How to Fix ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error in Chrome

Understanding the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error in Chrome

The ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error in Chrome typically occurs when your internet connection changes unexpectedly. Google’s error message help says it means your device disconnected from the network, or connected to a new one, while the page was loading. This can be due to various reasons like switching networks, changes in DNS settings, or interference from VPNs. Fortunately, there are several solutions to tackle this issue and restore your browsing experience.

Quick Fixes to Try First

• Refresh the Page: Simply press F5 (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + R (Mac) to reload the page.
• Restart Chrome: Close and reopen your browser to see if the issue persists.
• Reboot Your Computer: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve the network change error.

Resetting Network Adapter

Windows

1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl and press Enter to open Network Connections.
2. Right-click your network adapter and select Disable.
3. Wait a few seconds, then right-click and select Enable.

macOS

1. Go to System Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Turn Wi-Fi off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. For a wired connection, unplug the Ethernet cable and plug it back in.

Linux

1. Open a terminal and type sudo ip link set [interface] down to disable the adapter.
2. Reactivate it with sudo ip link set [interface] up.

Flushing DNS

Flushing your DNS can resolve the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error by clearing old cache data that might be causing the issue.

Windows

1. Open the Command Prompt by pressing Windows + R, typing cmd, and hitting Enter.
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

macOS

1. Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities.
2. Type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.
3. Enter your password if prompted.

Linux

1. Open Terminal.
2. On systems that use systemd-resolved, type sudo resolvectl flush-caches and press Enter.

Disabling VPN During Browsing

VPNs can cause network changes leading to this error. Temporarily disabling your VPN can help.

• Windows: Right-click the VPN icon in the system tray and select Disconnect.
• macOS: Disconnect from the VPN status menu in the menu bar, or from your VPN app.
• Linux: Use the network manager or terminal command specific to your VPN.

Router and Modem Restart

1. Unplug your router and modem from the power source.
2. Wait for at least 30 seconds.
3. Plug them back in and allow them to fully restart.

Additional Steps for Specific Platforms

Android

1. Open Settings and select Network & Internet.
2. Tap on Wi-Fi and toggle it off and then back on.

iOS

1. Open Settings and go to Wi-Fi.
2. Toggle the Wi-Fi switch off and then back on.

Conclusion

By following the above steps, you should be able to fix the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error in Chrome across different platforms. Remember to check your network connections and settings regularly to prevent this issue from recurring. For more detailed troubleshooting, visit Google Chrome Help.