"This site can't be reached" usually appears alongside an error code like ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED, ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED, or ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE. Each code points to a slightly different cause, but the checklist below covers all the common ones.

Step 1: Check your own internet connection

Can you load other websites? If nothing loads, the problem is your internet connection, not the browser. Try restarting your router. If your internet is working fine but one site won't load, continue below.

Step 2: Check whether the site is down

Use your phone on mobile data to visit a "is it down" checker. If the site is down for everyone, there's nothing you can do on your end except wait.

Step 3: Try the URL with and without "www"

Some sites only work as www.example.com or as example.com, not both. Try both versions in the address bar.

Step 4: Flush your DNS cache

Windows: open Command Prompt as administrator and type ipconfig /flushdns.
Mac: open Terminal and type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.

Step 5: Disable your firewall and VPN temporarily

A firewall rule or a VPN server might be blocking the connection. Temporarily disable each to test. If the site loads after disabling your VPN, the VPN server you're using doesn't have access to that site — switch to a different server location or disconnect.

Step 6: Clear browser cache and cookies

Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete, select cached files and cookies, and clear. Try the site again in a fresh tab.

Step 7: Reset network settings

On Windows, open an administrator Command Prompt and run:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

Restart your computer after this step.

Understanding the error codes

  • ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED: DNS couldn't find the domain — flush DNS or change DNS server.
  • ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED: The server was found but rejected the connection — likely a firewall or the site is blocking your IP.
  • ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE: Your computer can't reach the server's IP address — often a local network or routing issue.

If one site consistently fails while others work, ask us with the full error code and we'll help troubleshoot.