How To Fix ‘ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED’ Error in Chrome

ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error arises on Google Chrome. It arises when the internet connection or the browser is preventing from loading the page. The error message means that Chrome is not able to access the network and hence the error.

When the error occurs the following type of message is displayed Unable to access the network ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED or Your connection was interrupted, A network changed was detected, Check your internet connection.

In today’s age, a smooth internet experience is paramount. But every so often, errors can disrupt our digital journeys. Among these, the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error in Google Chrome can be particularly perplexing.

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This article delves deep into this error message, its underlying causes, its connection to VPN usage, and provides guidance on clearing Google Chrome’s cache—a potential solution.

What is ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED?

ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED is an error message indicating that your computer’s internet connection changed while a request was being processed. In essence, it tells users that the browser couldn’t complete its task due to an unexpected change in the network configuration or connection.

Causes of the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error in Google Chrome

Several factors can precipitate this error:

1. Fluctuating Internet Connection: A frequently dropping or unstable connection can cause this error, as Chrome detects each disconnection as a network change.
2. Switching Networks: If you move between different Wi-Fi networks or from Wi-Fi to a mobile data connection (or vice versa), you might encounter this error.
3. VPN Usage: Connecting to or disconnecting from a VPN during a browsing session can change your apparent network, leading to the error.
4. Software Conflicts: Some software, especially those that manage network configurations, can inadvertently cause this error by altering network settings.

How to Fix ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error in Chrome

Various sites are affected due to this error such as Google, Gmail, Facebook, YouTube, etc. You cannot access anything on Chrome until the error is fixed. Various issues can lead to this error, so there are several methods to solve the issue.

Here are a few methods that might help you in solving your error.

Method 1: Restart Your Modem

There are times when ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error arises due to modem. The error can be resolved by simply restarting the modem. Sometimes the network may experience some technical errors which can only be overcome by restarting the modem.

If the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error is still not fixed, then follow the next method.

Method 2: Flush the DNS and Reset TCP/IP

Here is a full guide to resolve the error by changing DNS settings and resetting TCP/IP protocol.

1. Right-click on Windows Button.
2. Choose “Command Prompt (Admin).”
3. Type the following commands, in the elevated command prompt and press Enter after each one.

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig /renew

4. Open the elevated command prompt again. Type the subsequent commands and select Enter after each one.

ipconfig /flushdns

nbtstat –r

netsh int ip reset

netsh winsock reset

5. To execute these changes, reboot the computer.

After that, ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED in Chrome should be fixed. If it is still not fixed then go for another method.

Method 3: Clear Browsing Data in Chrome

Another method to fix this error can be the clearing of chrome’s browsing data. It is very simple to clear browsing data. You can simply use Ctrl + Shift + Delete and the browsing data will be cleared.

Another way to clear browsing data is: –

• Go to start menu of chrome
• Click on the menu option at the top right
• Click on the history there
• Click on the clear browsing data
• Checkmark the following:
• Browsing history
• Download history
• Cookies and other sire and plugin data
• Cached images and files
• Autofill form data
• Passwords
• Restart your PC.

And it’s done.

Method 4: Use Google DNS

• Go to Control Panel
• Click on Network and Internet.
• Select Network and Sharing Centre
• Click on Change adapter settings.
• Choose your Wi-Fi then click on it and select
• Go to Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
• Select Properties.
• Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and type the following:
• Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
• Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

And it’s done

Method 5: Uncheck Proxy

• Press the Windows Key + R
• To open Internet Properties type “cpl” and hit enter.
• Go to the Connections tab.
• Select LAN settings.
• You will have to uncheck Use a Proxy Server for your LAN
• You should make sure that “Automatically detect settings” is checked
• After that Click Ok then Apply and reboot your PC.

And it’s done.

Method 7: Reinstall your network adapter drivers

• To open device manager, Press Windows Key + R then type “msc” and hit Enter.
• Find your network adapter name by expanding network adapters.
• It is advisable that you note down the adapter name just in case something goes wrong.
• Uninstall your network adapter.
• Select Yes/OK for confirmation.
• Restart your PC
• Try to reconnect to your network.
• If the driver software is not automatically installed then you will not be able to connect to your network.
• In such a case, you need to visit your manufacturer’s website and download the driver from there.
• Install the driver and reboot your PC.

Method 8: Delete WLAN Profiles

• For this, you have to press Windows Key + X
• Select Command Prompt (Admin).
• Type “netsh wlan show profiles” command in the cmd and hit Enter
• Type the netsh wlan delete profile name=”[PROFILE NAME]”command and remove all WIFI profiles.
• Try to reconnect to your WIFI after that.

And it’s done

Why Does ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Occur When Using a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are tools that mask your IP address and reroute your network traffic, often for privacy or location-spoofing reasons. When you connect or disconnect from a VPN:

1. IP Address Change: Your device gets assigned a new IP address, effectively making it seem as though your network changed.
2. Tunneling Protocols: VPNs utilize different tunneling protocols to encrypt data. Switching between these or reconnecting can create a sense of network alteration.
3. VPN Server Overload: Sometimes, connecting to a busy VPN server can cause intermittent disconnections, prompting the error.
4. VPN Conflicts with Local Network: If your VPN settings conflict with local network configurations, Chrome might perceive it as a network change.

How to Clear Google Chrome Cache

While the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error doesn’t always resolve with a cache clear, it’s a recommended troubleshooting step:

1. Launch Google Chrome.
2. Access Browser Settings: Click on the three vertical dots (menu) in the upper-right corner and select ‘Settings’.
3. Move to Privacy and Security: Scroll down and click on ‘Privacy and security’.
4. Locate Clear Browsing Data: Within this section, find ‘Clear browsing data’ and select it.
5. Opt for Cached Files: In the popup window, ensure ‘Cached images and files’ is checked. You can deselect other options if only clearing the cache.
6. Execute Clear Data: Click on ‘Clear data’ and wait for the process to complete.
7. Restart Chrome: For the changes to take effect, close and reopen the browser.

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Conclusion

I hope these methods help you in resolving your error. This error arises due to various reasons. So, if one method does not work then keep on trying different methods.