How to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET_BY_PEER
Learn what ERR_CONNECTION_RESET_BY_PEER means, its common causes like VPN issues, DNS errors, or firewalls, and when it typically occurs. Follow practical solutions such as restarting your router, clearing browser cache, resetting TCP/IP settings, or changing DNS servers to resolve the error effectively. For persistent issues, contacting your ISP or examining network settings may help.
Use our free chatbot to get step-by-step guidance for resolving technical problems like this efficiently.
Key Takeaways
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What Does ERR_CONNECTION_RESET_BY_PEER Mean?
It means the connection between your device and a server has been abruptly interrupted by the remote peer (server) after initiation. -
Common Causes:
Misconfigured TCP/IP settings, VPN issues, DNS resolution errors, proxy interference, or antivirus/firewall blocks are often responsible for this error. -
When Does This Error Occur?
Typically during browsing, remote connections, or virtual private network (VPN) usage.
- Quick Fixes:
Restart your router, update DNS settings, turn off VPN/proxies, or consider contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET_BY_PEER”
1. Check the Status of the Website
The first thing you need to rule out is whether the website itself is down.
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Use an online tool like Website Planet or Down For Everyone Or Just Me to check if the website is down for everyone.
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Action: Enter the website URL into one of these tools and hit enter.
If the website is down, wait for the website admin to resolve it. However, if it’s up and running, you need to dig deeper into your device or network settings.
2. Disconnect Your VPN
VPNs are known to sometimes cause disruptions in the connection between your device and remote servers, leading to the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET_BY_PEER error.
- Action: Disconnect your VPN temporarily and try to access the website again.
TIP: If the website works fine without the VPN, there’s a good chance your current VPN endpoint is faulty or incompatible with the server. In that case, try switching to a different server within the VPN.
Affiliate Recommendation: If this issue persists with your current VPN, try using a stable service like NordVPN, which offers reliable connections and multiple endpoints.
3. Restart Your Router/Network Device
Often, network issues like this can be solved with a simple router reset.
- Action:
- Power off your Wi-Fi router/modem.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Turn it back on.
- Once reconnected, check if the error is resolved.
This clears any temporary glitches or minor misconfigurations in the network.
4. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
A corrupt browser cache can also trigger this error.
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Action on Chrome:
- Go to the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Click on More Tools > Clear Browsing Data.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
- Click Clear Data.
Note: You might want to clear cache only if you don’t want to lose saved cookies/passwords. Consider using a password manager like NordPass to avoid any disruptions in auto-logging.
5. Disable Firewalls/Antivirus Temporarily
Security software or firewall settings can sometimes too aggressively block incoming traffic from certain websites, leading to a connection reset.
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Windows:
- Open Settings > Update & Security.
- Click Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- Disable Real-time protection and firewall protection temporarily.
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MacOS:
- Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
- Temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall service you’re using.
Once you disable these, check the website. After testing, re-enable your firewall or antivirus promptly. For enhanced network protection without interruptions, use Malwarebytes Premium, which provides comprehensive security without overblocking legitimate connections.
6. Disable Proxy Settings
A proxy server can intervene in your connection by acting as a middleman, which can cause the connection to fail.
- Windows:
- Open the Start Menu, type Internet Options and press enter.
- Go to the Connections tab and click on LAN Settings.
- Unselect Use a proxy server for your LAN and enable Automatically detect settings.
- MacOS:
- Navigate to System Settings > Network.
- Choose your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- Click Advanced > Proxies, and disable any proxy options you have enabled.
7. Reset TCP/IP Stack
Misconfigured TCP/IP settings are one of the most common causes of connection resets, especially on Windows machines.
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Windows:
Open command prompt as Administrator (search forcmd
in the Start Menu, right-click it, and choose “Run as Administrator”).
Type the following commands and hit Enter after each:ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns
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MacOS:
Go to System Preferences > Network, choose your active connection, and then click on Renew DHCP Lease.This process resets misconfigured IP settings. Ensure important network files are backed up using MiniTool ShadowMaker to prevent accidental data loss during configuration changes.
8. Check TCP/IP Settings
Ensure your TCP/IPv4 settings are correctly configured.
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Windows:
In the Command Prompt, run the following command:netsh int ip reset
Restart your PC.
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MacOS:
Go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > TCP/IP and ensure your configuration is correct as given by your ISP.
9. Change DNS Servers
Sometimes your DNS server might halt the connection to certain websites. In such cases, switching to a public DNS server might help.
- Action:
Optimize your DNS configuration with trusted services like Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1). For advanced troubleshooting, complement this with MiniTool Partition Wizard to ensure seamless system and network configurations.
Quick Config:
- Windows: Access this via Control Panel > Network & Internet > Network Connections and change properties.
- MacOS: Go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > DNS, then add new servers.
10. Contact Your ISP
Finally, if none of the above steps worked, the issue might be with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Contact them to check for any outages, throttles, or configuration settings that need adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What causes the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET_BY_PEER error?
This error typically results from sudden disconnection initiated by the remote server, incorrect TCP/IP configurations, VPN/proxy issues, or DNS problems.
2. Will clearing my cache fix this error permanently?
Clearing the cache might fix issues for specific websites, but if there are underlying issues with your network or connection settings, you’ll need to address those as well.
3. Why is my VPN causing ERR_CONNECTION_RESET_BY_PEER issues?
VPNs can sometimes interfere with how your device communicates with remote servers. If the server doesn’t respond correctly to the VPN’s IP, the connection might reset.
4. How can I prevent getting this error in the future?
Regularly maintaining your network settings (resetting TCP/IP, ensuring stable DNS servers) and using trusted VPN services like NordVPN can reduce the chances of this error.
5. Does this error indicate a problem with my device or the website?
It can be either. Start by checking if the website is down. If the site is working for others, the issue lies within your device or network settings.
6. Should I tweak my firewall settings to handle this better?
Yes, but keep in mind that disabling your firewall leaves you vulnerable. Instead, ensure it’s correctly configured to allow necessary traffic without blocking legitimate websites.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET_BY_PEER error and ensure a smoother browsing or connection experience.