ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED

How to Fix “ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED”

Proxy / Network Error 📄 Chrome, Edge, Brave
⚡ Quick answer

ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED means Chrome is configured to use a proxy server but cannot connect to it. The proxy is offline, wrong, or misconfigured.

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

🔍 Check My IP Address →

What Causes the “ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED” Error?

This error almost always means Chrome has proxy settings configured — either intentionally or by malware — and the proxy server is not reachable. When Chrome is set to use a proxy, all traffic goes through that proxy. If the proxy is down, wrong, or blocked, nothing loads. Causes include: incorrect proxy settings left over from a corporate network, malware that configured a proxy, VPN software that configured a proxy and then was uninstalled, or a manual proxy configuration that is no longer valid.

How to Fix It — 5 Methods

1 Disable proxy settings in Chrome ▶
  1. Chrome → Settings → search "proxy" → Open your computer's proxy settings
  2. Windows: Settings → Network → Proxy → turn OFF "Use a proxy server"
  3. Mac: System Settings → Network → your connection → Proxies → uncheck all
  4. Restart Chrome
2 Reset Chrome settings to default ▶
  1. Chrome → Settings → scroll to bottom → "Restore settings to their original defaults"
  2. Click "Reset settings"
  3. This removes all proxy settings, extensions, and customisations
3 Scan for malware ▶

Malware commonly sets a proxy to intercept your traffic.

  1. Run Windows Defender full scan
  2. Or use Malwarebytes (free version) for a second opinion
  3. Remove any detected threats and check proxy settings again
4 Reinstall Chrome ▶
  1. Uninstall Chrome via Control Panel (Windows) or drag to Trash (Mac)
  2. Download fresh from google.com/chrome
  3. Install and check if the error is gone
5 Check if a VPN app left proxy settings behind ▶
  1. If you recently uninstalled a VPN, it may have left proxy settings
  2. Check proxy settings and clear them as in Fix 1
  3. Reinstall and properly uninstall the VPN using its built-in uninstaller
🔒
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

Can malware cause ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED?
Yes. This is one of the most common signs of browser hijacking malware. The malware sets a proxy to intercept your traffic — then when the malware's proxy server goes offline you get this error. Run a malware scan immediately.
Will a VPN fix ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED?
No — in fact a VPN may cause it if it configured a proxy. Fix the proxy settings first, then use a VPN if needed.
How do I know if my proxy settings were changed by malware?
If ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED appeared suddenly without you knowingly configuring a proxy, malware is the likely cause. Check proxy settings, run a malware scan, and reset Chrome to defaults.

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Last updated: March 30, 2026 • Report an error

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