Chrome is certainly the most popular web browser, beating Edge and Mozilla Firefox. It has become the default web browser for a lot of computer users. However, regardless of frequent updates, it is not entirely foolproof. When browsing through the web with Google Chrome, you may occasionally encounter various errors, including ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR. It is among the most common Chrome related errors faced by people around the world. ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR is fortunately easy to fix with the right solutions.
Fix SPDY_PROTOCOL ERROR in Chrome
SPDY was a protocol used by Google Chrome to provide security for webpage access and improve the loading speed. However, Google has stopped using SPDY from Chrome version 51 and this triggers ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR for some users. It usually happens when users access HTTPS enabled websites. Use one of the below solutions to fix ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR.
- Update Chrome to latest version
- Clear browsing history and cookies
- Check antivirus program on your PC and Mac
- Flush Chrome socket pools
- Renew IP address
- Use incognito mode
- Check network affecting programs like VPN
- Remove malware using Chrome Cleanup Tool
Solution 1: Update Chrome Browser
Google Chrome is regularly updated and sometimes, an update includes significant feature enhancement. If your Chrome browser version is old and it still supports the SPDY protocol, the error message can be displayed. Go to the URL “chrome://settings/help”. Chrome will automatically look for the latest update.
This is a very effective solution for solving most ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR problems. But in rare cases, you may need to use other solutions.
Solution 2: Clear Cookies and Cache
Old cache and cookies could cause problems with your browser. As the sites are updated with HTTPS protocol, your old cookies may still have the HTTP version. If HTTP version of the site is not properly redirected to HTTPS version, it could cause ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR. In such case, clearing cache files and cookies should help to resolve this issue. Follow these steps:
- Click on the three vertical dots icon at the top right corner of your browser and choose Settings.
- Scroll down until you find the Advanced option. Click on it to reveal more options.
- Check the Privacy and security section for the option to “Clear browsing data”.
- Choose All Time from the Time Range dropdown menu. Click on the Clear Data button to start clearing cookies and cache files of your web browser.
- Wait until the process is completed, restart the browser and verify whether the problem has been resolved.
If this solution works, it means that the ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR was due to the presence of faulty cookies and cache files in your system.
Solution 3: Configure Antivirus Program
In some cases, your antivirus program is too restrictive and triggers ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR. If you suspect that the antivirus program is the probable cause, then it’s a good idea to reconfigure it. The way to do this depends on the type of the program. Follow these steps:
- Your antivirus program should have a settings page and check whether it has web shield protection feature.
- Add the websites that you can’t access to the exclusion list. You should be aware that you will not be fully protected when accessing these excluded websites, so you should make sure to exclude only highly trusted websites.
- Also in certain apps like Windows Defender, you may need to add Chrome in the allowed app list to allow Chrome working properly.
- Restart your browser to make sure that the problem has been fully resolved.
Solution 4: Flush Chrome Socket Pools
Flushing sockets in your Chrome browser should be easy to do. Follow these steps:
- Open Chrome web browser and type the URL “chrome://net-internals/#sockets” in the address bar.
- A page will be displayed showing all sockets in your browser. Locate the “Flush socket pools” button and click on it to clear the sockets.
- Remember to close all active browser sessions before you flush the socket pools. Otherwise the active sessions may get broken.
After sockets are properly cleared, you may be able to access the previously problematic websites.
Fix Other Chrome Errors:
- How to fix ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR in Chrome?
- Fix DNS probe finished no internet connection error
- Fix error name not resolved in Chrome
- How to fix tunnel connection failed error in Chrome?
Solution 5: Renew IP
Renewing IP address should be effective in solving the ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR problem. Follow these steps to renew IP in Windows 10, you can also assign static IP address to get stable Internet connection.
- Right click on the Start button and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin) option.
- Type in “ipconfig/flashdns” in the command prompt and hit enter. Your DNS should be flushed.
- Type in “ipconfig/release” and hit enter to reset a new IP address.
- Restart your browser and check whether the problem has been resolved.
Follow the below steps on Mac to renew your IP address.
- Click on the Apple icon on top left corner of you Mac and go to “Network” settings.
- Choose the active network connection and click on the “Advanced” button.
- Under “TCP/IP” tab, click on “Renew DHCP Lease” to renew the IP address.
Solution 6: Use Incognito Mode
By using the incognito mode, you should be able to solve the ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR problem. Follow these steps:
- Click on the three vertical dots at the top right corner of the browser. Choose “New Incognito Window”.
- Or simply press “Shift + Control + N” on Windows and “Shift + Command + N” on Mac to open incognito sessions in Chrome.
- Open the website that you previously can’t access.
Solution 7: Check Network Affecting Programs
Antivirus, web filters, firewall, proxy server and VPN may cause ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR if they are too restrictive. Check these programs whether they are blocking the connection. You can also add the sites having problem in exclusion list of your antivirus program to check it helps. Follow these steps to add sites in exclusion list; it may vary based on the antivirus you use,
- Check the antivirus program for the Settings option.
- Go to the web shield protection feature.
- Add problematic websites to the exclusion list, so access to these websites will be unrestricted. Make sure that these websites are secure and reliable, because you will not be protected when visiting them.
Solution 8: Use Chrome Cleanup Tool
On Windows operating system, Chrome Cleanup tool should help you to solve many issues, including ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR. Go to Chrome Cleanup Tool site and download the cleanup tool. Install it manually and follow the on-screen instructions to scan and remove malware from your PC.
Conclusion
Fixing ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR is all about clearing old data and making some adjustments. In most situations, the above solutions should help you to effectively fix ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR.
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