Fix ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE: Best Chrome Network Fix Guide

Table of Content

• What Does ERR ADDRESS UNREACHABLE Actually Mean?
  
• Initial Troubleshooting: The Quick Fixes
  
• Expert Network Fixes for ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE
• Configuring Your Network at Home
• Resolving Software Conflict
• Proxy Setting Function
• Why Local Network Resources Do Not Work?
• Final Remarks
• FAQs

There is nothing more frustrating for a modern internet user than a page that refuses to load. You click a link, wait for the progress bar to finish, and are left with a blank page. And then, out of nowhere, a bold message appears: err_address_unreachable. This obscure error message is like a digital speed bump, cutting you off from the website you are trying to access. Whether you are trying to meet a deadline or catch up on your favorite show, this is a serious annoyance. Most people will assume the website is down, but the issue is likely closer to home. This indicates that your browser cannot reach the server.

The first step toward a long-term solution is to understand why your browser displays the err_address_unreachable error. This error message typically results from a configuration issue in your local network settings or DNS. It is not a random error message; it is a specific message from your operating system. Your router may be confused, or your browser cache may be corrupted. In this guide, we will break down what this error message actually means in real terms and provide a clear solution to remove the obstruction and get your connection back up and running. Prepare to move beyond the annoyance and take back control of your network settings.

What Does ERR ADDRESS UNREACHABLE Actually Mean?

To solve an issue, identifying it should come first. This error applies specifically to Chromium-based browsers (e.g., Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge).

Understanding the Error

A URL being typed in sends a "request" from your computer down through the router and ISP until it reaches a specific IP address. If your request reaches a dead end, the error code err_address_unreachable is returned. This means your computer has determined that the destination IP address exists, but no connection has been established to that address. A good analogy is: you have a phone number with a physical line cut; you have the correct number for the location, yet the street where you would be driving is blocked.

Common Causes of Network Failure

There are several possible causes for this failure; typically, being on a different router can be the reason. The second most common cause is misconfigured Proxy Servers. Sometimes it's an overly aggressive antivirus that blocks all legitimate connections. Being aware of these causes helps you narrow down possible solutions more quickly.

Initial Troubleshooting: The Quick Fixes

Before diving into complex settings, try these basic maneuvers. They solve the err_address_unreachable issue in over 50% of cases.

Power Cycle your Hardware

Yes, unplug your equipment for 30 seconds. I know everyone says to do it, but it clears the temporary memory and resets your connection to your ISP when you plug it back in. While you wait the 30 seconds for your hardware to power back on, restarting your computer refreshes the Network Stack and may clear any minor software bugs you may be experiencing.

Verify Connection Type

Do you connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable? If connecting via Wi-Fi, move closer to the router, as other devices can interfere with your signal and cause the err_address_unreachable message. Ideally, a hard-wired connection will provide a more reliable, stable Internet connection than one through wireless interference.

Expert Network Fixes for ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE

If the above steps do not work, it is time to explore some more advanced solutions to your system. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out.

1) Remove Browser Cache and Cookies

Browsers store information to speed up page load times. However, this information may become outdated or corrupted.

●        Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the corner.

●        Click on Clear Browsing Data.

●        Set the time range to All Time.

●        Select Cookies and Cached Images.

●        Click Clear Data, then restart your browser.

2) Clear the DNS Cache

Your computer has a small DNS database of websites. If this database contains incorrect information, you will get the err_address_unreachable error.

●        Press the Windows key and type cmd.

●        Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.

●        Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

●        Wait for the message to confirm. Your computer will retrieve new addresses.

3) Turn Off Chrome Predictions

Chrome predicts what you will do next and preloads the page. However, this feature may interfere with real-time connections.  If disabling prefetch doesn't work, you might need a more direct approach by using the chrome //net-internals/#dns clear command in your address bar. 

●        Open Chrome Settings.

●        Click on Privacy and Security.

●        Select Cookies and other site data.

●        Uncheck "Preload pages for faster browsing and searching."

Try accessing your link again to see whether the err_address_unreachable error has been resolved.

Configuring Your Network at Home

Sometimes a browser isn't the cause of the problem, but you may also need to adjust your computer's network settings (Windows/Mac).

Resetting Your TCP/IP Stack

This is like a factory reset for your internet connection. It will delete all the manually configured settings on your computer that could be causing issues.

●        To do this, open the Command Prompt as an Administrator.

●        And then type netsh int ip reset and press Enter.

●        Then type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.

●        After that, you will need to reboot your computer immediately, or wait until both commands finish. Restarting the PC will eliminate the err_address_unreachable error.

Change to Google Public DNS Servers

It may also be that your ISP's DNS server is not working properly (due to slow response times). A global provider often has a faster response time than local providers, which may help resolve connectivity issues.

●        To do this, simply open the Control Panel > Network and Internet.

●        Change Adapter Settings.

●        Right-click the adapter connection and select Properties.

●        Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

●        Select the Use the following DNS server addresses option.

●        Then type 8.8.8.8 for Preferred and 8.8.4.4 for Alternate, and click OK.

●        After trying to access the webpage, you may also want to clear your browser cache or cookies if you continue to have connection issues.

Resolving Software Conflict

Most software products are intended to keep you safe; however, sometimes they have so much protection that they prevent you from reaching an address, resulting in an err_address_unreachable error.

Disable VPN

Another possible source of the problem is the VPN you are using to connect to the internet, as it changes your routing path. If your VPN server has a problem, it could make your connection to local or public addresses unreachable. Temporarily disable your VPN to see if that resolves the issue; if it does, your VPN settings are causing the problem.

For smartphone users specifically, if you find that a site works on desktop but fails on your phone, you might need to check your chrome //net-internals/#dns mobile history to clear out stale mobile host entries.

Temporarily Disable Firewall

Windows Firewall sometimes treats a valid connection to a website as a threat and blocks it. To fix this, you can temporarily disable Windows Firewall for testing by following these steps: Type "Firewall" into the Windows search bar, click "Turn Windows Firewall On or Off," and select "Turn off" for both Private and Public Networks. Caution: disable the firewall only long enough to run your test; re-enable it afterward.

Proxy Setting Function

Proxy servers are intermediaries between the user and the destination site, with the user as the first party, the proxy server as the second, and the website as the third. If the proxy server is "down," then no data from the user reaches the destination, resulting in the err_address_unreachable error message.

For Windows:

●        Press the Windows Key + R to open the "Run" window; type in inetcpl.cpl and click Enter.

●        Select the Connections tab.

●        Click on the LAN Settings button.

●        Uncheck "Use a Proxy Server for Your LAN".

●        Check "Automatically Detect Settings".

●        Save your changes and refresh your browser.

Why Local Network Resources Do Not Work?

Many times, you will receive an err_address_unreachable message when you are trying to access a local resource, such as a printer or NAS drive that is physically located in the same building. This has been widely reported on Google Support forums. One of the main causes of this issue is that the network IP address range your computer is currently configured to use may have changed. Your local device may no longer be on the same subnet as your computer.

For Example, if your computer has a local IP Address of 192.168.1.5, your printer should have a local IP Address in the range 192.168.1.X. If there is no exact match between the two, the computer will not know where to send the print job and will trigger an error message.

Final Remarks

The err_address_unreachable error is a transient communication disruption between two computers, not a permanent disconnection. To get back on track, follow the methods outlined in this article to identify the weak point in your network, from flushing your DNS cache to resetting your router. You can fix your problem quickly and easily without requiring significant technical knowledge.

By regularly cleaning up your browser and network settings, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering the err_address_unreachable error again. Remember that the internet contains a wide variety of connections, and problems can (and usually will) occur at any time. All it takes is a minor correction (reset, clean) for the connectivity to return. Be persistent, follow the sequence of steps presented to you, and you will restore your digital life very soon. Enjoy! Good luck, and thank you for reading!

FAQs

1. Could a defective cable be responsible for this issue?

Yes, a faulty Ethernet cable (e.g., one with a frayed wire or an insecure connection) can cause the err_address_unreachable error. Check your physical wiring first and ensure that it is connected properly.

2. Are the "Server Not Found" and the "Error address unreachable" equal?

They are alike but different. The "Server Not Found" error indicates that the server cannot be reached for the requested URL. The "Error address unreachable" error indicates that the path to a website is blocked by a firewall or another internet routing issue. 

3. Will clearing cookies help with the problem?

Yes, clearing corrupted cookies from the browser would eliminate any confusion that the browser may have while attempting to route to a website. Clearing corrupted cookies is one of the most recommended solutions for resolving many Chrome browser issues. 

4. Why would there only be one website that gives me this error?

If you are receiving this error only for one website, the problem is most likely either on the website server or in your path to that site. Try accessing that site from another internet connection (like your mobile phone).

5. If I reset my TCP/IP stack, will I lose my files?

No, resetting your TCP/IP stack (and thus your network protocols) will not affect any of your data files or other data stored on your computer (i.e., pictures, Word & Excel documents, and/or programs).