“This site can’t be reached” is Chrome’s catch-all connection error — but the small grey code underneath tells you exactly what’s wrong. Find your code below for the targeted fix, or run the general fixes that clear most cases.
General fixes (clear most cases)
- Reload and check the address. A single typo in the URL triggers this error. Confirm the spelling.
- Try the site on another device or mobile data. If it loads elsewhere, the problem is your network, not the site.
- Restart your router — unplug 30 seconds, wait two minutes.
- Clear Chrome’s cache or open the site in an Incognito window to rule out stored data.
- Flush DNS and switch to 8.8.8.8 / 1.1.1.1 (see the DNS guide below).
Find your error code
| Code | Meaning | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED | DNS can’t find the site’s address | Change DNS to 8.8.8.8; flush cache |
| ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED | The server actively refused you | Check the site is up; disable VPN/proxy |
| ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT | No response in time | Restart router; check firewall |
| ERR_CONNECTION_RESET | Connection dropped mid-load | Disable VPN; flush DNS; try another network |
| ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE | Can’t route to the server | Restart router; disable VPN |
What the error actually means
Chrome shows this when it can’t establish a connection to the website’s server. That failure can happen at several points: finding the address (DNS — the NAME_NOT_RESOLVED variant), reaching the server (routing/timeout variants), or the server rejecting the request (REFUSED). The code narrows it down, which is why matching your specific variant to the table above beats trying random fixes.
When only one site is affected
If every other site loads and just one won’t, the problem is usually that site (it may genuinely be down — check a “is it down” service) or a DNS issue specific to it — work through DNS Server Not Responding. If nothing loads despite a connected icon, it’s a broader network fault: see WiFi Connected But No Internet.
What does 'this site can't be reached' mean?
Chrome couldn’t connect to the website’s server. The grey error code underneath (like ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED) pinpoints whether it’s a DNS, routing or server-refusal problem.
How do I fix 'this site can't be reached'?
Check the URL spelling, restart your router, clear Chrome’s cache, and switch DNS to 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1. Then match your specific error code to its targeted fix.
What is ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED?
It means DNS couldn’t translate the site name into an address. Flush your DNS cache and change to a public DNS like 8.8.8.8 — that fixes it in most cases.
Why can I only reach some sites and not others?
If just one site fails while others load, that site may be down or has a DNS issue. If nothing loads, it’s a network fault — restart the router and check your connection.
Does a VPN cause 'this site can't be reached'?
It can — VPNs and proxies cause CONNECTION_REFUSED and RESET errors. Disable the VPN and reload to test whether it’s the cause.