Fix "ERR_CONNECTION_FAILED" Error: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to resolve the "ERR_CONNECTION_FAILED" error with simple solutions like checking your internet connection, clearing browser cache, disabling extensions, adjusting firewall settings, and changing DNS configuration. Troubleshoot efficiently to restore website access.
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Key Takeaways: “ERR_CONNECTION_FAILED” Fix Guide
- Check your Internet Connection: May be the root cause if not stable.
- Clear Cache & Cookies: Outdated or corrupted data can interfere with website access.
- Disable Browser Extensions: Some extensions might block websites unintentionally.
- Check Firewall & Antivirus: Overprotective settings can interrupt connections.
- Change DNS Settings: Using reliable DNS services like Google or Cloudflare often resolves DNS issues.
- Restart Router/Modem: A simple reboot solves many network-related issues.
- Check Website Outages: May be a problem with the website’s server, not your device.
How to Fix “ERR_CONNECTION_FAILED” Step-by-Step
The “ERR_CONNECTION_FAILED” error is a common connectivity issue that often disrupts browsing by blocking access to desired websites. The error is typically caused by problems related to network configurations, router settings, or internal issues in your system. This comprehensive guide will walk you through proven methods to resolve the problem step-by-step, ensuring full accessibility to web content once more.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Why this works: Sometimes, the error is as simple as a weak or unstable internet connection. This problem can occur due to issues with your ISP, Wi-Fi signal, or even network hardware like your modem/router.
Steps:
- Check whether your internet connection is active by attempting to access other websites.
- If your connection is unstable, consider resetting your router or contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance.
2. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies
Why this works: Your browser gathers cache and cookies over time, and these data fragments can sometimes become outdated or corrupted, leading to connectivity problems.
Steps to Clear Cache and Cookies:
- Open your browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, or Edge).
- Go to Settings > Privacy and Security.
- Select Clear Browsing Data.
- Make sure to clear:
- Cached images and files
- Cookies and other site data
- Hit Clear data and restart your browser.
3. Disable Browser Extensions
Why this works: Some browser extensions or add-ons may disrupt website communication, causing connection errors like “ERR_CONNECTION_FAILED”. Privacy extensions, ad-blockers, or VPN extensions can especially cause this.
Steps to Disable Extensions:
- In your browser, navigate to Settings or Menu.
- Look for Extensions or Add-ons.
- Disable each extension one by one and refresh the website after disabling each to identify the cause.
(Alternatively, disable all extensions at once and then enable them one-by-one to force-isolate the responsible extension.)
Pro Tip: If extensions like ad blockers or privacy tools are causing issues, a robust and safe alternative is NordVPN. It offers enhanced browsing security and IP masking without negatively impacting connection quality.
Secure sensitive credentials with NordPass, ensuring your privacy across all devices.
4. Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Why this works: Firewalls and antivirus programs sometimes mistake legitimate traffic for threats and block them. Make sure your security suite isn’t what’s causing the connectivity issue.
Steps:
- Open the settings of your firewall or antivirus software.
- Temporarily disable it and refresh the page.
If doing this resolves the issue, adjust your firewall or antivirus settings to allow the blocked page. If you consistently need safe browsing, try NordVPN, as it often bypasses restrictive security rules without needing to tweak it manually.
Expert Note: For testing purposes, temporarily disabling your firewall can help identify the issue. For long-term security and minimal disruption, use reliable tools like NordVPN to bypass restrictive network settings or Malwarebytes Premium to protect against threats while troubleshooting.
5. Switch to a Different Browser
Why this works: Some browsers may encounter unique challenges with certain websites due to compatibility issues or non-standard protocols.
Steps:
- Open another browser installed on your device, like Firefox, Edge, or Opera.
- Attempt to revisit the website. If this resolves the issue, consider refreshing or reinstalling your original browser.
6. Check DNS Configuration
Why this works: DNS lookup failures are a common cause of connection issues. By default, your ISP assigns DNS servers to your connection, but they are sometimes unreliable. Switching to a public DNS like Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS may solve this problem.
Steps to Change DNS:
- Open Network Settings on your computer.
- Select Change adapter settings, right-click on your connection, and pick Properties.
- Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and hit Properties.
- Under DNS settings, switch from “Obtain DNS server address automatically” to Use the following DNS server addresses.
- Use one of the following DNS addresses:
- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Primary) and 8.8.4.4 (Secondary)
- Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 (Primary) and 1.0.0.1 (Secondary)
- Before making changes, back up your system using MiniTool ShadowMaker to prevent accidental loss of network configuration.
7. Restart Router/Modem
Why this works: Many connectivity issues, including “ERR_CONNECTION_FAILED,” can be resolved by simply rebooting your network hardware. This is especially effective after long usage periods where network configuration may get cluttered.
Steps:
- Unplug the power from your router and modem.
- Wait for about 30 seconds.
- Plug them both back in and allow a full restart cycle (typically 1-2 minutes).
- For better stability and faster network setup, ensure firmware updates are installed. Use MiniTool Partition Wizard to optimize storage space for firmware backups.
- Reconnect your device and try accessing the website again.
8. Check if the Website is Having Issues
Why this works: Sometimes, the problem isn’t with your device or connection, but rather with the website you’re trying to access. Server-side issues can trigger “ERR_CONNECTION_FAILED” during downtime or maintenance.
Steps:
- Check the website’s status page, if available.
- Use platforms like DownDetector to see if anyone else is experiencing the same issue.
- Look for updates or announcements on the website’s social media channels.
9. Contact Website Support
Why this works: If none of the above solutions work, the issue may be beyond what you can troubleshoot. The website owner or webmaster may need to fix server settings, backend infrastructure, or SSL security.
Steps:
- Visit the website’s Contact Us or Support page.
- Use any available support methods (email, chat, or phone) and describe the issue.
- Include details such as the error code (“ERR_CONNECTION_FAILED”) and your troubleshooting steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cause of the “ERR_CONNECTION_FAILED” error?
The error is caused by network configuration issues, browser cache problems, inappropriate firewall or antivirus settings, or a malfunctioning DNS. It can also occur if the website itself is down.
2. Can a VPN fix the “ERR_CONNECTION_FAILED” error?
Yes, using a VPN like NordVPN can help bypass regional restrictions or firewall rules that are causing connectivity issues. It is particularly helpful if your ISP is causing the error.
3. How does clearing cache fix the issue?
Cache and cookies store temporary browsing data. When this data becomes outdated or corrupted, it can prevent websites from loading properly. Clearing cache refreshes this data.
4. Could extensions cause this error?
Browser extensions sometimes block access to certain sites, especially security-based and ad-blocking ones. Disabling extensions or whitelisting websites often resolves this problem.
5. If nothing works, what should I do?
If you follow all steps and the issue persists, your best approach is to contact the website’s support team. They may be able to identify issues on their end or provide troubleshooting tailored to their site.
By following this guide, you’re likely to resolve the “ERR_CONNECTION_FAILED” issue and enjoy smooth browsing once again.