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Connection errors

ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED

Your network changed while the page was loading.

Quick answer

Your device switched networks or lost its connection in the middle of loading the page, for example jumping from Wi-Fi to mobile data. The browser stopped to be safe.

When to wait: Just reload once the connection is stable.

If you are visiting the website

  1. Reload the page Once your connection is stable, reload. If you were sending a form or payment, check your account or email first so nothing is sent twice.
  2. Stay on one network If the error repeats, your device keeps switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Move closer to the router, or stay on one connection while the page loads.
    Windows
    If a cable and Wi-Fi are both connected, unplug one of them while you test.
    macOS
    If a cable and Wi-Fi are both connected, turn Wi-Fi off in the menu bar while you test.
    Android
    While on Wi-Fi, turn Mobile data off for a moment in the quick settings, or turn Wi-Fi off while you are out of range.
    iPhone and iPad (iOS)
    Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Wi-Fi Assist switches to mobile data when Wi-Fi is weak. Newer iOS versions call it Connectivity Assist under Wi-Fi settings. Turn it off to test.
  3. Check your VPN When a VPN connects, reconnects or drops, the browser sees a new network. Let the VPN connect fully before loading pages, or test once without it.
  4. Restart your router If Wi-Fi keeps dropping, turn the router off, wait about 30 seconds and turn it on again.
  5. Turn off network adapters you do not use Leftover VPN or virtual machine adapters can switch on and off and trigger this error.
    Windows
    Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings lists all adapters. Disable ones you do not use, test again, and re-enable them if nothing changes.
  6. Clear Chrome's open connections Chrome can keep using connections from the old network. Open chrome://net-internals/#sockets and click Flush socket pools (Edge: edge://net-internals/#sockets), then reload.
    Windows
    Open chrome://net-internals/#sockets and click Flush socket pools.
    macOS
    Open chrome://net-internals/#sockets and click Flush socket pools.
    Linux
    Open chrome://net-internals/#sockets and click Flush socket pools.
    ChromeOS
    Open chrome://net-internals/#sockets and click Flush socket pools.

Why the browser stops

When your device moves to a different network, its network address changes. Connections opened on the old network cannot continue, so Chrome cancels the load instead of showing half a page. A simple reload usually works once the new network is stable.

Is it the website or me?

It is your device or network, not the website. Common triggers are leaving Wi-Fi range, a VPN connecting or dropping, or a docking station switching between cable and Wi-Fi. If the error comes back often, something keeps switching your connection.

For developers: what happens technically

Chromium raises ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED when the system reports that the default network or IP address changed during a request. Apps with long requests should retry idempotent requests (requests that are safe to repeat) after this error.

Common questions

Is it safe to reload after this error?

Yes for normal pages. If you were sending a form or payment, first check your email or account to see whether it already went through, so you do not pay twice.

Why does my VPN cause this?

When a VPN connects, reconnects or drops, your device gets a new network route. Chrome sees that as a network change. A stable VPN connection, or a test with the VPN off, shows whether it is the cause.

Can a weak Wi-Fi signal cause ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED?

Yes. A weak signal can make your device drop Wi-Fi and switch to mobile data, then back again. Move closer to the router or stay on one connection while loading important pages.

Do I need to change my DNS settings?

No. DNS has nothing to do with this error. Focus on keeping one stable connection.

Why does it happen when my laptop wakes from sleep?

On waking, the laptop reconnects to Wi-Fi and may get a new address. Pages that were still loading see this as a network change. Wait a few seconds after waking, then reload.

Likely causes

  • Common Your device switched between Wi-Fi and mobile data. (Your side)
  • Sometimes A VPN connected or disconnected. (Your side)

Is the website down? Check it now

One measurement point. Results explain what we saw, not a worldwide verdict.

Sources

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