ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR is one of many errors that you may encounter when using Google Chrome web browser. When this Chrome error appears, you may not be able to surf certain websites. This can be quite annoying if you are unable to access Google, YouTube, Gmail and other important websites that you regularly use. QUIC or Quick UDP Internet Connection is one of Google’s newer innovations to enhance Internet connectivity. When implemented, obstacles for data transmissions can be bypassed and secured Internet browsing will be faster.
Learn how to fix err_connection_reset, err_internet_disconnected, err_network_changed, err_cache_miss, err_spdy_protocol_error and err_empty_response errors in Google Chrome.
Chrome and QUIC
Google introduced QUIC protocol in Chrome from version 29. This is enabled by default and Chrome serves the supported sites using QUIC protocol. Though QUIC account for only 5% of the Internet traffic as per Wikipedia, nearly all websites owned by Google runs through QUIC protocol. You can easily view the sites using QUIC protocol when you browse through Internet. Enter “chrome://net-internals/#quic” in Chrome address bar. This will show the list of sites served through QUIC. Click on the “View QUIC live sessions” to see the currently opened sites using QUIC. You can simply open “google.com” and see the live session will show it in the list.
Unfortunately, use of QUIC protocol causes ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR to affect many Chrome users. When this error occurs, Chrome will show that the webpage might be temporarily down or moved permanently to a new web address.
Most of the time, the solution for this problem is quite simple and you may get rid of it in just a few minutes. Here are solutions that you can use:
Solution #1 – Disable Experimental QUIC Protocol in Chrome
When ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR message is displayed, you may not be able to access specific websites. A good solution is to disable experimental QUIC protocol. Open Chrome web browser, type the URL command ‘chrome://flags/’ in the address bar and hit enter. A page will be displayed with a warning message, WARNING: EXPERIMENTAL FEATURES AHEAD!
Use the search box and type in ‘Experimental QUIC protocol’ in the search field. You can see the entry for Experimental QUIC protocol and set the option to Disabled
Restart the web browser and verify that the problem has been resolved. In most cases, disabling the protocol could solve the problem.
Solution #2 – Disable Firewall
Windows Firewall offers decent protection against external attacks, but it may also block access to some websites. It’s a good idea to disable Windows Firewall quickly and check whether you can access blocked websites. Follow these steps:
- Search for ‘windows firewall’ in the search field and click on Windows Firewall in the result.
- Click on ‘Turn Windows Firewall on or off’.
- Disable Windows firewall for both public and private networks.
Open Google Chrome and access blocked websites. If you still can’t access these websites, re-enable Windows Firewall.
Similar to Windows, you can disable firewall on Mac with the following steps:
- Click on the Apple icon on top left corner of on your Mac and go to “System Preferences…”.
- Go to “Security & Privacy” option and then to “Firewall” tab.
- Click on the lock button showing “Click the lock to make changes.”
- Enter your administrator password and click on the “Unlock” button.
- Now click on the “Turn Off Firewall” button to disable the firewall.
Solution #3 – Disable Chrome Extensions
Extensions are really useful and you can add new features not offered originally by Google. However, some extensions are not well developed and others could introduce new glitches that affect your browsing experience. Identifying troublesome Chrome extensions can be a bit tricky and it takes some time. Follow these steps:
- Open Chrome web browser and go to the URL “chrome://extensions/”.
- You will see all installed extensions. Each extension has an option enable or disable.
- If you think that an extension may cause the problem, switch off the extension.
- Restart Chrome and verify that the problem has been resolved
Solution #4 – Clear Browsing History
After years of constant web browsing, you might have accumulated lots of cache, history and cookie files. When cache piles up, it will cause issues and slow down the overall performance of Chrome. Follow these steps to delete cache.
- Open Chrome and press “Control + Shift + Delete” buttons in Windows and “Command + Shift + Delete” buttons in Mac.
- A new page with ‘chrome://settings/clearBrowserData’ in the address bar will open with a dialog box opened.
- Check the options ‘Cached images and files’, ’Cookies and other site data’, ‘Browsing history’ and ‘Download history’
- For the Time Range dropdown menu, choose All Time.
- Click on the blue Clear Data button.
Restart Chrome and verify that the problem has been resolved.
Solution #5 – Disable VPN
For many Chrome users, connection issues are quite common and everything doesn’t always work in a seamless manner. The Internet connection will get impacted with VPN and proxies that bypass the default service provider’s connection. VPN may cause instability and issues, including ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR. A good way to verify this is by using a different web browser to test whether VPN is causing a problem. Disabling VPN is easy and you can immediately see whether it bring results. If it’s proven that the VPN is the cause ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR, find alternative VPN software. We recommend using premium and reliable VPNs like VyprVPN and ExpressVPN.
Solution #6 – Scan for Viruses
Viruses can cause a lot of problems, including ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR. They need to be eradicated whenever you have the opportunity. Follow these steps on your Windows PC.
- Search ‘Microsoft Security Essentials’ in the search field and click on Microsoft Security Essentials.
- In the pop-up window, choose Full to scan your computer thoroughly.
- Click on ‘Scan Now’ and wait for the scan to complete.
- Check whether the problem is resolved.
On Mac, there are less possibilities for viruses. Nevertheless you can scan if you have antivirus software installed on your Mac.
Solution #7 – Reset Chrome
If all steps, including disabling the QUIC protocol and clearing cache, don’t bring any result. Then you need to choose a bit more drastic step. Try to reset the browser and your problem can be resolved. Follow these steps:
- Click on the three vertical dots icon located at the top right corner of your browser.
- Click on Settings. On the new page, scroll down until you find “Advanced”. Click on it to expand advanced options.
- Scroll down again and you should find ‘Reset’ at the bottom of the page. A pop up will warn you that all extension and temporary data will be removed.
- Click on Reset and restart Chrome web browser.
Conclusion
ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR is typically caused by problems in your web browser, especially when you try to open websites operated by Google. The above solutions should solve most of your problems and you may enjoy much smoother online experience.
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