How To Fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET

Have you ever tried to visit a website, but instead of seeing the page you wanted, you got an error message that says ERR_CONNECTION_RESET? It can be frustrating, right? This error means that something went wrong while your browser tried connecting to the website, whether a WordPress site or a custom website. The connection was reset, and your browser couldn’t load the page.

Therefore, quickly fixing this error is important because it can affect your ability to access important information, work on projects, or even manage your website. Whether you’re trying to browse the internet for personal reasons or are running a business, facing this error can be a major hassle.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand what causes the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error and show how to fix it step-by-step. We’ll start with relatively easy solutions and move on to more advanced fixes. By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to handle this error and prevent it from happening in the future.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. The ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error occurs when your browser can’t establish a stable connection to a website.
2. Common causes include network connectivity issues, incorrect internet settings, browser-related problems, firewall or antivirus interference, and server-side issues.
3. Basic solutions to try first are refreshing the page, restarting your router or modem, and accessing the website on a different device.
4. Check if the website is down for everyone using online tools or by asking someone else to visit the site.
5. If you’re using a VPN, disconnecting it or switching servers might resolve the error.
6. Test your internet connection speed using a speed test and a ping test and reset your network settings if needed.
7. Erase your browser cache and cookies, disable browser extensions, and update or reinstall your browser to fix browser-related issues.
8. Temporarily disable firewall/antivirus software to see if they block the connection and add exceptions if necessary.
9. If the problem is server-side, contact the website’s administrator, check the server status and logs, and ensure the server isn’t overloaded.
10. Advanced solutions include using Command Prompt for network diagnostics, checking for proxy settings, updating software and antivirus, and resetting your router.
11. Prevent the error by updating your software and systems, regularly monitoring your network and server status, and using reliable security and networking tools.
12. Maintain a stable internet connection, regularly clear browser cache and cookies, keep your browser and extensions updated, use reputable firewall and antivirus software, and monitor server performance to avoid causes of the error.

ERR_CONNECTION_RESET and Its Significance

The ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error happens when your browser can’t connect to the website you’re trying to visit. In other words, the site can’t be reached. It’s like trying to make a phone call, but the line suddenly goes dead. This error can pop up for various reasons, like network problems, browser issues, or even settings on your computer. When you see this error, you’ll notice a message saying the connection was reset, and the page won’t load.

It’s important to fix this error quickly due to various reasons:

1. Access to Information: Whether looking for important information, trying to complete a task, or just browsing, being unable to access websites can be very disturbing. Fixing this error quickly gets you back on track without wasting time.
2. Business Continuity: If you run a business, your website needs to be accessible all the time. An ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error can prevent customers from visiting your site, leading to lost sales and a poor user experience. Quickly resolving the issue ensures that your customers can always reach you.
3. Work Productivity: Many of us rely on the Internet for work. This error can interrupt your workflow, causing delays and impacting productivity. Fixing it helps you maintain a smooth and efficient work process.
4. Search Engine Rankings: For website owners, frequent downtime due to errors like ERR_CONNECTION_RESET can affect their search engine rankings. Search engines prefer reliable and consistently available websites. By fixing this error quickly, you help maintain your site’s SEO health.
5. Security Concerns: Sometimes, this error can be a sign of deeper issues, like malware or network security problems. Addressing it fast can help protect your data and keep your devices safe.

Causes of ERR_CONNECTION_RESET

It is frustrating to encounter ERR_CONNECTION_RESET, especially when you wish to access a website quickly. Understanding the common reasons for this error can help you troubleshoot and fix it efficiently. Here are some of the main reasons you might see this error:

Network Connectivity Issues

One of the most common reasons for the NET::ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error is network connectivity problems. Your browser may struggle to establish a steady connection with the website’s server if your internet connection is unstable or weak. Issues such as a weak Wi-Fi signal, problems with your internet service provider (ISP), or a disconnected router can all lead to this error.

Incorrect Internet Settings

Sometimes, your computer or network settings can be misconfigured, leading to the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. This can include incorrect DNS settings, issues with your proxy server, or problems with your IP configuration. These settings must be correct for your browser to connect to websites properly.

Browser-Related Problems

Your web browser can also be the culprit. A full browser or outdated or corrupted extensions can interfere with your website connections. Also, an outdated browser version could cause compatibility issues, resulting in this error.

Firewall or Antivirus Interference

Firewalls and antivirus are essential for protecting your computer from threats, but sometimes they can be too aggressive. If your firewall or antivirus software mistakenly identifies a website as harmful, it might block the connection, causing the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. Adjusting the settings or temporarily disabling these programs can help identify if they are the reason.

Issues with the Website’s Server

Sometimes, the problem isn’t on your end at all. The website you’re trying to visit might be experiencing server problems. This could be due to server maintenance, server overload, or other technical issues on the website’s server.

In these cases, there isn’t much you can do except wait for the website’s administrators to resolve the issue. However, if you are the website’s owner,  you can contact your web hosting provider about the server downtime.

How Do I Fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET?

Facing the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error can be annoying, but here are several simple steps you can take to resolve it. Let’s start with the basic solutions that often fix the problem quickly and easily.

Refresh Web Page

Sometimes, the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error is just a temporary glitch. The easiest and quickest solution is to refresh the page. To do this, hit the refresh button in your browser (usually a circular arrow near the address bar) or press the F5 key on your keyboard. Wait a few seconds to see if the page loads correctly. If the error persists, move on to the next step.

Restart Your Router or Modem

Network issues can often be resolved by restarting your router or modem. This can assist in resetting your internet connection and fix any temporary issues. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Unplug your router or modem from the power source.
2. Wait for between 30 seconds and a minute.
3. Plug the router or modem back in and wait for it to reconnect to the internet (this may take a couple of minutes).

After restarting your router or modem, try re-accessing the website.

Access Website on Different Devices

Sometimes, the problem might be specific to the device you’re using. To check if this is the case, try accessing the website on another device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or second computer.

If the website loads on another device, the issue might be with your original device. In that case, you can try further troubleshooting steps like clearing your browser cache or checking your device’s internet settings.

Disconnect from VPN

VPNs can also sometimes interfere with your internet connection. So, if you’re using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), it might be causing the NET::ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. Here’s how to troubleshoot this:

1. Open your VPN application (usually found in your system tray or taskbar) and look for a Disconnect button. Click it to disconnect from the VPN.
2. Try revisiting the website. If the page loads correctly, your VPN is likely to be causing the issue.
3. If you need a VPN, try connecting to another server within your VPN application. Sometimes, certain VPN servers may have issues, while others work fine.

Check Network Connectivity

Network connectivity issues are one of the common causes of the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. Ensuring your internet connection is stable and properly configured can help resolve this problem. Here’s how to check your network connectivity and ensure a smooth browsing experience.

First, try visiting a few other websites. If they load correctly, the problem might be with the specific site you’re trying to access. Use an online internet speed test tool like Speedtest.net to check your internet speed. It’ll show you if your connection is slower than usual, which might be causing the error.

You can also do a ping test to check the stability of your connection. Open the Windows Command Prompt or Terminal on Mac, type ping google.com, and press Enter.

1. If you see a series of replies, your connection is stable. If you see timeouts or errors, your network may have an issue.

Check If the Website Is Working

Before diving into more complex solutions, it’s important to check if the website you’re trying to visit is down for everyone or just for you. To check this:

Use Online Tools

There are several free tools like Down For Everyone Or Just Me or Down Detector; these can all check the status of a website. Enter the website’s URL or domain to any one of these tools. If the site is down for everyone, it’s likely an issue with the website itself, and there’s not much you can do except wait for the site’s administrators to fix it.

Try a Different Browser

Open another web browser (for example, if you’re using Chrome, try Firefox or Edge) and enter the website’s URL. If the site loads in a different browser, the problem might be with your original browser.

Furthermore, you can also ask a friend or family member to check the website on their device. This can help you determine if the problem is specific to your network or device.

Once you identify that the website’s server is down for everyone, you’ll have no option except to wait until the error is resolved.

Reset TCP/IP Settings

If you suspect an issue with your network settings, resetting them can often fix the problem. Here’s how to do it on Windows:

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Type the following commands one by one to reset TCP/IP settings, and press Enter:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset (restart will be required)
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

Restart your PC or laptop to see if this has resolved the error.

Browser-Related Fixes

Sometimes the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error is caused by web browser issues. To resolve this error, follow these simple steps to clear your browser cache and cookies, disable browser extensions, and update or reinstall your browser.

Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Your browser stores temporary files, cookies, and other data to help websites load faster. However, this data can sometimes become corrupted, leading to connectivity issues. Clearing web browser cache and cookies can resolve this. Here’s how to do it:

Google Chrome

Press Ctrl + Shift + Del from your Chrome window. Choose a time range (select All time to clear everything). Check two checkboxes: Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Click the Delete data button.

Microsoft Edge

Locate three dots in the top-right corner, click on this, and select Settings.

Click on Privacy, search, and services. Click the Choose what to clear button (this is next to the Clear browsing data now label).

Tick the boxes for Cookies and Temporary Internet files. Or checkmark the Preserve Favorites website data if you want to keep cookies and temporary internet files to display faster and maintain preferences. Then, click Delete.

Disable Browser Extensions

Web browser extensions enhance the browsing experience but can cause conflicts and connectivity issues. Disabling extensions can help identify if one is causing the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. Here’s how you can do it:

Google Chrome

Click on 3 vertical dots in the top-right and select Extensions > Manage Extensions. Toggle off the switch next to every Chrome extension to disable them.

Now, restart your web browser and see whether the issue is resolved.

Microsoft Edge

Navigate to the three dots in the top-right and select Extensions.

Select Manage extensions from the popup window.

Turn off the toggle switch next to every extension to disable them.

Once you do that, reactivate them one by one. After activating each extension, you can visit your website to see if the error persists. As soon as you experience the error again, the extension you just activated is the culprit. You need to remove that extension and look for an alternative.

Update or Reinstall Your Browser

If you use an outdated browser version, this can cause various issues, including the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. Updating or reinstalling your browser can help ensure you have the newest features and bug fixes. Here’s how to do it:

Google Chrome

Click on 3 dots in the top-right and select Help > About Google Chrome. Chrome will automatically check for the updates and install them if they are available. Once updated, restart your browser.

Microsoft Edge

Click on 3 dots in the top-right and select Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge. Like Chrome, the Edge browser will also automatically check for updates and install them.

Now, restart your browser. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you can reinstall your browser, ensuring you download the latest version from the official website. Follow these browser-related fixes to resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error and improve your overall browsing experience.

Firewall and Antivirus Considerations

Firewalls and antivirus software are mandatory for protecting your PC from threats, but sometimes, they can be overly aggressive and block legitimate connections. Here are some steps to ensure they aren’t causing the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error.

Temporarily Disable Firewall/Antivirus Software

Temporarily disabling your firewall or antivirus software can help determine if they’re causing the issue. Here’s how to do it:

Third-Party Antivirus Software

Right-click on the antivirus program icon in the system tray (near the clock) and look for an option to disable or turn off protection. Select the disable option temporarily. Now, try accessing the website.

Windows Defender Firewall

Open the Control Panel and go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall. Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off on the left side.

Choose Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) for private and public network settings. Click OK and try to re-access the site.

Important: Don’t forget to re-enable your firewall or antivirus software after testing to protect your computer.

Add Exceptions to Your Firewall or Antivirus

If your firewall or antivirus is blocking the website, you can add an exception to allow it through. Here’s how to do it:

Windows Defender Firewall

Navigate to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall. Click on the Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.

Click Allow another app. Browse for the application or manually enter the path to add it. Click Add to add this exception.

Third-Party Antivirus Software

1. Open your antivirus program and navigate to the settings or options menu.
2. Look for an area where you can add exceptions or exclusions.
3. Add the website’s URL or IP address you’re trying to access.
4. Save your modifications and try to re-access the website.

Sometimes, security software updates can change settings without you realizing it. To ensure that your security software isn’t blocking connections, keep your firewall and antivirus software up to date. Manufacturers regularly release updates to resolve bugs and improve performance.

Look at your security software’s logs or notifications to see if it has blocked any connections recently. If you find any, review the details and make the necessary adjustments to allow the connection.

Server-Side Solutions

Occasionally, the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error isn’t caused by your device but by issues on the website’s server. Here’s what you can do if you suspect server-side problems:

Contact the Website’s Administrator

If you’ve tried all other solutions and still encounter the error, it might be time to contact the website administrator. Look for contact information on the website, such as a support email or contact form.

If the website belongs to a company, you may find the contact details on the company’s social media pages. You should describe the error in detail, including when it occurs and any troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken. This helps the administrator understand the problem better.

Check Server Status and Logs

If you are the website administrator, you can check the server status and logs to diagnose the issue:

Use server management tools or your hosting provider’s dashboard to check the server status. If you’re a Hosted client, you can find server status by navigating to Dashboard > WordPress Hosting. Then, click MANAGE next to your domain.

In Resource Usage, click on SERVER INFO.

A pop-up will appear showing you the following details:

If you want to see the detailed information, go to cPanel Home and click Server Information.

If the server is up and running without any issues, you need to access the server logs to find any errors or warnings that might indicate the cause of the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. Hosted users can find it by navigating to cPanel > Metics > Errors.

Logs can provide detailed information about what went wrong and help you pinpoint the problem.

Ensure Server Is Not Overloaded

An overloaded server can cause connection resets due to high traffic or resource exhaustion. Here’s how to manage server load:

1. Monitor traffic levels using tools like Google Analytics or your cPanel web hosting provider’s analytics. If you notice a sudden spike, it might be overwhelming your server.
2. Ensure your server is optimized to handle traffic. This might involve upgrading your hosting plan, optimizing your website’s code, or using caching solutions to reduce server load.
3. Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN), which stores copies of your website’s content on multiple servers worldwide, making it faster and more reliable for users. CDNs can also help distribute traffic and reduce the load on your server.

Addressing server-side issues can ensure your website runs smoothly and avoid the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error for your visitors.

Use Command Prompt for Network Diagnostics

The Command Prompt on Windows is a powerful tool for diagnosing network problems. Here’s how to use it:

Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run network diagnostics:

Ping Test: Type ping google.com and press Enter to test your connection to Google’s servers. If you see replies, your connection is working. If you see timeouts, there’s an issue.

Traceroute: Type tracert google.com and hit Enter. This command shows the path your connection takes to reach Google. It can help identify where the connection is failing.

Netstat: Type netstat -an and press Enter to display active connections and listening ports, helping you spot any unusual activity.

Checking for Proxy Settings

Sometimes, incorrect proxy settings can cause connectivity issues. Here’s how to check and disable your proxy server on Windows, if needed:

Open the Control Panel and go to Network and Internet > Internet Options. Click on Connections tab and then LAN settings. Ensure that Use a proxy server for your LAN is unchecked. If it’s checked, uncheck it and click OK.

Update Software and Antivirus

Keeping your software and antivirus program up to date is crucial for the website’s security and performance. Outdated software can lead to various challenges, including connectivity problems. Here’s how to ensure everything is updated on Windows:

Navigate to Settings > Update & Security. Click on Windows Update. Then, click on Check for updates and install any available updates.

After that, open your antivirus program and check for updates. Most programs have an option to update their virus definitions and software.

By using these advanced solutions, you can tackle more complex issues that might be causing the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. These steps help ensure a stable and reliable internet connection, keeping your browsing experience smooth and uninterrupted.

How to Prevent ERR_CONNECTION_RESET

Preventing the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error is much easier than fixing it repeatedly. Here are some simple steps to help you avoid this error in the future.

• Check your operating system (Windows, Mac, etc.) regularly for updates. These updates often include essential security patches and performance improvements.
• Ensure your web browser is always updated. Most web browsers will automatically update; however, you can manually check for updates in the settings.
• Update your network drivers. On Windows, do this through the Device Manager by right-clicking on your network adapter and selecting Update driver.
• Ensure your antivirus is updated to protect against the latest threats that could interfere with your connection.
• Use tools like Nagios, PRTG Network Monitor, or SolarWinds to monitor your network’s health and performance.
• If you manage a website, regularly check your server logs for any unusual activity or issues that could indicate a problem.
• Periodically run speed tests to ensure your internet connection is stable and performing as expected.
• Use reputable firewall and antivirus software to protect your system from malware and other threats that can cause connectivity issues.
• If you use a VPN, choose a reliable provider known for stability and performance.
• Invest in good-quality routers and modems. Cheap or outdated equipment can often lead to connection problems.

Alternatively, you can also use fast.com to check internet speed.

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