ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE – Complete Fix Guide (2026)

Table of Contents

• Why ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE Happens
• 1. Restart Your Router and Computer
• 2. Check Your Network Cables and Connections
• 3. Reconnect to Your Wi-Fi Network
• 4. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
• 5. Reset TCP/IP Stack and Winsock
• 6. Disable VPN and Proxy Settings
• 7. Flush DNS Cache and Reset IP
• 8. Update Network Drivers
• 9. Advanced Troubleshooting
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Hub: Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub

Quick Answer
An ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error occurs when Chrome cannot reach the IP address of a website due to a network issue. To fix it, restart your router and computer, check your network cables, reconnect to Wi-Fi, clear browser cache, reset TCP/IP stack, disable VPN and proxy settings, flush DNS cache, and update network drivers. If the error persists, perform advanced troubleshooting like checking for malware or using the Windows Network Troubleshooter. For more networking troubleshooting, visit our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Why ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE Happens

An ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error indicates that your browser cannot reach the IP address of the website you are trying to access. This error is specific to Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers, and it occurs when the network layer cannot route packets to the destination address. For official documentation, refer to the Google Chrome net-error-codes documentation.

The ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error is similar to other Chrome errors like ERR_CONNECTION_RESET and ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED, but it specifically indicates that the address itself is unreachable. Common triggers include physical network issues (unplugged cables), incorrect IP configuration, router problems, VPN or proxy misconfiguration, DNS issues, and firewall blocks.

Before diving into fixes, ensure your network hardware is properly connected. If you are on a corporate network, contact your IT administrator before making changes. For a broader overview of network errors, see our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

1. Restart Your Router and Computer

The simplest fix for an ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error is restarting your router and computer. This clears temporary network glitches and refreshes your IP configuration.

1. Restart your computer.
2. Power off your modem and router. Unplug them from power.
3. Wait 30 seconds, then plug them back in.
4. Wait for all lights to stabilize, then restart your PC.
5. Open Chrome and try loading the website again.

2. Check Your Network Cables and Connections

If you are using a wired Ethernet connection, a loose or damaged cable can cause the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error. Checking your physical connections can resolve the issue.

1. Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into your PC and router.
2. Check for any visible damage to the cable.
3. Try a different Ethernet cable if available.
4. If using Wi-Fi, ensure you are within range of the router.
5. Check that your router’s lights indicate a stable connection.

3. Reconnect to Your Wi-Fi Network

If the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error occurs on Wi-Fi, reconnecting to your network can resolve the issue.

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
2. Click “Disconnect” from your current network.
3. Wait a few seconds, then click “Connect” to reconnect.
4. Alternatively, forget the network and reconnect:
   1. Click “Manage known networks”.
   2. Select your network and click “Forget”.
   3. Reconnect by entering the password.
5. Open Chrome and try loading the website again.

4. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Corrupted browser cache can trigger the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error. Clearing the cache and cookies can resolve it.

1. Open Chrome and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
2. Select “All time” for time range.
3. Check “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files”.
4. Click Clear data.
5. Restart Chrome and try loading the website again.

5. Reset TCP/IP Stack and Winsock

A corrupted TCP/IP stack can cause the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error. Resetting it restores default network settings.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run the following commands in sequence:

   netsh int ip reset
   netsh winsock reset

3. Restart your PC.
4. Try loading the website again.

6. Disable VPN and Proxy Settings

VPNs and proxy servers can interfere with network routing and cause the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error. Disabling them can resolve the issue.

1. Disconnect your VPN if active.
2. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
3. Ensure “Use a proxy server” is turned Off.
4. In Chrome, go to chrome://settings/system and ensure “Open your computer’s proxy settings” is not enabled.

7. Flush DNS Cache and Reset IP

Stale DNS cache entries or incorrect IP configurations can cause the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error. Flushing the DNS cache and resetting IP settings can resolve it.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run the following commands:

   ipconfig /flushdns
   ipconfig /release
   ipconfig /renew

3. Wait for the commands to complete.
4. Restart your browser and try loading the website again.

8. Update Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers can cause the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error. Updating them can improve network stability.

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click your network adapter and select Update driver.
4. Select “Search automatically for drivers”.
5. If Windows doesn’t find updates, visit your manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver.
6. Restart your PC.

9. Advanced Troubleshooting

If the error persists, try these advanced solutions.

Check for Malware

Malware can cause network issues. Run a full scan with Windows Defender Offline. For detailed steps, see How to Scan Malware Windows 11.

Disable IPv6

IPv6 can sometimes cause connection issues. Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings, right-click your connection, select Properties, uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), and restart.

Use the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Run the built-in network troubleshooter: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Internet Connections > Run.

Check for IP Address Conflicts

If another device on your network has the same IP address, it can cause this error. In Command Prompt, run ipconfig /all to check your IP, and ensure no other device uses it.

Perform a System Restore

If the error started after a system change, use System Restore to revert. See How to Use System Restore Windows 11.

For more networking troubleshooting, explore our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Conclusion

An ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error is a common network issue that can be fixed by restarting your router, checking cables, reconnecting to Wi-Fi, clearing browser cache, resetting TCP/IP, disabling VPN/proxy, flushing DNS, and updating network drivers. If the error persists, perform advanced troubleshooting like scanning for malware, disabling IPv6, or using the Windows Network Troubleshooter. By following these steps, you can resolve the error and restore your internet connectivity.

Regular system maintenance, such as keeping your network drivers updated and maintaining a stable network connection, can prevent the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error from recurring. For more Windows and browser troubleshooting, explore our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub and check out related articles on ERR_CONNECTION_RESET, ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED, and ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT.

Related Guides

• Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub
• ERR_CONNECTION_RESET
• ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED
• Chrome ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT
• “Your Connection is Not Private” Error
• DNS Server Not Responding in Windows 11
• Chrome Opens But Pages Won’t Load
• DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG Error
• DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error
• ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED
• NET ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID Error Fix
• ERR_TIMED_OUT Error Fix
• Default Gateway Is Not Available Error Fix
• Windows 11 “No Internet, Secured” Wi-Fi Error Fix

FAQ