ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error: Troubleshoot and Fix

Find out how to resolve the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error. Troubleshooting and solutions for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Chance M

The ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error is a common problem that can occur when a user is trying to access a website. This error message usually appears in the browser and indicates that there is a problem with the network connection. The error can occur on any device, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, and can be caused by a variety of factors. In this guide, we will discuss the causes of the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error and provide step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting and resolving the issue.

Symptoms of the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error

  • “ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED” message appears in the browser
  • Unable to access websites
  • Slow internet connection
  • Connection drops frequently

Common Causes of the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Error

  • Inadequate internet connection
  • Incorrect network settings
  • Outdated network drivers
  • Conflicting programs
  • Malware or virus
  • Recent software or system updates
  • Firewall restrictions
  • DHCP settings

Understanding the causes of ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error is the first step in troubleshooting and resolving the issue. In the next section, we will discuss some basic troubleshooting steps that can help to resolve the error.

Basic troubleshooting steps

Before moving on to more advanced solutions, it’s a good idea to try some basic troubleshooting steps that may help resolve the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error.

Verify internet connection

  • Check if the internet is working on other devices or if other websites are loading properly.
  • Make sure your router is plugged in and turned on.

Restart your router

  • Turn off your router and unplug it from the power source.
  • Wait for a few minutes before plugging it back in and turning it on.

Clear browser cache and cookies

  • In your browser, go to settings or preferences.
  • Look for the option to clear browsing data or cache and cookies.
  • Select the option to delete everything and confirm the action.

Disable VPN and proxy

  • Disable any VPN or proxy that you may be using.
  • Try accessing the website again.

Flush DNS and reset IP address

  • Open Command prompt and run “ipconfig /flushdns”
  • Run “ipconfig /renew”

These basic troubleshooting steps can help to resolve the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error in some cases. If these steps do not work, more advanced solutions may be necessary to resolve the issue. In the next section, we will discuss some advanced troubleshooting steps that can help to resolve the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error.

Advanced troubleshooting steps

If the basic troubleshooting steps do not resolve the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error, more advanced solutions may be necessary.

Update network drivers

  • Go to the manufacturer’s website and look for the latest version of the network driver.
  • Download and install the updated driver.

Reset network settings

  • On Windows, open the Control Panel and navigate to “Network and Sharing Center”
  • Click on “Change adapter settings”
  • Right-click on the network adapter and select “Properties”
  • Click on “Configure” and then “Advanced”
  • Under “Property”, find “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”
  • Select “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically”
  • Click OK to save the changes

Check for conflicting programs

  • Close any program that may be using the internet connection.
  • Check for any conflicting programs or services that may be causing the issue.

Check for malware or virus

  • Run a full system scan to check for any malware or virus that may be causing the issue.

Check for any recent software or system updates

  • Make sure your device has the latest software and system updates installed.
  • Check for any updates that may be causing the issue.

Disable Firewall temporarily

  • Disable the Firewall temporarily to see if it is causing the issue.

Check DHCP settings

  • Check DHCP settings on your router to ensure they are correct.

These advanced troubleshooting steps can help to resolve the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error in some cases. If these steps do not work, further investigation may be necessary.

Solutions for specific devices

The ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error can occur on a variety of devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Each device may have its own specific solutions for resolving the error.

Windows

  • Release and Renew IP address: This step involves releasing the current IP address and renewing it with a new one. This can be done by opening Command Prompt as administrator and running the following commands: “ipconfig /release” followed by “ipconfig /renew”
  • Disable Automatic Detection of Settings: This step involves disabling the automatic detection of settings in Internet Explorer. To do this, go to Internet Explorer> gear icon > Internet Options > Connections tab > LAN settings > uncheck “Automatically detect settings” > OK

Mac

  • Clear DNS Cache: This step involves clearing the DNS cache on Mac. To do this, open Terminal and run “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache” followed by “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder”
  • Reset System Management Controller (SMC): This step involves resetting the SMC to its original state. To do this, shut down your Mac, hold down the left side Shift + Control + Option keys, press the power button, release all keys, and press the power button again to turn on your Mac.

Android

  • Clear Data and Cache of Browser: This step involves clearing the data and cache of the browser. To do this, go to Settings > Apps or Application Manager > find the browser > tap on it > tap on Clear Data and Clear Cache
  • Check APN settings: This step involves checking the Access Point Name (APN) settings on your device. Go to Settings > More or Mobile Network > Access Point Names > check that the APN settings match the settings provided by your carrier

iOS

  • Check DNS settings: This step involves checking the DNS settings on your device. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > tap on the “i” icon next to the network you’re connected to > Configure DNS > check that the DNS settings match the settings provided by your carrier
  • Reset Network Settings: This step involves resetting the network settings on your device to their original state. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings > enter your passcode if prompted

Trying these device-specific solutions may help resolve the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error. If you continue to experience issues, additional troubleshooting or assistance may be needed.

Summary and Next Steps

The ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error is a common problem that can occur when trying to access a website. The error can be caused by a variety of factors, including inadequate internet connection, incorrect network settings, outdated network drivers, conflicting programs, malware or virus, recent software or system updates, firewall restrictions, and DHCP settings.

In this guide, we have discussed the causes of the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error and provided step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting and resolving the issue. We have discussed basic troubleshooting steps such as verifying internet connection, restarting your router, clearing browser cache and cookies, disabling VPN and proxy, and flushing DNS and resetting IP address. We have also discussed advanced troubleshooting steps such as updating network drivers, resetting network settings, checking for conflicting programs, checking for malware or virus, checking for any recent software or system updates, disabling firewall temporarily and checking DHCP settings. We also provided solutions specific to various devices like Windows, Mac, Android, iOS.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error and regain access to the website you were trying to reach. Additionally, to prevent future occurrences of this error, it’s important to keep your device and network drivers updated, regularly check for malware and viruses, and ensure that your network settings are correct.

In case you continue experiencing the error, you may seek further assistance from your internet service provider or network administrator.