How To Fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET (Troubleshooting Guide) 

Seeing an ERR_CONNECTION_RESET message means a website failed to finish loading after the connection was interrupted. The request started but didn’t complete, which prevented the browser from displaying the page.  

This error can originate from different points in the request path, including network issues, browser settings, or the website’s server. Because the cause isn’t always obvious, it can appear even when everything seems to be working normally. 

This guide explains what ERR_CONNECTION_RESET is, why it occurs, and how to fix it. 

What Is ERR_CONNECTION_RESET? 

ERR_CONNECTION_RESET is a common browser error that occurs when a connection to a website is unexpectedly terminated before data transfer is complete. The browser initiates a request, but the connection is reset before the page can fully load. 

Most of the time, the problem isn’t the page itself. 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. 

How To Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Error on Desktop (Visitor Guide) 

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. 

Keep in mind that you do not need to perform all of them, as most people solve it in the first few steps: 

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 

Step 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 skips old browser data and pulls fresh files from the server. This often fixes the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in seconds. 

How to do a hard refresh: 

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

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

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

Step 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, move on to the next steps to fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET issues on your side. 

This check takes 1 to 2 minutes and can save you a lot of time. 

Step 3: Restart Your Router and Modem 

This step refreshes your home network and often resolves the problem when the error occurs across multiple sites 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. 

This step usually takes 1 to 2 minutes. If the page loads properly after this, no further action is needed. If the problem persists, move on to the next step. 

Step 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 step helps you catch basic connection errors before trying deeper fixes. If your device isn’t properly online, browser tweaks won’t help. Server changes won’t help either. You need a stable connection to fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error issues. 

This check usually takes 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. 

These quick checks help on 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. 

Step 5: Clear Browser Cache and Site Data 

If the page still doesn’t load, your browser may be stuck using old data. Clearing the cache makes it load the page again. 

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. 

This step usually takes about five minutes. 

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 steps apply to other browsers. But if unsure, it’s best to clear data using the browser’s default settings. 

Step 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 

This step usually takes 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. 

Step 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. 

This step goes a bit deeper than the earlier checks and usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. 

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 step. 

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, you’re close to the final checks. 

Step 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. 

This is an advanced step and usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. 

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 Windows Internet settings. 

2. Go to Privacy and security. 

3. Select Windows Security. 

4. Open Firewall and network protection. 

5. Temporarily turn the firewall off. 

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 step asks you to. 

Step 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 is an advanced troubleshooting step and usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. 

Why this works: 

Connection issues tied to bad network data, IP conflicts, or DNS problems can cause this error code. Resetting these settings clears those issues and helps restore smooth browsing. 

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 
 

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. 

Step 10: Change DNS Settings 

If the error still appears, your DNS resolver may be the problem. Changing DNS helps rule out name lookup issues that can trigger the error code and block a page from loading. 

This is an advanced step and usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. 

Why this works: 

DNS translates a website name into an IP address. If that process fails or responds slowly, the connection can 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. 

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 site loads after this step, DNS was the issue. If not, you’ve completed the main connection fixes and can move to final checks or support options. 

Step 11: Contact Your Internet Service Provider 

If you’ve worked through everything above and the error keeps coming back, the cause is likely outside your device or browser. At this point, the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error has to do with your internet line, network routing, or something on your account that you can’t see from your end. 

Why this works: 

Your Internet Service Provider 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 

• Your network settings are set to automatically detect connections 

When you reach out, tell them: 

• The exact error message you see 

• When the problem started 

• Whether it happens on multiple devices or networks 

Your provider can confirm if there’s an issue on their end or help reset your connection so it works normally again. 

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 

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

Step 1: Check If Your Website Is Actually Down 

Before you start tweaking server settings, make sure your site is actually down for everyone and not just you. If people in different locations can’t access it either, you’re looking at a server issue, not something wrong with a visitor’s internet or browser. 

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 the site looks fine there, the issue is probably happening on the visitor’s end, and the next steps will help narrow that down. 

Step 2: Check Server Status and Logs 

If your site is up but users are still getting errors, check whether the server itself is running smoothly. Server logs can reveal crashes, timeouts, or blocked requests that explain why connections are dropping. 

Why this works: 

Logs show you what’s happening behind the scenes when people try to connect. This cuts out the guesswork and helps you find problems that restarting your browser or clearing your cache won’t fix, such as blocked requests or server errors. 

Start by checking a few things: 

• 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 usually shows you whether the problem is with your server or something else. 

Step 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 steps 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 anti-virus 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. 

Step 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 step. 

Step 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. 

Step 6: Check Resource Limits and Traffic Spikes 

If everything looks fine so far, the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error 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.  

Step 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 

• Steps you’ve already taken 

This helps narrow down the cause and resolve it more quickly. 

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 

Why do I only get ERR_CONNECTION_RESET on certain websites? 

This usually happens when a specific website’s server, security rules, or network setup conflicts with your browser or connection. Your internet may be fine, but that site might be blocking, resetting, or failing to handle the request properly. 

What does ERR_CONNECTION_RESET mean? 

It means your browser tried to load a website, but the connection was suddenly cut off before the page could load. This can happen due to network instability, browser data issues, VPNs or proxies, security software, or server-side problems. 

How long does it take to fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET? 

Many cases are fixed in a few minutes using simple steps like refreshing the page, restarting your router, or clearing browser data. More complex issues, such as server or network configuration problems, may take longer to diagnose and resolve. 

Why does ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED keep happening? 

The ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error happens when the connection between your browser and the website’s server is unexpectedly cut off before data can finish loading. Common causes include an unstable internet connection, overprotective antivirus or firewall settings, corrupted browser cache or DNS data, misconfigured VPN or proxy settings, or a server that is overloaded or temporarily unavailable. 

How can I bypass ERR_CONNECTION_RESET? 

You can bypass ERR_CONNECTION_RESET by troubleshooting browser, network, or security settings, such as clearing cached data, disabling VPNs or firewalls, and resetting network configurations. 

If ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Persists, Here’s Your Next Step 

If the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error continues after completing the steps 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.