.
- Turn off any manual proxy unless you specifically need it.
- Restart Chrome.
If the website starts working, your VPN or proxy route was causing the error.
Step 10: Temporarily check firewall or antivirus settings
Do not permanently disable your security software. That is not a smart move. But you can test whether it is blocking the connection.
- Open your antivirus or firewall app.
- Check the blocked websites or web protection section.
- Look for Chrome or the website domain.
- Allow Chrome if it is blocked.
- If needed, temporarily pause web protection for a short test.
- Turn protection back on after testing.
In my experience, this issue appears more often on office laptops, school systems, and devices using strict security tools.
Step 11: Reset Chrome settings
If Chrome itself is misconfigured, reset it.
- Open Chrome.
- Go to Settings.
- Click Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm the reset.
- Restart Chrome.
This will not remove your bookmarks, but it may disable extensions and reset startup pages, search engine settings, and site permissions.
Step 12: Reset Windows network settings
Use this as a last option when nothing else works.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network & Internet.
- Click Advanced network settings.
- Select Network reset.
- Click Reset now.
- Restart your computer.
You may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward, so keep your Wi-Fi password ready.
This fix is useful when Windows network configuration has become messy after VPNs, driver changes, or repeated connection failures.
How to fix this site can’t be reached on mobile
If you see the same error on Android or iPhone, try this:
- Turn Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds.
- Turn it off.
- Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data.
- Clear browser cache.
- Restart your phone.
- Disable VPN apps.
- Forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect.
- Try another browser.
On mobile, I found that switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data quickly tells you whether the problem is your network or the website.
Best fix based on error code
| Error Code | Likely Cause | Best Fix |
| DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN | DNS cannot find domain | Flush DNS, change DNS |
| ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT | Server or network delay | Restart router, check website status |
| ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED | Server rejected connection | Check website server, firewall |
| ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED | DNS resolution failed | Clear DNS cache, change DNS |
| ERR_CONNECTION_RESET | Connection interrupted | Disable VPN, check firewall |
| ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE | Network routing issue | Restart router, reset network |
My tested fix order
If I had to fix this error quickly, I would use this order:
- Check the website on mobile data.
- Clear Chrome cache.
- Open the site in Incognito Mode.
- Flush DNS.
- Restart router.
- Change DNS server.
- Disable VPN/proxy.
- Reset Chrome.
- Reset Windows network settings.
This order saves time. You start with easy fixes and move toward deeper network repair only when needed.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Why does Chrome say “This site can’t be reached” but the internet works?
This usually means your internet connection is active, but Chrome cannot connect to that specific website. The cause may be DNS failure, browser cache, firewall blocking, VPN conflict, or the website server being down.
How do I fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN?
The fastest fix is to flush your DNS cache and change your DNS server. On Windows, open Command Prompt as administrator and run ipconfig /flushdns. If that does not work, switch your DNS to Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS.
Is “This site can’t be reached” a virus?
Usually, no. The error itself is not a virus. It is a connection problem. However, malware, bad extensions, or unsafe proxy settings can interfere with your browser. If the error appears with strange pop-ups or redirects, scan your device with trusted security software.
Why does one website not open but others work?
That usually means the problem is limited to that website, its DNS record, your browser cache, or your network route to that specific server. Try the website on mobile data. If it opens there, your Wi-Fi, DNS, or ISP may be the cause.
Conclusion: How to fix this site can’t be reached
The best way to fix this site can’t be reached is to troubleshoot in the right order. Start simple: check the URL, restart your router, clear browser cache, and test Incognito Mode. If the error remains, move to stronger fixes like flushing DNS, changing DNS servers, disabling VPN/proxy, and resetting network settings.
In my experience, DNS fixes solve a large number of these cases. But if the website is down for everyone, there is nothing wrong with your device. You simply need to wait until the website owner fixes the server.
The key is not to panic. This error looks technical, but most of the time, it can be fixed in a few minutes with the right steps.
Disclaimer
This guide is for educational and troubleshooting purposes only. Network settings, firewall rules, and DNS changes may vary depending on your device, internet provider, workplace, or school network. If you are using a managed device, ask your administrator before changing advanced settings.