DEV Community

Cover image for Fix ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error in Chrome: 7 Proven Solutions
Dishang Soni for ServerAvatar

Posted on • Originally published at serveravatar.com

Fix ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error in Chrome: 7 Proven Solutions

If you’ve ever been browsing peacefully and suddenly Chrome flashes the message “ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED,” you know how frustrating it can be. This error simply means that your browser detected a change in your network connection, interrupting your access to the internet.

But don’t worry, this guide will show you 7 proven ways to fix ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED in Google Chrome, along with easy explanations for why these methods work.

What Is ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED?

This Chrome error indicates that your network configuration changed while the browser was trying to load a webpage. It could be caused by anything from a router restart to switching between Wi-Fi networks.

Why Does This Error Appear in Chrome?

Some of the most common reasons include:

  • Your ISP changed your IP address during browsing.
  • You switched between wired and wireless networks.
  • Chrome’s DNS cache got corrupted.
  • VPN or proxy servers interfered with your connection.
  • A background process is altering your network settings.

Understanding the Impact

When the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error occurs, Chrome temporarily blocks web requests to avoid conflicts. This prevents websites from loading properly until your network stabilizes again. It can also disrupt downloads, online meetings, and streaming services.

How to Confirm if It’s a Local Problem

Before diving into fixes, test your connection:

  • Open another device on the same network and check if the issue persists.
  • Try accessing other browsers like Edge or Firefox.
  • If only Chrome shows the error, it’s a browser-level issue.

If all devices show the same error, the problem likely lies with your internet connection.

Solution 1: Restart Your Router and Modem

The simplest fix is often the most effective.

Steps:

  • Unplug your router and modem.
  • Wait 30 seconds.
  • Plug them back in and wait for full connection.

This refreshes your IP address and clears temporary network glitches.

Solution 2: Disable and Re-enable Your Network Adapter

A quick network reset can fix misconfigurations.

For Ubuntu

  • Click the Network icon → toggle Wi-Fi off and then back on.
  • Or use Terminal commands:

nmcli networking off
sleep 5
nmcli networking on

This restarts your entire network layer on Ubuntu.

For Windows:

  • Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter.

Fix ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error in Chrome: 7 Proven Solutions-ServerAvatar

  • Right-click on your active connection.
  • Select Disable, wait a few seconds, and then enable it again.

Fix ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error in Chrome: 7 Proven Solutions-ServerAvatar

For macOS:

  • Go to System Preferences > Network.
  • Select your active connection and click the “–” icon to remove it.
  • Add it back again with the “+” icon.

Read Full Article: https://serveravatar.com/fix-err-network-changed-error-in-chrome/

Top comments (0)