The ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error is a common issue we frequently encounter. Recently, it affected one of our business websites during a crucial marketing campaign.
Rather than taking drastic measures, we adhered to our standard troubleshooting procedures. While it may appear alarming, this error is often due to minor issues that can be easily resolved.
Since 2009, we have effectively managed numerous WordPress site challenges, including this one. Whether the cause is a server issue, a plugin conflict, or a browser setting, there is always a solution to restore your site.
In this guide, we will outline the precise steps we take to resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. These same steps have assisted thousands of our readers in quickly getting their sites back online.
What Is the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Error in WordPress?
We have encountered the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error, especially in Google Chrome.
This error arises when the browser successfully contacts a website but fails to establish a proper connection to receive data.
Consequently, the browser resets the connection, preventing the server from sending data back. This can lead to significant frustration for both website owners and visitors.
📝Note:Other browsers might display a similar error message with different phrasing, such as ‘The connection has been reset.’
Although many WordPress errors are common, this particular message can be unclear and lacks specific guidance. This can be especially frustrating for beginners, as it may prevent them from accessing their own website, including the WordPress admin dashboard.
Based on our experience, this error usually means that the WordPress site is functioning properly, but an issue on the user’s end—typically with the browser or internet connection—is blocking access.
Let’s explore the steps to diagnose and resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in WordPress. You can either follow the detailed steps below or use the quick links for easier navigation:
- Verify That the Website Is Operational
- Restart Your Internet Connection
- Clear Your Browser Cache
- Disable Experimental Features in Chrome
- Temporarily Turn Off Your Computer’s Firewall and Antivirus Software
- Reset Your VPN Application
- Disable Your Proxy Server Settings
- Clear Your DNS Cache
- Change Your DNS Server Settings
- Reset Your TCP/IP Configuration
- Additional DIY Solutions for Resolving WordPress Errors 🛠️
Verify That the Website Is Operational
Typically, the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error is triggered by an issue with your computer or network. Before diving into solutions, it’s wise to verify if the website is actually online.
There have been instances where the website was down. You can use the free uptime checker tool from IsItWP to see if your site is accessible to others.
Simply go to the Website Uptime Status Checker and input your site’s URL.
The tool will perform a quick test and inform you whether the site is operational or not. This process only takes a few seconds.
If the site is down, you will need to wait until it is back online before proceeding with any fixes.
If the website belongs to you, it’s advisable to reach out to your WordPress hosting provider to report the issue.
For added assurance, you can set up automatic alerts. Check out our comprehensive guide on monitoring the uptime of your WordPress site.
If the tool indicates that your site is functioning properly, then the issue is likely on your end. Don’t worry — we’ll guide you through the troubleshooting process step by step.
Restart Your Internet Connection
We’ve discovered that the simplest solutions are often the most effective. Restarting your internet connection can quickly resolve network issues that lead to this error.
Begin by powering down your computer. Next, disconnect your modem and router, and wait for at least one minute.
After waiting, reconnect everything, allow the connection to stabilize, and attempt to visit the site again. Often, this simple step resolves the issue.
Clear Your Browser Cache
Web browsers save cached files to enhance loading speed. However, if these files become corrupted, they can prevent your site from loading correctly.
We’ve encountered this issue frequently. Fortunately, clearing the browser cache is a straightforward process.
To start, try performing a hard refresh to reload the page without using the cache. On Windows, press CTRL + SHIFT + R. On a Mac, use CMD + SHIFT + R.
If that doesn’t resolve the issue, proceed to clear the cache entirely. In Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner. Navigate to ‘More Tools’ and then select ‘Clear Browsing Data.’
In the popup window, ensure the box next to ‘Cached images and files’ is checked.
By default, Chrome will clear all cached files. You can use the ‘Time Range’ dropdown to select a specific time frame if desired.
Feel free to deselect other options like ‘Browsing history’ or ‘Cookies’ if you only want to clear cached files.
Once you are ready, click the ‘Clear data’ button. Chrome will delete the cache, allowing you to try accessing the website again.
If you’re using a different web browser, we’ve got you covered. Check out our beginner’s guide on how to clear your browser cache in any browser.
Disable Experimental Features in Chrome
If you’ve activated any experimental features in Chrome, one of them might be causing the error.
To disable these features, go to chrome://flags/ in Chrome. Then, click the ‘Reset all’ button at the top of the page.
Now, try accessing the website again. If the error message persists, proceed to the next solution.
Temporarily Disable Your Computer’s Firewall and Antivirus
While antivirus and firewall software protect your computer from malware, they can sometimes block access to legitimate websites.
To check if your firewall or antivirus is causing the issue, temporarily disable the software. Then, attempt to visit the website that was displaying the error.
If the site loads successfully, you’ll know that the antivirus or firewall was the culprit. In this case, we advise against permanently disabling it.
To resolve the issue, check your software settings to whitelist this specific website. This allows you to access the site while maintaining protection against hackers, viruses, and other online threats.
If you’re unsure where to locate these settings, consult the software’s official documentation, community forums, or social media channels for guidance. Depending on your software license, you may also reach out to customer support or the developer for assistance.
For additional strategies on safeguarding yourself from hackers without causing a connection error, refer to our comprehensive WordPress security guide.
Reset Your VPN Software
You might have installed Virtual Private Network (VPN) software on your computer to enhance your privacy, secure your information, and access websites that are restricted in your area.
Occasionally, you may experience issues with your VPN connection, or the VPN may fail to recognize a website’s IP address. Some VPNs automatically reconnect when a problem arises, but you might need to manually reconnect your VPN in some cases.
We suggest visiting your provider’s website or consulting their documentation for detailed instructions on how to reset your VPN.
Disable Your Proxy Server
Connection errors can occur when using a proxy server for added security or data caching. To resolve this, you need to disable the proxy server.
On a Mac, begin by clicking the ‘Apple’ icon in the menu bar and selecting ‘System Settings…’
Next, type ‘proxies’ into the search box on the left and select the ‘Proxies’ option from the menu.
Ensure that all proxy settings are turned Off.
Then, click the ‘OK’ button to save your changes.
You can now try accessing the website to check if the issue has been resolved.
Clear Your DNS Cache
Your computer keeps a record of the IP addresses of websites you visit, known as the DNS cache, to avoid repeated lookups.
While this speeds up website loading times, outdated cached DNS information can lead to errors, especially if a site has changed its domain or if you’ve migrated WordPress to a new host.
Flushing your DNS cache will refresh the information, providing you with the latest details about a website, including any new domain name or address.
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to clear your DNS cache for Mac, Windows, and Google Chrome.
Change Your DNS Server
A DNS server acts as the internet’s directory, helping your browser find the correct IP address associated with a website’s domain name.
Your internet service provider automatically assigns a DNS server, but it may occasionally be unavailable or provide incorrect information, leading to connection issues.
You can resolve this issue by switching to an alternative public DNS server, such as Google Public DNS. While you can choose any public server, keep in mind that the DNS provider will have access to your browsing history.
On a Mac, begin by clicking the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen and selecting ‘System Settings…’ from the dropdown menu. Then, type ‘DNS’ into the search bar in the upper left corner and click on the ‘DNS servers’ option.
You will now see the address of your current DNS server.
Using the ‘+’ button at the bottom, you can add Google’s DNS server addresses, which are 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
Afterward, you can click on the existing DNS server address.
To remove it, simply click the ‘-’ button located at the bottom.
Once you are done, click the ‘OK’ button to save your changes.
If you are not using a Mac, Google provides comprehensive instructions for various operating systems in their guide on setting up Google Public DNS.
You can now visit the website to check if the error message has been resolved.
Reset Your TCP/IP Settings
TCP/IP refers to a suite of protocols that govern how data is transmitted and received over the internet.
If your internet connection is misconfigured, renewing your TCP and IP settings will restore the connection to its default configuration, potentially fixing the issue.
Reset TCP/IP Settings on Mac
On a Mac, open the System Settings app, search for TCP/IP, and select the TCP/IP option from the menu.
On this screen, click the ‘Renew DHCP Lease’ button.
You may need to confirm your selection by clicking the ‘Apply’ button in a popup window.
Resetting TCP/IP in Windows
On Windows, open the Command Prompt and enter a series of commands. Type each command individually and press the Enter key after each one.
First, open theCommand PromptOpen the Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for ‘cmd’ in the Start menu, right-clicking it, and selecting ‘Run as administrator.’
Next, enter the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
After executing the commands, restart your computer and revisit the website to see if the error has been resolved.
Additional DIY Solutions for Resolving WordPress Errors 🛠️
Encountering a connection reset error can be frustrating, but you are not alone. Here are some of our top guides to help you resolve other common WordPress problems:
- Beginner’s Guide to Troubleshooting WordPress Errors (Step by Step)
- WordPress Form Issues: 7 Effective Troubleshooting Tips
- How to Easily Monitor Your WordPress Website Server Uptime
- Essential WordPress Maintenance Tasks You Should Perform Regularly
We hope this guide has helped you resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error in WordPress. It’s always a relief to see your site back online, and we’re glad to assist you on this journey.
If you encounter issues in the future, feel free to refer to our guide on reaching out to WordPress support or discover the top WordPress support agencies we recommend.
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