“A network change was detected” means your connection disconnected or changed while Chrome was loading a page. Also called ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED, it tells you the connection was interrupted, but doesn't identify the cause. Start with a reload once you're connected, then use the checks below to narrow down repeated interruptions.
Let the connection settle before reloading
If the error appeared during a connection change, start here. Wait until your device is connected before trying again.
Check the address for a typing mistake, then select Reload this page. On Windows or Linux, F5 or Ctrl+R also reloads the page. Next, open another website to check whether the problem affects more than one address.
If reloading doesn't help, close Chrome completely. On Windows, select More > Exit; on Mac, select Chrome > Quit Google Chrome. On a Chromebook, close Chrome.
Reopen Chrome, using the Launcher on a Chromebook. Then retry the page.
Find out whether the problem follows your browser or network
These comparisons help you choose where to troubleshoot next.
- 1.Open the same website in another browser on the affected device.
- 2.Try the website on another device connected to the same network.
- 3.Test the affected device on another network. On Android, open Settings > Network & internet, turn Wi-Fi off, and turn Mobile data on. Some phones use Connections as the settings category.
- 4.If the problem is limited to Chrome, select More > New Incognito window and retry the address. If it loads, investigate extensions and stored browsing data next.
Rule out an interfering extension
Open More > Extensions > Manage extensions in Chrome, then switch your extensions off. Retry the affected website in a regular browser window.
If the page now loads, turn one extension back on and retest the page. Repeat those last two actions with one extension at a time until you identify the one that brings the problem back.
Select Remove on that extension, then select Remove again to confirm. For VPN and proxy extensions, switching them off or removing them stops their network changes; restricting website permissions doesn't.
Clear stored data when Chrome alone fails
If the website works in Incognito but disabling extensions didn't help, delete Chrome's cookies and cache. Be ready to sign back in to websites after deleting cookies.
Open More > Delete browsing data and set the time range to All time. Select Cookies and other site data. Then select Cached images and files, leaving unrelated categories unselected.
Click Delete data. Retry the website after deletion finishes.
If the error continues on Windows or Mac, open More > Help > About Google Chrome to start the update check. Select Relaunch when an update offers it. On Linux, update Chrome through your distribution's package manager. On a Chromebook, update ChromeOS to update Chrome.
Check a personal VPN or custom DNS setting
These checks target connection trouble involving a VPN, an unwanted proxy, or a failing custom DNS resolver.
On Windows 11 with one configured VPN, open the taskbar network, volume, and battery area. Toggle the VPN quick setting off, then retry the page after the connection settles.
On Mac, open your VPN or filtering app from Applications. Turn off its network-related features for the test, then retry the website to compare the result.
For an unwanted Windows proxy, open Settings > Network & internet > Proxy. Open the relevant configuration under Use setup script or Use a proxy server. Turn off the unwanted proxy configuration, then select Save.
If you use a custom Secure DNS provider in Chrome, open More > Settings > Privacy and security > Security > Advanced > Use secure DNS. Select your current service provider instead of the custom resolver. Reload the page to test the change.
Ask your administrator to review required work or school VPN, proxy, or filtering settings; leave those configurations under their control.
Repair the connection outside the browser
If multiple browsers fail on Windows 11, open Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters. Launch the network troubleshooter, which uses Get Help.
On a Mac using DHCP, open the Apple menu > System Settings > Network and select the affected service. Open Details > TCP/IP. Select Renew DHCP Lease, then OK.
For further Mac Wi-Fi troubleshooting, hold Option while clicking the Wi-Fi menu. Select Open Wireless Diagnostics.
When multiple devices on your home network have the problem, restart the router using its manufacturer's instructions. For Nest Wifi or Google Wifi, unplug power for 10–20 seconds, reconnect it, and allow 1–2 minutes for startup. Use a restart, not a factory reset.
Save resets for a persistent problem
Choose the reset that matches your earlier tests, and stop once the connection works.
If the failure remains limited to Chrome, open More > Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings. Retry the website before changing anything else.
If Windows 11 still has connection trouble across browsers after the earlier checks, open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset > Reset now > Yes. Restart afterward, and be prepared to reinstall VPN software. Test the affected device again on another network. If the fault follows the original connection, contact its owner or internet service provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Incognito unavailable or an extension setting locked?
Organizational policies can restrict Incognito and control extensions. Open More and look for Managed by your organization. Enter chrome://management in the address bar to inspect managed extensions, or chrome://policy to inspect policies. Ask the responsible administrator to correct required settings.
Can I reload without using cached content?
Yes. In desktop Chrome, press Shift+F5 or Ctrl+Shift+R on Windows or Linux. On Mac, press Command+Shift+R.
What should I try on public Wi-Fi?
Follow the network's sign-in notification and complete its sign-in or terms screen. On a Chromebook, open an http:// address to trigger the sign-in screen. If it doesn't appear, disconnect from the network and reconnect.
What can I try if my iPhone keeps switching connections?
Open Settings > Cellular, scroll down, and turn Wi-Fi Assist off while testing. Confirm that Settings > Wi-Fi shows a connection and that Airplane Mode is off.