Fix “This Site Can’t Be Reached: Connection Was Reset”

The “this site can't be reached the connection was reset” message means the connection between your browser and the website ended unexpectedly. To restore access, first check whether the website works elsewhere, then restart your browser and network before clearing stored data or reviewing security settings.

This is a connection problem, not a sign-in problem. Changing account details will not repair a browser connection that is being interrupted.

What does the connection reset message mean?

A connection reset happens when a browser starts communicating with a website but that connection closes before the page finishes loading. The interruption can occur at the website, on the device, within the local network, or somewhere along the internet route between them.

The wording varies by browser. A search for “this site cant be reached the connection was reset” may refer to the same basic failure as a reset, interrupted connection, or site unreachable message.

The error alone does not identify the cause. Note whether it appears before the page loads, after part of the page appears, or only after selecting a particular page. Do not enter sensitive information repeatedly while the connection is unstable.

How can I check whether the website is available?

Testing the same page in several controlled ways can show whether the problem belongs to one browser, one device, one network, or the website itself.

1. Reload the page once. If a form was being submitted, avoid repeated reloads because the earlier request may already have reached the website.
2. Open the page in a private or incognito window. If it works there, stored browser data or an extension may be involved.
3. Try another browser on the same device. Success in the second browser points to settings, extensions, or stored data in the first browser.
4. Try the website on another device connected to the same network. If neither device can open it, the local network or website may be responsible.
5. If practical, test with a different trusted network. Turn off Wi-Fi on a phone to test its cellular connection, or use another network you are authorized to use.
6. Open a few unrelated, familiar websites. If all websites fail, focus on the device, router, or internet service. If only one website fails across devices and networks, the evidence points toward that website.

How do I restart the browser and network connection?

A restart clears temporary browser and network states that can keep a failed connection active. Save unfinished work before closing programs or restarting equipment.

1. Close every browser window, wait a few seconds, and reopen the browser. On a phone, remove the browser from the recent-apps view before opening it again.
2. Restart the device through its normal power menu. Reopen the browser and test the page before changing other settings.
3. Disconnect from Wi-Fi, wait briefly, and reconnect to the correct network. Confirm that airplane mode is off and that the device shows a working connection.
4. If every device on the network has trouble, restart the modem or router. Use its power control if provided, or unplug its power cable, wait about half a minute, and reconnect it.
5. Allow the equipment to finish starting before testing. Do not press a recessed reset button, because that can erase network settings.

How do I clear browser and DNS data?

A browser cache stores page files for faster loading, while cookies store site-related session data. Corrupted or outdated copies can interfere with a new connection. Clear data for the affected website first when the browser offers that choice, because clearing all cookies can sign you out of other sites.

• Chrome: open Settings, choose Privacy and security, then Delete browsing data. Select cached images and files. Select cookies only if clearing the cache does not help.
• Microsoft Edge: open Settings, choose Privacy, search, and services, then choose what to clear under browsing data. Start with cached images and files.
• Firefox: open Settings, choose Privacy and Security, and find Cookies and Site Data. Use Manage Data to remove data for one site, or Clear Data for broader removal.
• Safari on a Mac: open Safari settings, choose Privacy, then Manage Website Data. Find and remove the affected website’s stored data.
• Safari on an iPhone or iPad: open the device Settings, choose Apps, Safari, Advanced, then Website Data. Remove data for the affected website when available.

DNS, or Domain Name System, translates a website name into the network address used to reach it. An outdated DNS record on the device can send the browser toward an address that no longer responds.

1. Restart the device and router first; this often refreshes DNS information without commands.
2. On Windows, open Command Prompt, enter ipconfig /flushdns, and press Enter.
3. On a Mac, avoid copying an unverified system command because the correct command can vary by system version. Restart the Mac and router, or use the network troubleshooting tools included with the system.
4. On a phone or tablet, toggle airplane mode on and off, reconnect to Wi-Fi, and restart the device.

Could a VPN, proxy, firewall, or security app reset the connection?

A VPN sends traffic through another network, and a proxy acts as an intermediary between the browser and websites. Firewalls, content filters, browser extensions, and security apps can also close a connection they consider unsafe.

1. Check whether a work, school, or family-managed device requires its VPN or proxy. Do not change managed settings without the administrator’s approval.
2. If you started a personal VPN, disconnect it briefly and test the page. Reconnect it after the test.
3. Open the browser’s extension manager and temporarily disable recently added privacy, filtering, or security extensions one at a time. Re-enable each extension after testing.
4. Review the security app’s event history or blocked-connections list. An entry matching the time and website can identify the filter involved.
5. Do not permanently disable a firewall, remove security software, or create broad exceptions. If a brief test identifies the cause, restore protection and ask the software provider or network administrator how to allow only the necessary connection safely.

When should I contact the website or internet provider?

Contact the website’s support team when only that website fails in multiple browsers, on multiple devices, and through more than one network. Contact the internet provider when many unrelated websites fail on every device using the same connection but work through a different network.

Before contacting either party, collect:

• The exact error wording and a screenshot that does not reveal sensitive information.
• The website name and the specific action that triggered the error.
• The date, time, and time zone when the failure occurred.
• The device, operating system, and browser used.
• Whether private browsing, another browser, another device, or another network worked.
• Whether a VPN, proxy, firewall, extension, or security app changed the result.
• Whether all websites or only one website are affected.

If the problem affects only one device while other devices work on the same network, seek help from the device or browser provider. These test results let support narrow the problem without guessing or weakening security settings permanently.