Browsers are bridge between your computer and the web server to send and receive data over internet while browsing. During this process, browsers could encounter many problems and throw relevant errors. Generally, these browser errors are starting with “ERR_” and different from the HTTP status codes. Among all the available browsers, Google Chrome is the most popular browser used by almost 60% of the internet population. In our previous article, we have explained the list of different types of error shown in Chrome. In this article let us explore in detail on how to fix the most frequent Chrome error is “ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED”.
What is ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED Error?
The error is easy to understand and indicates that Chrome is not able to connect to the site. The primary reason for getting this error is because your computer itself is not connected to the internet. You will see the below screen in Chrome when the “ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED” error is shown.
As you can see Chrome suggests few options like checking the cables, Wi-Fi and network connection.
How To Fix Err_internet_disconnected in Google Chrome?
The browser error codes are mostly generic errors common to all browsers as well. But the troubleshooting depends on your computer, network connection settings and the browser settings. In this article we primarily focus on fixing the internet disconnected error for Google Chrome browser on Windows and macOS.
1. Check Your Cables
The internet connection might have disconnected, probably the LAN or the modem cables got disturbed. So check your wires first and ensure they are connected properly. After that, just refresh the webpage to check whether it is loading without error.
2. Check Wi-Fi Connection
Nowadays it is rare to see LAN cables and most of us use router to connect to internet using Wi-Fi. If the Wi-Fi connection is dropped for any reason then it is oblivious that the internet connection will be lost and Chrome will show the ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED error.
Remember the Wi-Fi icon showing on the taskbar (bottom on Windows PCs and top on Mac) is not the indication you are connected to internet. In order to ensure your Wi-Fi is working, try to open the webpage in any other connected devices like your mobile. If you don’t have other devices, then try opening other webpages in Chrome and check they are opening. If none of the pages are opening then you have the problem in Wi-Fi connection.
Sometimes, Wi-Fi connection will be unstable and fluctuating, this is common especially on Windows computers. Checkout this step by step tutorial on how to fix the wireless connection issues in Windows. In most cases simply restarting the modem will help to connect to Wi-Fi. Once you have working Wi-Fi connection, Chrome will automatically reconnect to the webpage.
Note: Ensure you have not mistakenly clicked “Airplane mode” in Windows or “Turn Wi-Fi Off” option in Mac.
3. Check VPN Settings
Well, the most probable reason for unstable Wi-Fi connection is the use of different network settings. You can connect to internet bypassing your ISP through VPN or proxy servers. It is very common that the VPN connection is not stable due to blocking at the country level (like China). Almost all VPNs have a network lock option to block internet when the connectivity is lost. This could cause the interruption in connectivity and results in the error.
Ensure your VPN is working or disconnect to see the internet is working fine and check the page is loading in Chrome.
4. Check Proxy Server Settings
Similar to VPN, proxy servers also allow bypassing the blocking by ISP. The difference is that VPN is configured separately using an APP or in the router, but proxy server is added in the network settings. Go to the command URL “chrome://settings/” in Chrome address bar and click on the “Advanced” option. Click on the “Open proxy settings” option under “System” menu.
On Mac you will see the following “Network” options under “System Preferences” screen. Disable all proxy servers selected. You should cancel to go back to the previous “Network” screen and click on the lock pad and provide the admin password for editing the options.
On Windows 10, you will see “Internet Properties” dialog box is opened where you can change the proxy server settings under “Connections > Lan settings”. Ensure to remove all the options including “Automatically detect settings”.
Alternatively, the proxy servers can be disabled in Windows by following the below steps:
- Click on the Windows start button and then go to “Settings”.
- Click on the “Network & Internet” option.
- Under the “Proxy” tab, ensure all options for automatic and manual proxy setup are switched off. You can also switch off VPN under “VPN” tab.
5. Check Router Settings
As we mentioned, some users might configure VPN or proxy server at router level. So check your router is working properly and connected to the internet port.
Sometimes simply restarting the router and modem will reconnect to the internet.
6. Turnoff Firewall
The firewall on your Windows based laptop or Mac may interfere with the internet connection. We don’t recommend disabling the firewall for security reasons, but you can ensure the internet is working by temporarily disabling.
Follow the below steps to disable firewall in Windows 10:
- Click Windows start button and go to Control Panel. If you don’t find the option, you can search for “control panel” using Cortana search box. Or open file explorer using “Windows Key + E”, type “control panel” in the address bar and hit enter to open Control Panel.
- Click on the “System and Security” option and choose “Windows Firewall”.
- Click on the “Turn Windows Firewall on or off” option.
- Choose “Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended)” option for each available network.
Follow the below steps to disable firewall in Mac:
- Press “Command + Spacebar” and open the spotlight search
- Type “system preferences” and open the “System Preferences” application
- Go to “Security & Privacy” option
- Click on the “Turn Off Firewall” under “Firewall” tab
Check the internet connection and enable your firewall immediately. If the problem is due to firewall contact your service or support center for further help.
7. Turnoff Antivirus
The antivirus programs scan the incoming and outgoing internet connection for malicious activities. So there is a possibility that your antivirus software might block the internet connection resulting Chrome throwing the ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED error.
On Windows 10, you can disable the real-time protection of Windows Defender by following the below steps:
- Go to “Start” and then to “Settings”.
- Navigate to “Update & Security” option.
- Disable “Real-time protection” under “Windows Defender” tab.
Whatever the antivirus software you have installed, just open and disable the real-time scanning. Now try whether Chrome can open the webpage.
8. Flush DNS Cache
DNS cache is used to accelerate the speed of browsing and other activities. Sometime this may also cause issue in connectivity and result in error.
Flush DNS in Windows 10:
- Press “Windows Key + X” to power user menu.
- Choose “Command Prompt (Admin)” option.
- Type “ipconfig /flushdns” and hit enter.
Flush DNS in Mac:
- Press “Command + Spacebar” to open spotlight search box.
- Enter “Terminal” and open the “Terminal” app.
- Type the command “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and hit enter.
- You might be prompted to enter you admin password to run the command.
9. Clear Browser History
The corrupted cookies and historical data in Chrome may also prevent the connection to the sites. Go to the URL “chrome://settings/clearBrowserData” on your Chrome browser and clear browser history. You can also press “Control + Shift + Delete” in Windows and “Command + Shift + Delete” in Mac to open the clear browsing data popup.
Select “the beginning of time” option and delete browsing history, download history, cached images and files and cookies and other site data.
10. Reset Chrome to Initial Settings
If you see the ERR_INTERNET_CONNECTION frequently even after trying all the above options then try to reset Chrome to the original installation settings. Go to the URL “chrome://settings” and click on the “Advanced” option. Scroll down to the last and click on the “Reset” option and confirm the resetting.
11. Reinstall Network Adaptor
This option is generally for Windows based PCs. Follow the below steps to uninstall and reinstall network adapter:
- Press “Windows Key + X” to open power user menu and choose “Device Manager” option.
- Go to “Network adapters” and right click on installed adapter you are using.
- We recommend you to first “Update Driver Software…” first. Then you can try disabling and then enabling the adapter.
- If that does not work, ensure you have the driver backup before uninstalling. Otherwise you should go to the provider’s site and download the latest version.
- Click on the “Uninstall” and restart your PC. Generally the default driver will be installed when your PC restarts. Otherwise you should reinstall again using the back driver installation file.
You should restart the PC after updating, disabling/enabling and uninstalling.
12. Forget Wi-Fi Network
If you frequently have problem with your Wi-Fi network then it is a good idea to remove and then add again.
In order to remove the Wi-Fi network follow the below steps in Windows 10:
- Go to start menu and then to “Settings” option.
- Click on “Network & Internet” option and go to “Wi-Fi” tab.
- Scroll down on the right pane and click on the “Manage Wi-Fi settings”.
- Scroll down to “Manage known networks” section.
- Click on the Wi-Fi network you want to remove and click on “Forget” button.
Follow the below steps in Mac:
- Open “System Preferences” from spotlight search or from the Apple icon on the top left corner of the Mac.
- Go to “Network” option and click on the lock pad icon.
- Enter your admin password to enable editing of network options.
- Go to “Advanced” section under connected Wi-Fi network.
- Select the Wi-Fi network and click on the minus (-) button to remove from the list.
13. Frustrated – Play T-Rex Dinosaur Running Game
Frustrated by trying all the options and still see “ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED” error in Chrome. Well, it’s time to take a break then. Just press spacebar and the T-Rex dinosaur you see on the Chrome will start running.
It’s a T-Rex dinosaur running game!!! Use spacebar or up arrow for jumping up on the hurdles and down arrow for going under the flying birds to avoid hitting. The score will be running based the number of hurdles you cross successfully and the high score will also be shown. Enjoy playing the game till the time internet is connected back.
Conclusion
We strongly believe one of the above options should fix ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED error in your Chrome browser. If not, narrow down your issue to the browser or internet connection. If the issue is with Chrome, try to uninstall and reinstall and also post your query in the Google Chrome support forum. You will get advise from experts to resolve your issue. If the issue is with your internet connection, contact your ISP to setup modem / router properly to connect your computer to internet.
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