What to do when your browser hits you with a ‘this site can’t be reached’ error? Look at our top fixes for this annoying error.
So you’re having a great time on Netflix binge-watching the latest season of the popular series, Russian Doll. It’s been a long a week at work and all you want to do is enjoy your show with a can of beer and some spaghetti.
You’ve just finished watching the first episode and are now heading for the next one. This is definitely going to be one of those immersive watch sessions! Everything is going absolutely great until something unexpected happens.
All of sudden, your browser refuses to load the next episode and instead, slaps you with a white page. It tells you something that you totally do not want to deal with right now. That’s right, we’re talking about the infamous ‘site can’t be reached’ error.
All you wanted was to enjoy some much needed ‘me-time’. But instead, you’re scratching your head trying to figure out what all this means.
If this has ever happened to you while browsing, then you know how annoying it can get. Luckily for you, this article aims to fix this infamous problem forever. Read ahead to learn more.
What is the reason for ‘this site cant be reached’ error
Internet behaviour can sometimes be extremely unpredictable and chaotic. An error-free browsing experience is quite likely for most people but is not guaranteed.
Every once in a while, browsers do face technical issues related to the software, the server, or even both. During such instances, the overall functionality of your browser may very well go for a toss.
Most common internet errors are easy to understand and diagnose because there is a clear indication of what went wrong. This is rightly so in the case of the infamous Error 404 code, which pops up when the website you’re trying to reach is unavailable.
In this case, we can clearly understand the reasoning behind the error. It is simply because the website is no longer functional, or a mistake in the entered URL.
But what about when we come across the ‘this site can’t be reached’, error? Well, in this case, the reason could be one of many situations.
To put it simply, the ‘site can’t be reached’, error happens due to a plethora of reasons. It could happen because your connection time runs out, or maybe because the site is unresponsive, or due to server problems. There is no universal reason that initiates this error message.
So in other words, this error message will pop up for many reasons totally different from one another. That makes it difficult to come up with one single diagnosis to fix the error. Nevertheless, we do have several solutions up our sleeves.
How to fix the ‘site can’t be reached’, error?
You’ll be glad to know that this is quite a common issue that happens to thousands of people every day. So at least you’ll find some solace in the fact that you aren’t alone in this.
The most common question people ask about this error is whether or not they need a technician to fix it. The answer is no, you do NOT need the help of a technician. In fact, you don’t need any I.T skill or knowledge to diagnose common internet errors like this.
Check your internet connection
One of the most common reasons for this error is a faulty internet connection. We aren’t saying that your internet connection is problematic or broken as a whole. We’re talking about minor issues and one time errors that might occur in some particular circumstances.
The first thing to do when encountering an error where the website is not loading is to restart your internet connection. What you have to do is disconnect your internet cable for a minute or two and put it back again.
This should give enough time for the connection to refresh and fix whatever minor issue is plaguing the line.
If the problem persists, we recommend changing your DNS servers from the control panel. Simply head over to the network sharing options and check the properties. Make sure that the DNS is the same as the original one. Alternatively, you could generate a new DNS server automatically.
Make sure your browser’s cache files are cleared
One of the most common issues that happen during browsing is an overload of cache files. These are basically small data and information which are stored from commonly visited sites over time.
Your browser will store such cache files to boost the speed. It does this by storing primary information in the browser database.
Why does it do this? Well, doing so makes sure that the browser doesn’t have to load the entire details when visiting a page for the second time.
For example, you might have noticed that on some occasions, you don’t necessarily have to type in the full URL in the address bar. This is because your browser has already stored the information in the cache files.
While this is primarily done for the sake of convenience, it can lead to certain inconveniences in the long run. Especially if the cache files are taking up too much data. Clearing such cache files from your browser’s memory will refresh the connection to the website and fix the issue.
Check if your Antivirus is acting up
Antivirus softwares help keep your computer from viruses and harmful elements from nefarious websites. Although this works, for the most part, there can be instances where the Antivirus blocks a certain website.
This doesn’t mean that the website is dangerous, it just means that the software is unable to identify or verify the website. So no need to worry there.
Simply checking your Antivirus list of blocked pages should uncover the root of the issue. If indeed the particular website has somehow ended up in the blocked list, you can simply remove it from there.
Doing so will prevent any further blockages, resulting in the smooth functioning of the website.
