Fix "This Site Can't Be Reached" Error on Chrome in 2026

Major Reasons for the "This Site Can't Be Reached" Error

Chrome’s “This site can’t be reached” error doesn’t always mean something is wrong with the site itself. Instead, it usually points to a technical issue between your browser, device, and network. Let’s explore the main reasons behind it:

1. ISP Restrictions

Internet service providers (ISPs) sometimes block websites due to local regulations or content policies. If the site itself isn’t down, but you still see the error, ISP filtering could be the cause.

If you suspect your ISP is blocking the site, try connecting through a free proxy VPN in UFO VPN. A VPN reroutes your traffic through a secure server in another region, helping you bypass restrictions and access websites without interruptions.

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2. DNS Issues

Domain Name System (DNS) problems are one of the most frequent triggers. If Chrome can’t resolve a domain name into its corresponding IP address, you’ll see the error message. This can happen due to an overloaded DNS server, an outdated DNS cache, or temporary glitches.

3. Browser Cache or Cookies

Your browser stores cached data and cookies to speed up browsing. But sometimes this stored information becomes outdated or corrupted, preventing Chrome from properly connecting to a website.

4. Firewall or Antivirus Blocking

Security software is designed to protect you, but it can occasionally become overprotective. Firewalls or antivirus tools may block access to certain websites they mistakenly flag as unsafe.

5. Network Connectivity Problems

A weak or unstable internet connection is another likely culprit. Dropped Wi-Fi signals, faulty routers, or temporary outages can interrupt your browsing and trigger Chrome’s error message.

6. Website Server Issues

Sometimes the issue isn’t on your end at all. If the website’s server is down for maintenance, overloaded, or under attack, you’ll see the error regardless of your own setup.

How to Fix the "This Site Can't Be Reached" Error

Now that you know the most common causes, let’s move through practical fixes. Try them one by one, starting with the simplest.

Way 1: Check Your Internet Connection

Before diving deeper, make sure your device is connected to the internet.

Restart your router, toggle Wi-Fi on and off, or try switching to mobile data. If other websites load fine, the issue is likely specific to one domain.

Way 2: Check with a Proxy or VPN

Sometimes the error appears because your ISP or local network is blocking a site. A proxy or VPN can help test this. While proxies are a quick option, they don’t encrypt traffic and may expose your data.

A VPN, on the other hand, not only changes your virtual location but also secures your connection with encryption.

How to regain access to your site with UFO VPN:

Windows macOS iOS Android

Step 1

Download UFO VPN for Windows

Grab the free Windows VPN installer right below. UFO VPN is lightweight and secure on all Windows systems. Double-click the downloaded file and complete the installation. Once installed, launch UFO VPN.

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Step 2

Select a VPN Server

Inside the app, you can click the "Connect" button for quick connection, or browse the list of servers by Location or categroy: Video& Stream, Game, etc. Choosing the right server ensures fast speeds and smooth access.

Pro Tip

UFO VPN is an all-in-one VPN that offers unlimited access to 4D streaming like Netlfix, Disney Plus, no-ping gaming as PUBG, Roblox, CODM and social networking for YouTube, X, Facebook and more.

Step 3

Enable Advanced Features

In addition to basic functions, we recommend you turn on extra protections via Ad Blocker and features like Kill Switch, Split Tunneling and Smart Hop. Users can optimize online gaming/streaming/chatting as much as possible.

Step 4

Check Your New IP

Use UFO VPN's built-in " What is My IP" feature to see your new IP address and location. This confirms your VPN is working, hides your real IP, and ensures privacy while browsing.

Step 1 Download and install UFO VPN for macOS

Click the button below to download offcial Mac VPN free. Open the .dmg file, drag UFO VPN to your Applications folder, and launch it. You're just a few clicks away from secure browsing.

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Step 2 Pick Your IP Server

Tap "Connect" button for the fastest server automatically. Or you can select a server from the global server list in 100+ countries. UFO VPN is an UFO VPN is an all-in-one VPN or gaming, video streaming, social platforms, and AI tools.

Step 3

Unlock Pro Features

If you have upgraded to premium plan , feel free to enjoy premium servers for 4K streaming and advanced features like Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and gaming acceleration. Your Mac is now fully optimized and protected. Inaddition to basic functions, we recommend you turn on

Step 4

Verify Your IP Now

Use UFO VPN's " What is My IP " feature to see your new IP and location. This confirms your connection is secure, anonymous, and ready for safe browsing online anywhere at any time.

Step 1 Download and install UFO VPN for iPhone/iPad

Download this free iOS VPN via official link or App Store. Once installed, launch the app to get started. UFO VPN is now trusted by over 2 million users worldwide with optimzed service.

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Step 2 Select a Perfect Server

Hit "Connect" button for the fastest server near you instantly. Or you can choose a favorite location/platform from the server list manually for full control. UFO VPN is an all-in-one VPN companion for gaming, streaming, social media, and AI tools.

Step 3 Lookup IP and Enable Pro Features

Now you can check your current IP via built-in IP lookup tool. Pro features in premium plan offer you premium servers, blazing speeds, Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and Multi-device login, so you can protect your iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices all at once.

Step 1 install UFO VPN for Android

Get free Android VPN from offcial website or Google Play Store. Follow the instructions for easy download. Then open the app and get ready to surf safely.

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Step 2 Choose Your Ideal Server

UFO VPN is an all-in-one powerhouse for gaming, video streaming, social apps, and AI tools. The"Connect" button links you to the fastest server instantly, or you can choose among the server list manually via Location/ Video&Stream/Games for easy access.

Step 3 Power Up Pro Features

Pro users can look up current IP via built-in "What Is My IP" feature, and unlock premium features like 4K servers, turbo speeds, Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and Multi-device login, keeping all your Android phones, tablets, and other devices safe at once.

Way 3: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

You can follow the steps below to clear cache and cookies on Chrome:

• Open Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data.
• Select cache and cookies
• Restart the browser. 

Clearing these files forces Chrome to fetch fresh data, which often resolves the error.

Way 4: Flush DNS and Renew IP Address

If clearing your browser cache doesn’t fix the problem, the next step is to refresh your network settings. 

On Windows:

1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.

2. Run these commands one by one:

    

   ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew

3. Restart your computer.

On macOS:

1. Open Terminal and enter:

    

   sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

2. Enter your password and restart Chrome.

This clears your DNS cache and refreshes your IP, which often fixes the error.

Way 5: Change DNS Server

Switching to a reliable DNS provider like Google (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) can bypass DNS issues.

• On Windows: Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click your active connection > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Enter the new DNS manually.

• On Mac: System Preferences > Network > Advanced > DNS. Add your preferred server.

Way 6: Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

If you suspect your security software is blocking access, disable it briefly and reload the page. If the site loads, add an exception in your antivirus or firewall settings. Remember to re-enable protection afterward.

Way 7: Reset Chrome Settings

Chrome extensions or misconfigured settings can also cause the error. Reset Chrome to default:

1. Open Settings.

2. Scroll down and click Reset settings to their original defaults.

3. Relaunch the browser.

Way 8: Test on Another Browser or Device

If the website opens in Firefox, Edge, or Safari, the issue lies with Chrome specifically. If it doesn’t load anywhere, the website itself may be down.

Way 9: Confirm Website Status

Visit a site like DownDetector or IsItDownRightNow to check if the website is down globally. If so, the only fix is to wait until it’s back online.

UFO VPN’s Tips for Browsing Safely Online

Fixing Chrome errors is important, but staying secure while browsing is just as critical. Here are a few safety tips:

• Use Encryption: A VPN encrypts your traffic, protecting you from snooping on public Wi-Fi networks.

• Avoid Untrusted Proxies: Many free proxy sites log your activity, leaving your data exposed.

• Prevent ISP Tracking: With a VPN, your ISP can’t easily track your browsing activity or throttle your connection.

• Access Without Borders: If a website is regionally blocked, a VPN lets you connect through another country where it’s accessible.

These practices not only resolve access issues but also keep your online experience private and reliable.

Conclusion

The “This site can’t be reached” error in Chrome can be caused by many factors, from DNS issues to ISP restrictions. Thankfully, most fixes are straightforward—from clearing cache to switching DNS or using a VPN for secure access. By understanding the reasons and following these steps, you can get back online quickly and browse without interruption.