The “ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED” error typically indicates issues with your internet or network settings. To fix it, try restarting your router, clearing browsing data, flushing your DNS cache, disabling proxy settings, updating Chrome, and checking for spammy extensions.

In this blog, we will explain what this error means, why it occurs, and, most importantly, how you can fix it. By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with several ways to troubleshoot and resolve the error yourself.

What is the “ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED” Error?

The “ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED” error occurs when the browser tries to access the website, but the connection is unexpectedly closed before it can complete the request. This can be frustrating, especially when accessing essential information or a service.

Normally, you might see this error in several different ways, depending on the browser you are using. For instance, in Google Chrome, you might encounter the message “ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED,” while in other browsers, it might show up as net ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED or ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED all browsers. Regardless of the specific phrasing, they all refer to the same issue: the connection between your browser and the website has been unexpectedly closed.

Why Does the “ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED” Error Happen?

There are many reasons why you might encounter the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error. Some of the most common causes include:

1.Connectivity Issues

Problems with your internet connection can often be the root cause of the issue. If your connection is unstable or drops out, your browser will not be able to establish a stable connection with the website’s server, leading to the error.

2.Outdated Cache or Cookies

Browsers store temporary data like cache and cookies to make websites load faster. However, if this data becomes corrupted or outdated, it can interfere with your connection to a website, causing the “ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED” error.

3.DNS Problems

The Domain Name System (DNS) helps your computer find websites by translating their domain names into IP addresses. An error message can appear if there is a problem with your DNS settings.

4.Firewall or Antivirus Settings

Firewalls and antivirus software are designed to protect your computer, but they can sometimes mistakenly block your connection to certain websites, leading to the “ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED” error.

5.Browser Extensions

Some browser extensions may conflict with your website connections, causing this error to appear. This is especially common with extensions that modify web pages or provide additional security features.

6.Website Server Issues

Sometimes, the issue is not at your end. It could be due to the website’s server being down or other problems, resulting in the “ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED” error.

How to Fix the “ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED” Error

While the “ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED” error is common, there are some quick fixes that help resolve this error. Let us go over some common solutions that will help you resolve the issue.

1.Check Your Internet Connection

Before looking at other solutions, ensure your internet connection is stable and working properly. You can:

  • Browse other websites to see if they load properly. If they do not, the issue is likely with your internet connection.
  • You can also use your phone or another device to check whether the internet works. The issue might be specific to your computer or browser if you can access the web on other devices.

2.Clear Your Browsing Data/Cache

Sometimes, outdated, or corrupted cache and cookies can limit you from accessing a website. To fix this, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. Here is how you can clear your cache:

  • Go to the web browser. Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner of the browser.
  • Find the “More tools” option. There, you will come across clear browsing data.
  • Click on the “clear browsing data” option, choose the time range, and make sure you have selected the “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data” options.
  • Lastly, click on the “Clear data” option.

Once you have done this, try visiting the website again. If the problem was related to cached data, clearing will fix it.

3.Flush the DNS Cache

Your computer stores DNS information to speed up website visits. If this data becomes outdated or corrupted, it can lead to connectivity issues like the “ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED” error. Flushing the DNS cache can help resolve this problem.

Here is how to flush the DNS cache on different operating systems:

Windows:

  • Open the command prompt and type the following command: “ipconfig /flushdns.”
  • Then, press Enter to flush the DNS cache.

Mac:

  • Open the Terminal application on your computer.
  • Then, type the following command and press Enter: “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder“

Linux:

  • Open a terminal and type: “sudo resolvectl flush-caches,” press Enter to flush the DNS cache.

Once the DNS cache is cleared, restart your browser and try accessing the website again.

4.Change Your DNS Server

If your DNS server is unavailable or having trouble, it can lead to the “ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED” error. One way to fix this is by changing your DNS server to one that is more reliable. Here is how you can change your DNS server:

  • Log into the Control Panel and go to the “Network & Internet” option. You will find the “Network and Sharing Center” option; click on it.
  • There, you will find the “Change adapter settings” option. Click on it. Then, right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties.”
  • Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on “Properties.”
  • Choose the “Use the following DNS server addresses”option and enter the preferred DNS server and alternate DNS server.

After making these changes, restart your browser and check if the error is resolved.

5.Disable Antivirus or Firewall

Antivirus software or firewalls sometimes block your connection to specific websites, rendering the “ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED” error. To check if this is the cause, try temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall and see if the error disappears. If the error disappears after disabling your antivirus or firewall, you may need to adjust the settings or add the website to the exception list.

6.Disable VPN or Proxy Server

If you are using a VPN or proxy server, they can sometimes interfere with your connection to websites. Try disabling your VPN or proxy and see if that resolves the issue.

7.Disable Browser Extensions

Certain browser extensions can interfere with website connections, causing the “ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED” error. To check if an extension is the cause:

  1. Open Chrome and go to Settings > Extensions.
  2. Disable each extension one by one, then try accessing the website after each one.

If the error goes away after disabling a particular extension, it is the culprit. You can either remove or update the extension to fix the issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, encountering the “ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED” error can be frustrating, but there are several ways to troubleshoot and fix it. Start by checking your internet connection, clearing your cache, and flushing your DNS. If that does not work, try changing your DNS servers, disabling your antivirus or firewall, or checking your VPN and browser extensions. You should be able to identify and resolve the issue by methodically following these steps.

If you have tried all the above solutions and the error persists, it might be a problem with the website’s server. In that case, the issue may be out of your hands, and you will need to wait for the website’s administrators to resolve it.

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