[Fixed] Error Network Changed/A Network Change Was Detected

If you see an “Error Network Changed” message when trying to access a webpage in your Google Chrome browser, you can try the 10 solutions to fix this error and restore a stable network connection.

What Does “ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED” Mean?

The “Network Changed” or “A Network Change Was Detected” error usually appears when your system detects a disruption or change in your network connection. It often happens when switching networks or during network instability, e.g., changing from Wi-Fi to mobile data or another Wi-Fi.

You might encounter this error while browsing websites or using certain applications. This issue can disrupt your browsing experience and prevent you from continuing to browse or access content.

How to Fix “Error Network Changed” in Google Chrome

Below are the 10 common solutions to help you resolve the “A Network Change Was Detected” error.

1. Check Your Network Connection

Make sure your device is connected to a stable internet or mobile data network. Try disconnecting and reconnecting to the network.

If the current network connection is unstable, try switching to a more stable Wi-Fi Network or mobile data network.

If you’re using a Wi-Fi network, restarting the router can often resolve some network connectivity issues. Unplug the router, wait a few seconds, and then plug it back in.

2. Reloading the Webpage

When you change your network or VPN server, you may encounter the “ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED” error in browsing. After changing your network, press Ctrl + F5 to force refresh the webpage to reload it.

3. Clear Chrome Browser Cache

Cached data and cookies in Chrome can sometimes cause errors, especially when switching networks. Clearing the cache and cookies may help you fix the “Error Network Changed” issue in Google Chrome.

• Open the Google Chrome browser and click the three-dot icon in the top-right corner.
• Select “Deleting browsing data.”
• In the pop-up window, select “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data.”
• Click “Clear data.”

After clearing the cache and cookies, try reopening the website and see if the “Network Changed” error is resolved.

4. Disable VPN or Proxy

Using a VPN or proxy server may sometimes interfere with network connections, especially when changing networks.

If you use a VPN but meet the “A Network Change Was Detected” error in Google Chrome, you can temporarily disable your VPN or restart your VPN app and check if the issue is resolved.

• Open your VPN application.
• Click “Stop” or “Disconnect” to turn off the VPN. Or you can disconnect and reconnect the VPN several times.
• Restart your browser and see if the “Network Changed” error persists.

5. Update Google Chrome Browser

Browser updates sometimes help fix issues related to network changes. Make sure you’re using the latest version of Chrome browser to get the best performance and bug fixes.

• Open Google Chrome.
  • Click on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner.
  • Select “Help” > “About Google Chrome.”
  • If an update is available, the Chrome browser will automatically update.

6. Try to Access Websites in Incognito Mode

In Google Chrome and other browsers, you can try opening an Incognito Mode or Private Mode window and access websites. The Incognito Mode prevents the browser from loading cached data or extensions that might cause issues.

• Open the Google Chrome browser.
• Press “Ctrl + Shift + N” or click the three-dot icon in the top-right corner and select “New Incognito Window.”
• Try accessing the website in Incognito Mode to see if the “Error Network Changed” issue persists.

7. Restart Your Device

If you are still facing the “A Network Change Was Detected” error when accessing websites in Chrome, you may try restarting your computer, mobile phone/tablet, or router/modem. A simple restart can often fix temporary network issues and restore a stable connection.

8. Reset TCP/IP Settings

Resetting your computer’s TCP/IP settings can sometimes fix network connection problems. To do this:

• Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.
  • Type the following command and press Enter: netsh int ip reset.
  • Restart your computer and check if the “Network Changed” error is gone.

9. Flush DNS Cache

Flushing your DNS cache can help fix any DNS-related issues that might be causing the network connection error. To flush the DNS cache:

• Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.
  • Type the command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns.
  • Restart your browser and check if you can open the webpage now.

10. Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If you’ve tried all the above methods and the “Error Network Changed” issue persists, there might be a problem with your internet connection. Contact your ISP and ask if there are any known network outages or maintenance.

Common Causes of “ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED” Error

Network Switching

If your device switches networks, like from Wi-Fi to mobile data, or between different Wi-Fi networks, it can cause this error.

The network change disrupts the ongoing connection, making the browser unable to recognize it immediately.

Network Instability

Unstable or buffering internet connections can lead to this error. When the network connection is inconsistent, Chrome might throw up this error while trying to open a website.

Router or Modem Issues

A problem with your router or modem, such as a reset, restart, or disconnection, may cause the “A Network Change Was Detected” error. If the router restarts or temporarily loses the internet connection, it can trigger this error message in the browser.

VPN or Proxy Servers

Using a VPN or proxy may lead to the “ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED” error. When a VPN connection is dropped or changed, it disrupts the internet connection, causing this error in Google Chrome.

Conflicting DNS Settings

DNS (Domain Name System) issues can also trigger this error. Sometimes, improper DNS settings or DNS server conflicts can result in an inability to resolve domain names, leading to a network change error.

Cached Data or Cookies

Accumulated cache and cookies in the browser may cause network-related issues, including this error, especially if the data is outdated or corrupted.

Firewall or Security Software

Firewalls or third-party security software may block or interfere with your network connection. If your security software is preventing the browser from connecting to the internet, it may show this error.

Conclusion

The “Error Network Changed” problem is usually caused by a sudden network change or interruption. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the issue and restore your internet connection.

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