How to fix ERR_TUNNEL_CONNECTION_FAILED. Step-by-Step Guide




How to fix ERR_TUNNEL_CONNECTION_FAILED. Step-by-Step Guide






How to Fix ERR_TUNNEL_CONNECTION_FAILED

Learn how to resolve the ERR_TUNNEL_CONNECTION_FAILED error in Google Chrome caused by network misconfigurations. This guide provides practical steps like disabling proxy settings, resetting DNS, clearing cache, and changing DNS servers to troubleshoot connectivity issues. For advanced help, consider using tools like a VPN or driver updater.

Use our free chatbot for additional support with solving technical issues.

Key Takeaways

  • ERR_TUNNEL_CONNECTION_FAILED occurs when Google Chrome can’t connect to the internet due to misconfigurations or issues with network settings.
  • Common fixes include disabling proxy settings, resetting the DNS, and clearing browser data such as cached files and cookies. For ease of troubleshooting, consider using EaseUS DriverHandy to scan and update your system’s network drivers.
  • For frequent travelers or users who might face similar issues due to geographical restrictions, using a VPN like NordVPN may help circumvent issues related to connectivity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing ERR_TUNNEL_CONNECTION_FAILED

1. Check and Disable Proxy Settings

Sometimes a misconfigured proxy server can cause this error. Follow these steps to ensure proxy settings aren’t the problem:

  1. Open Internet Properties:

    • Press Win Key + R to open the Run dialog.
    • Type inetcpl.cpl and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to LAN Settings:

    • In the Internet Properties window, click the Connections tab.
    • Select LAN Settings.
  3. Disable Proxy Server:

  • Ensure that “Use a proxy server for your LAN” is unchecked.
  • Make sure “Automatically detect settings” is checked.
  1. Apply and Close:

    • Click OK to save your settings and close all open windows.
  2. Restart Your Computer:

    • Restart your machine for the settings to take effect.
  3. Check if the Error is Resolved:

  • Open Chrome and visit the site again to see if the error is gone.

2. Reset Your Internet Settings (DNS and Winsock)

Network settings can get corrupted over time, which can lead to tunnel connection failures. Commands to reset DNS and Winsock can restore your internet settings.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

    • Press the Windows button → type “Cmd”.
    • Right-click on Command Prompt and choose “Run as Administrator”.
  2. Run the Following Commands:

IPCONFIG /FLUSHDNS
NBTSTAT -R
NETSH INT IP RESET
NETSH WINSOCK RESET
  1. Restart Your Computer:

    • Restart your machine after executing these commands to apply settings.
  2. Check If the Error is Resolved:

    • Open Chrome and verify if the ERR_TUNNEL_CONNECTION_FAILED error persists.

3. Change Your DNS Server

Sometimes the issue lies in your DNS settings. Switching to Google DNS often solves the issue.

  1. Open Network and Sharing Center:

    • Press Win Key and type “Network and Sharing Center” and open it.
  2. Select Your Active Network Connection:

    • Click on your active network like Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
  3. Properties Window:

  • Right-click on the active network connection and select Properties.
  1. Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4):

    • Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  2. Change DNS Server:

    • Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses”.
    • Set Google’s DNS: 8.8.8.8 for Preferred DNS and 8.8.4.4 for Alternate DNS.
  3. Apply and Close:

  • Click OK to apply the changes.
  1. Restart Your Computer:

    • Reboot your device.
  2. Check if the Error is Resolved:

    • Open Chrome and check if the error has been fixed.

Expert Tip:
This DNS change works well not just for Chrome but for overall network connectivity when faced with DNS-related issues. Additionally, using DNS from providers like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) can enhance privacy and performance.


4. Reset Chrome’s Settings

Restoring Chrome to its default settings can eliminate risky modifications like an altered proxy configuration, which might be causing the error.

  1. Open Chrome Settings:

    • In Chrome, click the three dots (upper right), then select Settings.
  2. Reset and Clean Up Tab:

    • Scroll down and click Advanced.
    • Under “Reset and Clean up”, select Restore settings to their original defaults.
  3. Confirm Reset:

  • Confirm with the Reset Settings button.
  1. Wait for Chrome to Restart:

    • Chrome will automatically restart.
  2. Check if the Error is Resolved:

    • Test if the issue still persists by visiting the same site.

Note: Resetting Chrome does not clear history, bookmarks, or saved passwords. However, it will deactivate extensions and reset customization settings.


5. Clear Browsing History and Cookies

Corrupted cookies and cache data can also cause connection issues in Chrome. Here’s how to clear browser data safely:

  1. Open Chrome Settings:

    • Click on the three dots, followed by Settings.
  2. Clear Browsing Data:

    • Under Privacy and Security, click Clear Browsing Data.
    • Select the desired time range (e.g., all time).
    • Choose to clear cookies, cached images, and files.
  3. Clear Data:

  • Click Clear data to complete.
  1. Check if the Error is Resolved:
    • Restart Chrome and test again.

6. Disable Chrome Extensions

Certain extensions can interfere with your browser’s settings, leading to errors like ERR_TUNNEL_CONNECTION_FAILED. Follow these steps to disable extensions:

  1. Open Chrome Settings:

    • Click the three dots → Settings.
  2. Extensions Tab:

    • Scroll down and click Extensions.
  3. Disable Each Extension:

  • Toggle off each extension. After disabling each one, restart Chrome and check if the error still appears.
  1. Check if the Error is Resolved:
    • Open Chrome and confirm whether the error is resolved.

Expert Tip:
If one extension seems to be the cause, uninstall or update it. Security or ad-blocking extensions are commonly the culprits.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What causes ERR_TUNNEL_CONNECTION_FAILED?

This occurs when Chrome can’t establish a connection via the proxy or default tunnel due to improperly configured proxy settings, DNS misconfiguration, or network restrictions.

2. Why is the issue unique to Google Chrome?

Chrome might have tighter security policies related to proxy and tunneling compared to other browsers, causing this issue to arise more frequently.

3. Can using a VPN service fix this issue?

Yes. A reliable VPN service like NordVPN can bypass restrictions or faulty tunnels by providing a new IP route via remote servers.

4. Will resetting Chrome delete my data?

Resetting Chrome restores default settings but will not affect your bookmarks, history, or saved passwords. Extensions will be deactivated but can be re-enabled.

5. Will changing the DNS server affect other devices on my network?

No. Changing DNS settings on your individual computer will only affect that particular device and not other devices connected to the same network.

6. What if I still can’t resolve the issue?

If none of these steps work, your issue might be more complex, possibly involving your ISP or a firewall setting. In such cases, contacting your network administrator or ISP support is recommended.