Buzz
9 likely reasons behind connection errors—and how to fix them fast
Seeing ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED or a "Your connection was interrupted" alert while browsing on Chrome, Edge, or another Chromium browser? This error signals a detected network change and is often temporary—a quick refresh may resolve it. But if it keeps happening, there may be deeper issues with your connection or system settings. This guide explains the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error, outlines the root causes, and provides expert troubleshooting tips from Computer and Tech Specialist Luigi Oppido.
Fixing ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED on Windows
The error usually occurs when your IP address, MAC address, or DNS changes mid-load. To fix it: restart your router, switch to another network, disable your VPN and MAC randomization, flush DNS and browser caches, close background apps, and unplug unnecessary devices.
Instructions
What ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED Really Means
ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED shows your browser detected an IP address change. It’s typically paired with messages like "Unable to access the network" or "Your connection was interrupted," along with "A network change was detected." This usually pops up while loading websites in Chrome, Edge, Brave, or other Chromium browsers on Windows or Mac. Hitting the Refresh button often resolves it, but if it keeps showing up, it can become frustrating.
Causes & Fixes for ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED
A minor system hiccup. In most cases, ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED is a short-lived issue and won’t stick around.
- The Fix: Refresh the webpage. If that clears the error, you're all set. If not, reboot your computer. At home or with router access? Expert Luigi Oppido recommends power cycling the router: unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait 5 minutes. Often, that's all it takes.
Your VPN or proxy might be triggering the issue. VPNs or proxies can reconnect or shift IPs during browsing, causing this error.
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The Fix: Turn off your VPN or proxy. If the issue disappears with a direct connection, that’s your culprit.
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Turn off VPN on Windows:
- Open Windows Settings and go to Network & Internet.
- Select VPN.
- Choose your VPN and hit Disconnect.
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Turn off VPN on Mac:
- Click the Apple menu and go to System Settings.
- Tap VPN.
- Select your VPN and press Disconnect.
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Turn off proxy on Windows:
- Go to Control Panel.
- Choose Small icons from the top-right menu.
- Select Internet Options.
- Click Connections > LAN settings.
- Uncheck everything and click OK.
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Turn off proxy on Mac:
- Click the Apple menu and head to System Settings.
- Select Network.
- Pick your network service and go to Proxies.
- Toggle everything Off, then click OK.
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Turn off VPN on Windows:
Your device briefly lost and regained its internet connection. If your computer or Wi-Fi cuts out for a moment while browsing, you might run into the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error when reloading a site.
- The Fix: Try switching to another network to see if the issue clears. You can also restart your modem and router to resolve temporary internet disruptions.
You switched networks mid-browsing. Switching from mobile data to Wi-Fi, hopping between wireless networks, or moving between ethernet and wireless can change your IP or DNS settings, prompting ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED.
- The Fix: A quick refresh usually does the trick. If not, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. To avoid repeated interruptions, you might want to disable "Connect automatically" on certain Wi-Fi networks.
Your MAC address has been randomized. Some Windows and Mac devices have features that randomize your MAC address for privacy. If this changes mid-session, the browser may flag it as a network change.
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The Fix: Turn off MAC address randomization.
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On Windows:
- Go to Start > Settings.
- Select Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
- Click Manage known networks, choose your network, and turn "Random hardware address" to Off.
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On Mac:
- Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
- Go to Wi-Fi, click the “i” next to your network, and set "Private Wi-Fi address" to Off.
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On Windows:
It’s a DNS-related issue. ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED can show up if your DNS cache is corrupted or if your DNS server was switched unexpectedly by your ISP or router.
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The Fix: Clear your DNS cache. Restarting your computer is the simplest method, but here’s how to do it manually:
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On Windows:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
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On Mac:
- Open Terminal.
- Run sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Return.
- Enter your admin password when asked.
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On Windows:
Cached files or cookies could be the culprit. A corrupted cookie or outdated cache from a website can trigger ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED when trying to access the site.
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The Fix: Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. In Chrome and similar browsers:
- Press Ctrl + H (PC) or Cmd + H (Mac).
- Click Delete browsing data.
- Select "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files." Deselect anything else.
- Choose All time and hit Delete data.
Some apps on your Mac or PC might be disrupting your internet connection. Network-heavy programs—like macOS’s Home app, Xcode, antivirus tools, or third-party privacy apps—can cause ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED errors to appear.
- The Fix: Close background applications. Try disabling antivirus software temporarily, shutting down the Home app on a Mac, or quitting any other network-using programs. If the error disappears, you’ve found the culprit.
PRO TIP
Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Computer & Tech Specialist
Run a malware scan. Hidden malware can interfere with your internet access, even blocking it entirely in some cases.
Connected devices might be disrupting your internet. Some Mac and Windows users report that gadgets connected to their computers or network—like iPhones, iPads, switches, or Wi-Fi extenders—can sometimes trigger ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED.
- The Fix: Unplug any devices that aren't essential from your network or computer. If you're using a mesh Wi-Fi system, try turning off the mesh feature or settings like "Client Steering" and "Thread." Using a network switch? Try bypassing it and plugging directly into your modem or router to test the connection.
