How to Fix “This Site Can’t Be Reached” Error?

Have you ever encountered the frustrating message “This site can’t be reached” after clicking a link? It’s a common scenario on the Internet.

While some errors, like “Error 404,” are straightforward, others, like “This site can’t be reached,” are vague and offer no instructions on fixing them.

Such an error suggests that the browser cannot locate the specified website that the user wishes to access, an incident that could prove very inconvenient for the user. The cause could be as varied as DNS or network connectivity issues, which implies that you cannot gain access to the information or a service you need.

This article will provide simple, easy-to-follow steps to eliminate the ‘This site can’t be reached’ message and get back online. The troubleshooting tips will help a person easily identify what is wrong with the website and how to get back to browsing.

What Does the “This site can’t be reached” Error Mean?

This message is like your computer telling you, “I cannot access that website or like telling you there is something wrong with that website. The fact that you cannot open a website on your computer is quite irritating.

Users might encounter various messages related to this error, including:

• “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN”
• “ERR_CONNECTION_RESET”
• “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED”
• “ERR_TIMED_OUT”

It is like when you are going somewhere, and then suddenly, there is some kind of obstacle in front of you. This wasted time can be extremely annoying if you’re in the middle of something important. We understand your frustration.

What Causes the error?

The generic error of the website, “This site can’t be reached,” has many factors that can cause this error message. Below are the common problems that may lead to such a website loading issue. Let’s discuss these problems.

1. Router problems

Your router is the traffic cop of your Internet because it keeps the Internet stream through all your devices. Therefore, any complications with the configuration or settings are the common problems that might create this error message and cause you to disconnect from the Internet.

2. Modem issues

Another reported familiar scenario is modem issues, which may be due to a firmware problem, such as it not updating properly or still using the old firmware, which may reduce the internet connection.

3. ISP outages

This is possible only if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is bound to face network problems or some sort of barrier. In that case, you do not have to do anything until they correct something from their end.

4. Cache and cookies

Your browser must store data relating to the visited site so that the subsequent visits to this site will be faster. However, this data sometimes leads your browser to have a “This site can’t be reached’’ error.

5. Browser Extensions 

For proper work, we have to install numerous browser extensions, which sometimes interfere with site functionalities.

6. Browser compatibility

Old browsers are known to cause a “This site can’t be reached” message, which can occur due to security or network update problems.

7. Firewall and Antivirus

This is a one-of-a-kind program for guarding your computer or any other device from security threats on the Internet; hence, it can deny you access to some sites for security concerns without a warning message. 

8. Host file issues

Your computer’s host file will show your computer where to go for each website. These entries mean that traffic can be misrouted, and anything that is typed on the host file will be problematic when trying to access something.

Solutions to Fix “This Site Can’t Be Reached” Error

Let me discuss standard solutions to fix that “This site can’t be reached” error message. But before you start, try each step individually and see if the issue is resolved before moving on to the next step. Always back up your computer before making significant changes.

[1] Check your network connection

Most of the time, the error message “This site can’t be reached” is a result of a network problem. If that is the case, these steps can solve website loading issues that one might be experiencing.

a. Restart your Router and Modem

i. Turn off your router and modem, and remove their connections to the relevant electrical outlets.

ii. Wait 30 seconds to remove any residual power from the devices.

iii. Plug the modem back in first and wait for its power light to come on and stabilize.

iv. Then it is recommended to plug the router into the power supply and wait for turning on.

v. Launch the browser and try to access the site again to see if the connection you have is working.

b. Check for ISP outages

You must also check for outages at your ISP. Outage detection services like DownDetector, which provides current maps and an overall picture, can also be used. However, if this is not clear enough, one can go to their respective ISP’s customer support and get a confirmation that a certain service has indeed gone down.

c. Test your Internet connection on other devices

One of the ways that can help you determine if your Internet connection is good or not is by connecting numerous devices. You plug your phone, tablet, or laptop into the network, and then you open the browser or Internet Explorer. Go to the same website that is showing the error, “This site can’t be reached.” If the error persists on all the gadgets, then it is not a gadget or browser problem. If the website loads in other devices while it did not work on the first device, then the problem is with that device.

[2] Troubleshoot browser issues

Adjusting your browser’s cache and cookies can sometimes help resolve this issue. However, clearing this data also removes saved data that helps websites load faster. Therefore, before proceeding with this step, ensure you have carefully completed the previous method.

Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies also solves this problem. However, it also clears the saved data, which optimizes websites to load faster. Hence, as a caution, ensure that you have followed the previous method accurately before proceeding to the next step.

a. Clear browser cache and cookies

Here are the steps you need to follow for different browsers to clear the browser cache and cookies.

Chrome:

i. Open Chrome and click the three dots in the upper right corner.

ii. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Delete browsing data.

iii. Select All Time, check the boxes for browsing history, Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, then click Delete data.

Safari:

i. Open Safari and go to Safari > Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data

ii. Click Remove All > Done

b. Disable browser extensions

Here are the steps you need to follow for different browsers to disable browser extensions.

Chrome:

i. Open Chrome and click the three dots in the upper right corner.

ii. Go to Settings > Extensions > Toggle off each extension one by one and check if the site loads.

Safari:

i. Open Safari and go to Safari > Settings > Extensions.

ii. Uncheck each extension and check if the site loads.

c. Try a different browser

However, if you still face the issue after following these steps, use a different browser. For instance, if you use Chrome, you can switch to Safari, Edge, Firefox, or Opera.

You need to download and install the browser and adequately visit the site, which shows the “This site can’t be reached” error message. Now, compare the result with your default browser. If you can load the website, it’s clear that your default browser has some issues with this.

In that case, you must recheck all its settings, including Privacy and security. You can also reinstall it or check for updates to solve the problem. This simple troubleshooting step can help identify whether the problem is with the website or the browser being used.

[3] Resolve DNS Issues

If the previous steps do not solve the issue, you can try working with the DNS settings. It may seem complicated, but with proper instructions, it is easy. I can provide step-by-step guidance to resolve the “This site can’t be reached” error message.

a. Flush DNS cache

Please follow the steps below to flush the DNS cache:

Windows:

i. Go to the Start menu and search for the command prompt.

ii. Open the command prompt.

iii. Type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter.

iv. Hit enter, and enter your password, the DNS will be flushed.

macOS:

i. Press Command + Space > When Spotlight search is opened, search for Terminal > Enter Terminal

ii. Type “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and press Enter.

iii. Enter your password when prompted and press Enter again.

iv. Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

b. Change DNS servers

Here are the step-by-step instructions for changing DNS servers on Windows and macOS:

Windows:

i. Open Control Panel and navigate to Network and Sharing Center.

ii. Click on Change adapter settings.

iii. Right-click on your network connection and select Properties.

iv. Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.

v. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses.”

vi. Enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses (e.g., for Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).

vii. Click OK and restart your browser.

macOS:

i. Open System Preferences and go to Network.

ii. Select your network connection and click Advanced.

iii. Go to the DNS tab.

iv. Click the + button and add the DNS server addresses (e.g., for Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).

v. Click OK and restart your browser.

[4] Address Computer or Device Problems

Antiviruses and firewalls protect us against computer viruses. Firewalls shield our computers and networks, preventing unwanted access and protecting us from harmful data. However, firewalls sometimes block legitimate sites we want to visit, causing inconvenience. Fortunately, there is a way to resolve this issue.

a. Temporarily disable Firewall and Antivirus

Here are the instructions to temporarily disable the firewall and antivirus on Windows and macOS:

Windows:

i. Open Control Panel and go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.

ii. Click on “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”

iii. Select “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall” for private and public network settings.

iv. Test your connection and re-enable the firewall after testing.

macOS:

i. Open System Preferences and go to Security & Privacy.

ii. Navigate to the Firewall tab and click “Turn Off Firewall.”

iii. Test your connection and re-enable the firewall after testing.

b. Check the host file for errors

Here are the steps to check the host file for errors:

Windows:

i. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\

ii. Right-click the host file and select “Open with” -> “Notepad”

iii. Check for incorrect entries and remove them if necessary

iv. Save the file and restart your computer

macOS:

i. Open Terminal

ii. Type ‘sudo nano /etc/hosts’ and press Enter

iii. Enter your password when prompted

iv. Check for incorrect entries and remove them if necessary

v. Press Control+X to save and exit

vi. Restart your computer

Remember to try each step one by one and see if the issue is resolved before proceeding to the next. Also, always back up your computer before making significant changes.

Additional Tips

If you’ve tried the steps above and still can’t access the website, here are some other things to check:

1. Update Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers can hinder your internet connection. Here’s how to update them:

Windows:

i. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.

ii. Type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter to open Device Manager.

iii. Expand the “Network adapters” category.

iv. Right-click on your network adapter and select “Update driver.”

v. Follow the on-screen instructions.

macOS:

i. Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”

ii. Click on “Network.”

iii. Select your network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click the “Advanced” button.

iv. Go to the “Hardware” tab and click the “Update” button.

v. Follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Check for Malware or Viruses

It’s important to know that malware can disrupt your internet connection and lead to various issues, such as the “This site can’t be reached” error. Perform a comprehensive scan of your system using your antivirus software to identify and eliminate any malicious threats and stay cautious about potential future threats.

3. Contact Website Support

Remember that you’re not alone if you’ve exhausted all other options. The issue may lie with the website itself. Contact the website’s support team to report the problem and seek assistance. They’re there to provide specific troubleshooting steps or information about ongoing issues and to support you through this process.

Final Remarks

Facing the “This site can’t be reached” error can be frustrating, but the right troubleshooting steps can quickly resolve the issue. 

In this article, we talked about the common causes of this problem and showed ways to fix it. We hope these steps help you get back online quickly. 

If you’ve encountered this error and found other solutions, please share your experiences in the comments below.