ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE: What It Is and How to Fix It (2025 Guide)

Getting an ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error while trying to open a site in Chrome, Edge, or any other browser? This usually means your device can’t reach that particular website or IP address.

There are a number of different reasons this could happen including—your network is down, DNS settings are misconfigured, or there’s some sort of error on your device’s configuration.

In this article, I will explain what causes this error, how to fix it, and what you can do pre-emptively to prevent this error from occurring again.

While this common WordPress error is mostly faced by regular website visitors, I will also provide a few simple suggestions for website owners who are experiencing the error with their own site.

Let’s get started.

What Does ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE Mean?

You enter a web address, hit enter, and… nada. Instead of the site you’re looking for, your browser throws this message at you: ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE.

So, what gives?

This error basically means your browser attempted to reach a website but couldn’t establish a connection.

Not because the site is necessarily down, but because something—somewhere between your device and the destination—is breaking the link.

Sometimes it’s your router acting up. Sometimes it’s your DNS settings. Other times, the site might not even exist anymore, or it might be blocking traffic from your location or IP.

In plain terms, it’s like your device asked for directions, but nobody answered. The site could be there—but your browser can’t reach it.

Why Do You See the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE Error?

This error doesn’t always show up for the same reason. Sometimes it’s your Wi-Fi. Sometimes it’s your browser. Other times, it’s something on your device you didn’t even realize could cause a problem.

Here are a few of the usual reasons this message appears—and how they might be messing with your connection.

1. Network Equipment Issues

Every now and then, a little downtime is needed by your router or modem. It may have been kept on for ages without being rebooted, the signal might be weakened, or some glitch could be occurring behind the curtain. Even a tiny issue with your home network can prevent some websites from loading properly.

2. Misconfigured Proxy Settings

If your device is set to use a proxy and the setup isn’t right, it can mess with how websites load—or stop them from loading at all. Proxies are meant to help route traffic, but when they’re off, they just get in the way.

3. Corrupt Browser or DNS Cache

Your browser remembers the sites you check out and saves some info to help them load quicker next time. But if that saved data becomes outdated or gets mixed up, your browser can get a little disoriented and may show errors when trying to open those pages.

4. Conflicting Extensions or Browser Settings

Extensions are great—until they aren’t. Ad blockers, security tools, or anything that filters content can sometimes overstep and block legit websites. The same goes for browser settings you might not even remember changing.

5. Temporary Website or Server Downtime

It’s not always you. Sometimes the site’s just down, or the address isn’t pointing anywhere anymore. If that’s the case, there’s nothing to fix on your end—you just have to wait it out or double-check the URL.

How ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE Error Appears in Different Browsers

Different browsers show this error in their own way. The wording changes a bit, but the issue is the same.

Chrome

In Chrome, you’ll usually get that message — “This site can’t be reached.” Right under it, there’s often that ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE thing. Sometimes Chrome adds a bit more, like saying the server didn’t respond or that something’s blocking the connection. It’s not always super helpful, honestly. Half the time, it just leaves you guessing.

Edge

Edge shows almost the same thing. Since it runs on Chromium, the message and the code both look pretty much identical to Chrome.

Safari

Safari doesn’t show the error code. It just says: “Safari Can’t Open the Page”. It’s a simpler message, but it still means your browser couldn’t connect to the site.

How to Fix the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE Error (Easy Steps)

This error shows up for all kinds of reasons, but in most cases, the fix is simple. Start small. No need to mess with advanced stuff unless you have to.

1. Reboot Your Router

This one solves more problems than you’d expect.

• Unplug the router from the wall. Not just switching it off—actually pull the plug.
• Wait around 30 seconds.
• Plug it back in.
• Wait until the lights look normal again. Then try opening the site.

2. Clear Your Browser’s Cache

Your browser’s cache is designed to save information from websites you’ve visited to help them load faster. However, if this cached data becomes corrupted or outdated, it can actually prevent you from connecting to a site. Clearing it out gives your browser a clean slate.

How to do it (for Chrome):

• Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of your browser window.
• From the dropdown, go to Settings.

• Then head to Privacy and Security > Delete browsing data.

• In the new window, set the Time range to All time.
• Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
• Click the Delete data button.

3. Try Using Another Browser

One quick way to check if the problem’s with your browser is to open the site in something else. If it works in Firefox or Edge but not in Chrome, then yeah—it’s probably Chrome. Could be an extension, a setting, or something in the cache.

4. Temporarily Disable Chrome Extensions

Extensions are helpful, until they’re not. One of them might be blocking something in the background. Try turning them off, one at a time. If the site suddenly loads, you’ve found your culprit.

• Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top right.
• Choose Extensions > Manage extensions.

• Switch each extension off using the toggle.

• After you disable an extension, try to visit the website again. If it loads, you’ve found the culprit. You can then decide whether to keep that extension disabled or uninstall it.

5. Clear the DNS Cache & Change DNS Settings

Your device uses a DNS (Domain Name System) cache to save the IP addresses of websites you’ve visited. If this cache has an incorrect entry for a specific website, it can lead to the “unreachable” error. Flushing it forces your computer to look up the correct address again.

How to do it (for Windows):

• Press the Windows Key and type cmd to open the Command Prompt.
• Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. You should see a message confirming the DNS cache has been flushed.

If that doesn’t work, you can try changing your DNS settings to a public server, like Google’s. This can sometimes bypass issues with your ISP’s DNS servers.

How to change DNS settings:

• Open Control Panel.
• Go to Network and Sharing Center, then click on Change adapter settings.
• Right-click on your active network connection (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select Properties.

• Find and double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
• Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
  • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
  • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

• Click OK to save the changes.

6. Disable the Proxy Server

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. While they have their uses, a misconfigured or enabled proxy server can sometimes block you from connecting to a specific website.

How to do it:

• Press the Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
• Go to Network & Internet and select Proxy from the left-hand menu.

• Make sure the Use a proxy server toggle is set to Off. If it was on, turn it off and try the website again.

Fix ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE Error on Different Devices

If nothing has worked so far, it might help to try a few steps that are specific to your device. Here’s what you can try on Windows.

Windows

Windows has a couple of built-in tools that can help with this error. One of the most common issues is with the DNS cache—and clearing that out is usually a good place to start.

Flush the DNS Cache

Old or broken DNS entries can stop websites from loading. To clear them:

• Open Command Prompt (right-click and choose “Run as administrator”)
• Type this: ipconfig /flushdns
• Hit Enter

That’s it. It only takes a second, and it might fix the issue.

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Use the Network Troubleshooter

Windows also has a built-in troubleshooter that looks for connection problems and tries to fix them.

• Open Settings

• Go to System > Troubleshoot

• Click Other troubleshooters

• Look for Network and Internet and click Run

• Follow the steps it gives you. It might point out what’s wrong—or just fix it on the spot

macOS

On a Mac, a corrupted DNS cache can also cause connectivity issues. While the process differs from Windows, clearing it is equally effective. Changing your DNS server settings can also bypass a problematic server from your internet service provider.

Clear the DNS Cache

This requires using the Terminal, which provides a command-line interface for your Mac.

• Open Finder, go to Applications > Utilities, and open Terminal.
• Type the following command and press Enter: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
• You may be prompted to enter your administrator password. Type it in and press Enter (the cursor will not move as you type).
• The DNS cache is now cleared.

Check and Change DNS Settings

• Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions).
• Click on Network.
• Select your active connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click Details…
• In the new window, click on the DNS tab.
• You can manually add new DNS servers, such as Google’s public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) to see if that helps.

iOS

On an iPhone or iPad, troubleshooting often involves refreshing the network components. A simple restart can be effective, but if the problem persists, resetting your network settings is a more comprehensive step.

Reset Network Settings

This option will erase all saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth connections, and VPN settings. Ensure you have your Wi-Fi password available before proceeding.

• Open the Settings app.
• Go to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

• Select Reset, then tap on Reset Network Settings.
• You will be asked to enter your passcode to confirm.

Toggle Airplane Mode

This is a quick first step. Turning Airplane Mode on and then off forces your device to disconnect and reconnect to all available networks, which can resolve minor connectivity glitches.

• Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open the Control Center.
• Tap the Airplane icon to turn it on.
• Wait a few seconds, then tap the icon again to turn it off.

Android

Similar to iOS, Android devices have accessible settings for resolving network issues. A good starting point is a simple network reset that will not affect your personal data.

Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth

This option refreshes your wireless settings without performing a full device reset.

• Open the Settings app.
• Navigate to System > Reset options.
• Tap on Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
• Confirm your choice to reset the settings.

Toggle Airplane Mode

This is a universal method for mobile devices to force a complete restart of network connections.

• Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the Quick Settings panel.
• Tap the Airplane icon to enable it.
• Wait for 10-15 seconds, then tap the icon again to disable it.

Linux

For Linux users, the most common fix is to flush the DNS cache. The command can vary depending on the specific distribution you are using, but the process is straightforward using the terminal.

Clear the DNS Cache

This command is for systems that use systemd-resolved, which includes many popular distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora.

• Open a Terminal window.
• Type the following command and press Enter: sudo systemd-resolve –flush-caches
• Enter your password when prompted.
• After the command runs, your DNS cache will be cleared.

How to Fix ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE Error For Website Owners

Seeing this error on your website likely means some part of your server is responsible. Most time it is likely not a temporary network issue; most of the time it involves a misconfiguration or issue with your server hosting setup.

It is worth checking your hosting environment, firewall settings, and DNS configurations (or any other third-party applications) to see if something is blocking or misrouting traffic from the typical path. In a lot of situations, one tiny detail you’ve overlooked will bring the entire site down.

Check Your Server and Hosting Provider

The first step is to confirm that your server is up and running. An unreachable address is the most common symptom of an offline server.

• Check your hosting provider’s status page to see if there are any reported outages or scheduled maintenance. You can look at status.cloudways.com for an example.

• Log into your hosting control panel and find the area that displays your server’s health and uptime.
• Try a server reboot. A restart can often fix an unexpected glitch.
• With a managed hosting provider like Cloudways, this process is simplified. Server health can be monitored, restarts can be performed, and resources can be scaled directly from our intuitive dashboard — a setup that proves essential for rapid troubleshooting.

Check Your DNS Records and Domain

Make sure to check your DNS records and domain. Often, having the wrong or outdated domain info is a common reason for problems. Your DNS records are basically the guidelines that tell a browser where to find your server.

• Take a look at your domain registrar to make sure your domain hasn’t expired. You can use ICANN Lookup tools, like the one at ookup.icann.org, to see the status of your domain registration.
• For example, check this domain: solanascan.io. As you can see from the screenshot below, it says, “No registry RDAP server was identified for this domain”. This indicates that the domain doesn’t exist or was never registered.

• Verify your A record. Confirm that it correctly points to your server’s IP address.

• Check for DNS propagation. Use a tool like DNSChecker.org, whatsmydns.net or IntoDNS or any other online DNS lookup service to ensure your records have been updated across the internet.

• A hosting platform that simplifies DNS management is a huge benefit here. Our DNS Made Easy add-on simplifies domain management by letting you control DNS records directly from your hosting dashboard. This speeds up propagation, minimizing downtime and reducing the chance of configuration errors that can cause the unreachable address error.

Check Your Firewall and Security Settings on the Server Side

Sometimes the firewall on your server blocks stuff it shouldn’t. Same with security plugins. One small change or update and they might start blocking real traffic by mistake.

• Check your firewall. Make sure ports 80 and 443 are open. If they’re closed, your site won’t load.
• If you’ve got WordPress, look at any security plugins you’re using. Wordfence, Sucuri—those sometimes block IPs for weird reasons. Look for anything that got flagged recently.
• You can whitelist your own IP to see if that helps. If you’re using Cloudways, you can whitelist IP addresses based on events from our dashboard.

Review Recent Website Changes and Updates

A recent update to a plugin, theme, or your core CMS can introduce a bug that breaks a critical server function, causing your site to become unreachable

• Check your site for the most recent changes and updates.
• Sometimes, when you update a plugin, theme or even your core CMS, bugs will happen and can shut down an important server function, and your site may no longer be accessible.
• Think back to your most recent changes. Right before you experienced the bug, did you update or install anything?
• If you did, you should try rolling that back. You could just roll back the update or deactivate the plugin or theme, and your site may come back online.
• You should also review the server log for any errors during the time period coinciding with when the problem started.

Use Diagnostic Tools to Figure Out the Problem

To get a more technical understanding of the issue, use diagnostic tools to investigate the connection path.

• Check your server’s log files. Both access logs and error logs can provide clues about recent failures.
• Use command-line tools. Run ping and traceroute to your server’s IP address to check its responsiveness and identify where the network connection is failing.
• Use online tools. Services like “isup.me” can help you confirm if your website is down for everyone or just for you.

Pre-emptive Measures to Avoid the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE Error

Now that we’ve covered how to fix the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error, let’s look at some proactive steps you can take to keep it from happening again. A little bit of regular maintenance can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted Browse experience.

Regular Maintenance Tips

Performing simple, routine maintenance on your devices can prevent many minor issues from escalating into major problems.

• Reboot your devices regularly. A periodic reboot of your computer, phone, and especially your router can clear temporary glitches and refresh your network connections.
• Run system diagnostics. Use built-in tools on your operating system to perform disk cleanup and check for system file errors, which can sometimes impact network performance.

Keep Software and Firmware Updated

Updates are not just for new features; they often contain critical bug fixes and security patches that improve stability and prevent compatibility issues.

• Update your operating system. Ensure your device is running the latest version of Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS.
• Update your browser. Keep your browser (Chrome, Edge, etc.) updated to the latest version to benefit from the newest security and performance enhancements.
• Update router firmware. Check your router manufacturer’s website for firmware updates. This can improve network performance and security.

Clear Cache and Cookies Regularly

Your browser’s cache and cookies are meant to speed up your experience, but when they become corrupted or outdated, they can be a source of connectivity issues. Making a habit of clearing them can prevent these problems.

• Consider a regular schedule, such as clearing your browser’s cache and cookies once a month. This forces your browser to download the latest website data, which can prevent errors caused by old or damaged files.

Monitor and Manage Network Settings

Sometimes, errors are caused by misconfigured network settings on your device or network. Being mindful of these can help you catch problems before they start.

• Check proxy settings. Periodically verify that no proxy server is enabled on your device unless you have configured one yourself.
• Use a reliable DNS server. If you consistently experience DNS-related issues, consider configuring your network settings to use a public DNS server like Google’s (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1) for improved stability.

Wrapping Up

Encountering the ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE error can be a frustrating experience, but as we’ve seen, it’s a common issue with a wide range of potential solutions.

The key is to approach it methodically, starting with the simplest fixes and moving to more technical steps if needed.

For most users, the problem can be solved by performing basic checks like restarting your router, clearing your browser’s cache, or disabling a conflicting extension.

For website owners, the troubleshooting process shifts to the server side. Verifying your server status, checking DNS records, and reviewing firewall settings are critical steps.

If you’re a Cloudways customer, it can be much simpler to manage domains through our DNS Made Easy add-on. This add-on allows you to directly manage DNS records via your dashboard; thus, you can eliminate opportunities for human error in editing your records, while minimizing DNS propagation time. This will also help avoid configuration errors and downtime when updating DNS records that lead to unreachable addresses.