ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED

How to Fix “ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED”

Connection Error 📄 Chrome, Edge, Brave
⚡ Quick answer

ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED means your device has no internet connection at all. Chrome tried to reach the site but your device is not connected to the internet or your connection dropped completely.

First, check if your internet is working and what your current IP address is:

🔍 Check My IP Address →

What Causes the “ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED” Error?

Unlike most other errors that indicate a problem with a specific site or DNS, ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED means your device has no internet access whatsoever. Chrome checks connectivity before loading pages and shows this error when it detects no connection. Causes include: Wi-Fi turned off, ethernet cable unplugged, router offline, ISP outage, Windows network settings corrupted, or a VPN that has disconnected and enabled a kill switch.

How to Fix It — 5 Methods

1 Check your physical connection ▶
  1. Check your Wi-Fi icon — is it showing connected?
  2. If using ethernet, check the cable is firmly plugged in at both ends
  3. Check if your router's internet indicator light is on (usually white or green)
  4. Try on another device to confirm if it's your device or your whole network
2 Restart your router and modem ▶
  1. Unplug both your modem and router from power
  2. Wait 30 seconds
  3. Plug the modem in first, wait 30 seconds until its lights stabilise
  4. Plug the router in and wait for all lights
  5. Reconnect your device
3 Run Windows Network Troubleshooter ▶
  1. Right-click the network icon in the taskbar
  2. Select "Troubleshoot problems"
  3. Follow the steps — Windows can often detect and fix common issues automatically
4 Reset network settings ▶

Windows — run these commands in Command Prompt as Administrator:

  1. netsh winsock reset
  2. netsh int ip reset
  3. ipconfig /release
  4. ipconfig /flushdns
  5. ipconfig /renew
  6. Restart your computer
5 Check your VPN kill switch ▶

If you use a VPN with a kill switch, it blocks all internet when the VPN disconnects.

  1. Open your VPN app
  2. Check if it is connected — if not, connect it
  3. Or temporarily disable the kill switch in VPN settings
  4. If disabling the kill switch restores internet, the VPN connection dropped
🔒
Some errors are caused by ISP blocks or network restrictions
A VPN bypasses them instantly by routing through a different server.
PureVPN → IPVanish →

✅ Fixed it? Visit tools.examineip.com to confirm your IP address and connection are working correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED only appear in Chrome?
If other browsers or apps work fine but Chrome shows this error, Chrome may have cached a disconnected state. Restart Chrome completely (close all windows) or clear Chrome's cache.
Can Windows Firewall cause ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED?
Yes. If Windows Firewall is configured to block Chrome specifically, Chrome cannot access the internet while other apps can. Check Windows Firewall allowed apps list and ensure Chrome is permitted.
How do I check if my ISP is having an outage?
Check your ISP's status page or their social media (Twitter/X). You can also use downdetector.com to see if other customers in your area are reporting the same issue.

Learn More About IP Addresses & Privacy

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Last updated: March 30, 2026 • Report an error

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