How To Fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET (Troubleshooting Guide) 

You click a website, wait for it to load, and instead see an ERR_CONNECTION_RESET message. The connection started, but something interrupted it before the page could finish loading. This can happen on your device, your network, or the website’s server, which makes the cause difficult to identify at first.

The ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error occurs when the connection between your browser and a website is unexpectedly interrupted before the page loads. It can be caused by browser settings, network problems, or server issues, but in most cases, it can be fixed by checking your internet connection, clearing browser data, or adjusting network and security settings.

This guide explains what the error means, what causes it, and the troubleshooting methods that can help resolve it.

What Is ERR_CONNECTION_RESET? 

When you open a website, your browser sends a request to the server and waits for a response. The ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error appears when that connection is unexpectedly terminated before the data transfer is complete.

In many cases, the problem is caused by the user’s network, browser, or device settings. However, server issues, CDN problems, or security configurations on the website can also trigger the error. 

It’s something interrupting the connection between your device and the website, like a poor internet connection, outdated browser data, or a setting on your network that stops the request mid-way.  

In Google Chrome, this error often appears alongside messages such as “This site can’t be reached.”  

The connection starts and then stops. 

So, what you can do is start with simple checks on your connection and browser. If that doesn’t help, the fixes that follow go a bit deeper into the settings that trigger the error. 

Other common errors and what they mean include:

Error	Meaning
ERR_CONNECTION_RESET	Connection started but was abruptly terminated
ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT	Server didn’t respond in time
ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED	Server rejected the connection
ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED	DNS could not find the domain

What Causes the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Error?

Several issues can interrupt the connection between your browser and a website. The problem could be with your device, your internet connection, or the website’s server. Identifying the source of the interruption can help you choose the right troubleshooting method and avoid unnecessary changes.

Common reasons include:

• An unstable network connection caused by weak Wi-Fi, ISP interruptions, or temporary network issues
• Outdated browser data, such as cached files or cookies that prevent pages from loading correctly
• VPN, proxy, or browser extensions that interfere with web traffic; in some cases, you’ll need to disable extensions or temporarily turn off these tools to test the connection
• Firewall or antivirus software that mistakenly blocks legitimate traffic
• Incorrect TCP/IP or DNS settings that prevent your browser from reaching the website; some issues may require running the following commands or updating your network configuration later in this guide
• Server-side problems, including outages, misconfigurations, or heavy traffic

A better understanding of the cause can help you choose the right troubleshooting method and avoid unnecessary changes.

How To Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Error on Desktop (For Users/Visitors) 

To fix the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error, start by checking these three things: your internet connection, browser data piling up, or a network setting gone wrong. 

The methods below are arranged from the quickest and simplest fixes to more advanced troubleshooting. You don’t need to try all of them, as most people resolve the issue within the first few methods. If one method doesn’t work, continue to the next until the problem is resolved.

1. Hard refresh the web page.
2. Check if the website is down.
3. Restart your router and modem.
4. Confirm you have an active internet connection.
5. Clear browser cache and site data.
6. Disable browser extensions.
7. Temporarily disable the VPN or proxy server.
8. Temporarily disable firewall software.
9. Reset TCP/IP settings and renew the DHCP lease. 
10. Change DNS settings.
11. Contact your internet provider.

Method 1: Hard Refresh the Page

A hard refresh is the fastest way to rule out small, temporary glitches. It makes your browser reload the web page directly from the server instead of using stored data. 

Why this works: 

Browsers save files to load pages faster. Sometimes those cached files go out of sync. A hard refresh forces the browser to re-request page resources from the server instead of relying primarily on locally cached copies. This can resolve the problem when outdated cached resources are contributing to the issue. 

How to do a hard refresh: 

• Windows: Press Ctrl + F5 
• Mac: Press Command + Shift + R 

If you are using Google Chrome, you will see the page reload fully instead of pulling from memory. Other web browsers use similar shortcuts, but the keys may vary. 

This method usually takes 1 to 2 minutes, but in many cases, the page loads right away after this. 

Method 2: Check If the Website Is Down 

Before changing anything on your device, confirm whether the website itself is online. The ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error can appear when a web server is temporarily unavailable, even if your internet connection works fine. 

Why this works: 

If the site is down on the server side, nothing on your operating system or system settings will fix it. Checking the site’s status helps you confirm it’s not your device, so you don’t waste time on fixes that won’t help. 

You can use these free tools to check a website’s status: 

• Down For Everyone Or Just Me 
• IsItDownRightNow
• Downdetector 

Just enter the website’s address and see if others report problems. 

• If the site is down for everyone, wait and try again later. 
• If it’s only down for you, continue to the next method to troubleshoot the issue on your device.

This quick check takes just a minute or two. It can point you toward the right solution before you try more advanced methods.

Method 3: Restart Your Router and Modem 

Restarting your router and modem refreshes your home network and often resolves the problem when the error occurs across multiple websites or browsers, including Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

Why this works: 

Your router and modem manage how your device connects to the internet. Over time, they can run into small network issues. When you restart them, you’ll be able to reset the connection and help your devices communicate with the network again so pages load correctly. 

How to restart your router and modem: 

1. Unplug your modem and router. 
2. Leave them unplugged for about a minute. 
3. Plug the modem back in first and give it a moment to boot up completely. 
4. Once the modem’s lights look stable, plug in your router. 
5. Wait for all the lights to settle before trying to connect again. 

Once everything is back on, look for the Wi-Fi icon on your device and confirm you’re connected. Then open a browser, type the website address into the address bar, and try loading the page again. 

Set aside about 1 to 2 minutes for this method. If the page loads normally afterward, no further troubleshooting is needed. Otherwise, continue to the next method. 

Method 4: Confirm Your Internet Connection Is Stable 

If the page refuses to load, check whether your device has an active internet connection. The ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error often shows up when the connection drops, even for a short period. 

Why this works: 

This method helps you catch basic connection errors before trying deeper fixes. If your device isn’t properly online, browser tweaks won’t help. If your device is not connected to the internet, browser or website changes won’t resolve the issue until connectivity is restored. You need a stable connection to fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error issues. 

You can usually complete this check in about five minutes.

For Windows:  

1. Click the Wi-Fi or network icon in the taskbar and make sure you’re connected. 
2. If it says “No internet”, disconnect, then reconnect to the network. 
3. If the issue continues, open System Settings and go to Network. 
4. Check your network status and restart the network adapter if needed. 
5. If you want to double-check, open the Command Prompt to see whether the Internet Protocol is responding normally. 

For macOS: 

1. Click the Apple icon and open System Settings. 
2. Select Network, then choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet. 
3. Confirm the status shows connected. 
4. If things look off, turn Wi-Fi off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. 
5. This forces your network device to reconnect and can clear short connection drops. 

For Linux or Ubuntu: 

1. Open network settings from the system menu. 
2. Confirm your device is connected to the network. 
3. If the connection looks unstable, disconnect and reconnect. 
4. Advanced users can check connectivity using terminal tools, but most people won’t need to go that far. 

Additional checks for any operating system: 

• Open Google Chrome and try loading a different website. 
• Switch to a different network, such as mobile data or another Wi-Fi. 
• Turn off any VPN or proxy servers temporarily. 

If other sites load normally, your internet connection is likely stable. If nothing loads, the issue may sit with your router or service provider, not the website. 

Method 5: Clear Browser Cache and Site Data 

If the page still doesn’t load, your browser may be stuck using old data. Deleting browsing data forces it to download fresh files from the website instead of relying on stored copies.

Why this works: 

Browsers store files, called cache, to load pages faster. Sometimes this cache becomes outdated or corrupted. When that happens, saved images or data can prevent a page from loading properly. 

You’ll only need about five minutes to complete this method.

Here’s how it’s done on Google Chrome: 

1. Open Google Chrome. 
2. Click the three-dot menu. 
3. Go to Settings. 
4. Select Privacy and Security. 
5. Click Clear Browsing Data. 
6. Select Cached Images and Site Data. 
7. Click Clear Data. 

Then, restart the browser and try loading the page again. 

The process is similar in other browsers. But if unsure, it’s best to clear data using the browser’s default settings. 

Method 6: Disable Browser Extensions 

If the issue still shows up, a browser extension may be interfering with how the page loads. Some extensions change or block web traffic, which can trigger the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. 

Why this works: 

Extensions run in the background and can interfere with websites without warning. Turn off each extension using the toggle on the right side of the extension card. Google Chrome doesn’t have a single “disable all” button, so make sure every toggle is switched off before reloading the page 

You can complete this check in about five minutes. Here’s how you do it:  

1. Open Google Chrome. 
2. Click the three-dot menu. 
3. Select Extensions, then Manage Extensions. 
4. Turn off all extensions if necessary. 
5. Reload the page. 

If the page loads, turn extensions back on one at a time to find the extension causing the issue. Keep it disabled or adjust its settings to fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error issues. 

Method 7: Temporarily Disable VPN and Proxy Settings 

If you’re still seeing the error, your VPN or proxy server may be getting in the way. These tools sit between your browser and the website, and when something misfires, the connection can reset and trigger the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. 

Set aside about 10 to 15 minutes for this method, as it involves checking your network settings.

Why this works: 

VPNs and proxy tools change how your traffic reaches a website. If a request gets filtered, delayed, or blocked along the way, the browser may lose the connection and stop loading the page. Turning these tools off for a short test helps confirm whether they’re part of the problem. 

For Windows: 

1. Open Settings. 
2. Go to Network and Internet. 
3. Select VPN and switch off any active connection. 
4. Open Proxy and turn off any enabled proxy options. 

If you’re using a separate VPN app, make sure it’s fully closed before trying the site again. Some users dig into advanced tools, but most won’t need to touch Command Prompt for this check. 

After disabling both VPN and proxy settings, reload the page and see if it loads normally. If it does, you’ve likely found the cause. 

For macOS: 

1. Click the Apple icon. 
2. Open System Settings. 
3. Select Network. 
4. Choose your connection, then open VPN or Proxies. 
5. Turn off any active VPN or proxy settings. 

Reload the page after making changes. 

For Linux or Ubuntu: 

1. Open network settings from the system menu and turn off any active VPN connections. 
2. Check proxy settings, which are usually under network or system preferences, depending on your setup. 

What to do next 

After disabling VPN and proxy settings, reload the page. 

• If it loads, the VPN or proxy server was likely the cause. 
• If not, re-enable your tools and move on to the next method. 

This is only a temporary test. If the site loads afterward, you can turn your VPN or proxy back on and adjust its settings, rather than leaving it disabled. 

If the error continues, continue to the next method.

Method 8: Temporarily Disable Security Software 

If you’re still stuck, your antivirus or firewall may be causing the error. These tools can block safe connections without warning and cause the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. 

Allow about 10 to 15 minutes to complete this check.

Why this works: 

Security tools scan traffic before it reaches your browser. If a rule is too strict, it can interrupt the connection. Pausing protection for a short time helps confirm whether firewall settings are causing the problem. Once confirmed, you can allow the site instead of leaving protection off. 

For Windows: 

1. Open Settings
2. Navigate to Privacy & Security
3. Choose Windows Security
4. Pick Firewall & Network Protection
5. Temporarily disable your Firewall settings.

If the site loads after this, turn protection back on right away. Then add the site as an exception to help fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error issues without lowering security. 

For macOS: 

1. Click the Apple icon. 
2. Open System Settings. 
3. Go to Network or Security. 
4. Temporarily pause firewall protection. 

Reload the page, then turn protection back on. 

Important reminder: Only disable security software briefly. If the page loads while protection is off, update your firewall settings or security rules instead of keeping it disabled. You don’t need to change proxy server settings or disable proxy server access here unless a later method asks you to. 

Method 9: Reset TCP/IP Settings and Renew DHCP Lease 

If the error persists, your device may be using incorrect network settings. Resetting TCP IP settings restores your connection to a clean state and requests a fresh IP address from your router. 

This troubleshooting method takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Why this works: 

Network issues caused by corrupted settings, IP conflicts, or DNS problems can trigger the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. Resetting your TCP/IP settings clears these issues and helps restore a stable connection.

For Windows: 

1. Open the Start menu. 
2. Type Command Prompt in the search bar. 
3. Right-click it and choose Run as administrator. 
4. Type each of these commands into the prompt and hit Enter after each one: 

netsh winsock reset 
netsh int ip reset 
ipconfig /release 
ipconfig /renew 
ipconfig /flushdns

Restart your computer after running the commands. 

For macOS: 

1. Click the Apple icon. 
2. Open System Settings. 
3. Go to Network. 
4. Select your connection and open advanced settings. 
5. Open the TCP/IP section. 
6. Click renew DHCP lease. 

Restart your Mac and test the page again. 

For Linux or Ubuntu: 

1. Open network settings and reconnect to your network. 
2. You can also reset network services through the terminal if you’re familiar with it, but for most situations, just reconnecting to your network does the trick. 

Method 10: Change DNS Settings 

If the error still appears, your DNS resolver may be the problem. Changing your DNS settings helps rule out name resolution issues that can prevent a website from loading. 

Plan to spend about 10 to 15 minutes updating these settings.

Why this works: 

DNS translates a website name into an IP address. If DNS resolution fails or returns incorrect information, your browser may be unable to reach the website correctly. In some situations, this can contribute to connection-related errors, including ERR_CONNECTION_RESET. Switching DNS helps confirm whether this is the cause and can fix the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. 

For Windows: 

1. Open system settings. 
2. Go to Network and Internet. 
3. Select your active connection. 
4. Open DNS settings. 
5. Set DNS to automatic or enter a public DNS.
   • Popular public DNS services include:
     • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
     • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
6. Save changes and reload the page. 

If needed, you can also open Command Prompt and restart the connection after changing settings. 

For macOS: 

1. Click the Apple icon. 
2. Open System Settings. 
3. Go to Network. 
4. Select your connection and open DNS. 
5. Switch to automatic DNS or add a public DNS. 
6. Apply changes and test the site. 

For Linux or Ubuntu: 

1. Open network settings and select your active connection. 
2. Check the DNS options and switch them back to automatic to test the connection. 

But before you move on, you should do these:  

• Re-enable any proxy server or antivirus software you turned off earlier. 
• Reload the page once more. 

If the website loads, your DNS settings were likely causing the issue. If the error persists, continue to the final troubleshooting method.

Method 11: Contact Your Internet Service Provider 

If you’ve tried all the methods above and the error keeps coming back, the cause is likely outside your device or browser. At this point, the problem may be related to your internet connection, network routing, or an issue with your ISP that you can’t see from your end. 

Why this works: 

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has access to details you don’t, such as local outages, line-quality issues, or account-level restrictions. Any of these can break a connection even when your settings look fine and other basic checks pass. 

Before you contact them, make sure: 

• Your browser loads other sites correctly 
• Any proxy server or VPN is turned off 
• You are using the default network settings provided by your ISP or network administrator, unless you’ve intentionally configured custom DNS, proxy, or VPN settings

When you reach out, tell them: 

• The exact error message you see 
• When the problem started 
• Whether it happens on multiple devices or networks 

With this information, your ISP can determine whether the issue is on their end or help restore your connection more quickly.

How To Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Error on Desktop (Site Owner/Admin Guide) 

Most of the time, this error has nothing to do with the website itself. It starts on the visitor’s side, with their browser or internet connection. But when everyone keeps seeing the same error, that’s usually a sign the problem is coming from the site instead. 

At that point, it helps to slow down and check a few things on the server side. These are simple checks you can do as a site owner that can explain why connections are getting cut off before a page finishes loading. 

Here’s a quick look at what to check next if you’re a site owner or admin: 

1. Check if your website is actually down 
2. Check server status and error logs 
3. Review security layers (firewall, WAF, security plugins) 
4. Check CDN and proxy settings 
5. Confirm SSL and HTTPS configuration 
6. Check resource limits and traffic spikes 
7. Escalate to your hosting provider

We’ll break each of these down in the next sections. 

Method 1: Check If Your Website Is Actually Down 

Before changing your server settings, make sure your website is actually down for everyone and not just for you. If people in different locations can’t access it either, the problem is likely on the server rather than with a visitor’s browser or internet connection.

Why this works: 

It saves you time. If your site won’t load from multiple places, the problem’s on your end with the server or hosting, not with individual users’ connections or browsers. 

To check, try one of these tools and see how your site looks from different locations: 

• Down For Everyone Or Just Me 
• IsItDownRightNow 
• Downdetector 

Just enter your domain and review the results. If these tools show your site is offline, you’ve got your answer. If your website appears to be online, the issue is more likely on the visitor’s side. Continue to the next method to investigate possible server-related causes.

Method 2: Check Server Status and Logs 

If your website is online but visitors are still seeing the error, check whether the server is running properly. Server logs can reveal crashes, timeouts, or blocked requests that explain why connections are being interrupted.

Why this works: 

Server logs provide a behind-the-scenes view of what’s happening when visitors try to access your website. They help you identify issues that browser troubleshooting won’t fix, such as server errors, blocked requests, or failed processes.

What to check:

• Check the server status in your hosting dashboard. 
• Look through error and access logs for repeated failures, timeouts, or 5xx errors. 
• See if any IPs are getting blocked or if security rules are cutting off connections. 

If you’re seeing the same errors pop up repeatedly, dig into the advanced settings in your hosting panel or contact support with the log details. This can help determine whether the problem is with your server or another part of your hosting environment.

Method 3: Review Security Layers (WAF, Firewall, Security Plugins) 

If your server looks fine, check your security setup next. Firewalls, WAF rules, and security plugins sometimes block legitimate traffic and reset connections by accident. 

This is a bit more advanced troubleshooting territory. 

Why this works: 

Security tools sit between visitors and your site. If a rule is too strict, it can drop connections even when the request is legitimate. Reviewing these layers helps you catch false positives and loosen up rules for normal traffic. Keep in mind that security dashboards look different depending on your host and tools, so the exact methods might vary. 

For Windows (server or hosting panel): 

1. Open your hosting dashboard or server firewall settings. 
2. Look through recent blocks and logs for repeated IP blocks, rate limits, or rules that got triggered by normal page loads. 
3. If something looks off, go into settings and temporarily ease up on aggressive rules to test. 

For macOS or Linux/Ubuntu: 

1. Review the firewall rules and security services running on the server. 
2. Check for recent changes to firewall rules, WAF policies, or VPN settings that might be affecting incoming connections. 

If you use WordPress security plugins or a CDN with a WAF, try these: 

• Check activity or block logs. 
• Look for blocked requests from real visitors. 
• Safelist trusted IPs if needed. 
• Review proxy-related rules in the proxies tab if available. 

Also, check whether antivirus software or server-side security tools are scanning or throttling traffic. 

If loosening a rule fixes the issue, turn protection back on with adjusted settings rather than leaving it off. If the problem persists, proceed to the next server-side check. 

Method 4: Check CDN and Proxy Settings 

If your site uses a content delivery network (CDN) or reverse proxy, the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error may be happening before traffic reaches your server. Misconfigured CDN rules can drop connections even when your network device and server are working normally. 

Why this works: 

CDNs sit between visitors and your site. If proxy routing, SSL mode, or security rules are misaligned, the connection can reset at this layer. Checking these settings helps a website owner confirm whether the issue starts at the CDN. 

Do these quick checks in your CDN dashboard: 

• Review proxy and routing status. 
• Check SSL or HTTPS mode settings. 
• Look for blocked requests, rate limits, or WAF rules. 
• Temporarily pause the CDN to test the origin server directly. 

If the site loads when the CDN is paused, adjust proxy or security rules before turning it back on. If not, move on to the next method. 

Method 5: Confirm SSL and HTTPS Configuration 

If your site uses HTTPS, a broken or misconfigured SSL setup can cause the connection to reset before the page loads. This can trigger the error even when the internet connection is working. 

Why this works: 

Browsers expect secure sites to follow strict HTTPS rules. If the SSL certificate, redirect setup, or protocol settings are wrong, the connection can fail early. Fixing these issues can help fix the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. 

Check these basics: 

• Make sure your SSL certificate is valid and not expired. 
• Confirm HTTPS redirects don’t loop or conflict. 
• Check that your server supports modern TLS versions. 

If you recently changed SSL or HTTPS settings, clear cached files and test again. You can also try loading the site in a fresh browser session to rule out stored data. 

If everything looks correct and the issue persists, proceed to the next server-side check. 

Method 6: Check Resource Limits and Traffic Spikes 

If everything looks fine so far, the ERR_CONNECTION_RESETerror may happen because the server is under heavy load. When a server runs out of resources, it can drop connections before pages finish loading. 

Why this works: 

Servers have limits. These include CPU, memory, and the number of connections they can handle at once. A traffic spike or a busy script can push the server past those limits. When that happens, the connection resets even if the visitor’s internet connection is stable. 

Do these quick checks in your hosting dashboard: 

• Review CPU and memory usage. 
• Check for recent traffic spikes or unusual activity. 
• Look for errors tied to resource limits. 

If you see repeated spikes or resources maxing out, consider optimising the site or upgrading the hosting plan. This helps prevent future connection drops and keeps pages loading normally.  

Method 7: Escalate to Your Hosting Provider 

If none of the checks above fix the issue, it’s time to contact your hosting provider. At this stage, the problem is likely deeper than anything you can adjust from your site or dashboard. 

Why this works: 

Your host can check server-level issues you can’t see, such as network routing, hardware limits, or provider-side firewall rules. Sharing what you’ve already tried helps them diagnose the issue faster. 

When you reach out, include: 

• The error message and affected URLs 
• When the issue started 
• The troubleshooting methods you’ve already tried

Providing this information can help your hosting provider identify the cause and resolve the issue more efficiently.

How To Prevent an ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Error 

You can’t prevent every connection issue, but you can lower the chances of seeing this error again. These tips focus on keeping your browser, network, and server setup stable over time. 

Prevention Tips for Site Visitors 

Most visitor-side issues stem from unstable networks, outdated browser data, or overly aggressive security tools. A few small habits can help keep your connection steady and reduce sudden resets. 

Here’s what you can do: 

• Keep your browser up to date to avoid bugs and compatibility issues. 
• Avoid unstable or public networks when possible. 
• Clear browsing data occasionally to remove outdated browser data. 
• Use VPN settings only when needed and review the proxies tab if issues appear. 
• Check anti-virus software settings if trusted sites won’t load. 

Prevention Tips for Site Owners 

If multiple users see the error, prevention usually comes down to monitoring and maintenance. Small configuration issues can build up over time and trigger connection resets during traffic spikes. 

When this turns into a repeat issue, it usually comes down to a few routine checks: 

• Monitor server logs and uptime for early warning signs. 
• Review firewall and WAF rules to avoid blocking valid traffic. 
• Keep SSL certificates valid and properly configured. 
• Watch server load and traffic spikes that can drop connections. 
• Work with your hosting provider if resets continue, especially around network or TCP/IP settings. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

If ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Persists, Here’s Your Next Step 

If the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error continues after completing the methods above, the issue is less likely to be caused by your device or browser. At this stage, the connection is often interrupted on the website’s side due to server configuration, security rules, or network-level restrictions. 

If the error is happening on your own website, review your hosting setup, firewall rules, and server configuration to identify what’s causing the connection to reset during the request. If your site is hosted with Vodien, our support team can help investigate server settings, security layers, and network-related issues. You can also review your current setup under our web hosting services if server limits or configuration are contributing to the problem.  

And if you’re visiting someone else’s website and continue to see the error, contacting your internet service provider can help confirm whether the issue is related to routing or network conditions outside your control.