You open Chrome.
Try to load a site.
And this pops up:
ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED
No drama. No warning.
Just a wall between you and the internet.
It’s not your Wi-Fi.
It’s not the website being down.
It’s your browser trying to go through a proxy — and failing.
The good news?
This is usually not a serious problem.
It just feels like one.
Let’s fix it — fast, safe, and without reinstalling anything.
What Does This Error Even Mean?
Think of it like this:
You’re mailing a letter.
But instead of sending it directly, you hand it to a courier — the proxy.
If the courier isn’t working?
Your letter never leaves.
That’s what ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED means:
Chrome tried to send your request through a proxy — but the connection failed.
Why?
Maybe:
- The proxy is down
- Your settings are wrong
- A browser extension broke it
- Your firewall blocked it
It doesn’t mean you’re hacked.
It doesn’t mean your PC is broken.
It just means:
“Fix the middleman.”
Common Causes — And How to Spot Them
| Wrong proxy settings | You set one manually — but forgot to turn it off later |
| A bad or dead proxy | You’re using a paid/free proxy that stopped working |
| Antivirus blocking it | Everything works after turning off your security software |
| Conflicting extensions | Works in Incognito → Fails in regular mode |
| Corrupted browser cache | Clearing data fixes it instantly |
| Network misconfiguration | Other browsers work — Chrome doesn’t |
Most people panic.
But 9 out of 10 times?
It’s something simple.
Quick Fix: Turn Off Proxy Settings (Best First Step)
This solves most cases — especially if you didn’t mean to use a proxy.
✅ On Windows / Mac / Linux
- Open Chrome → Click the three dots → Settings
- Scroll down → System → Open your computer’s proxy settings
- Now you’re in your OS network settings:
- Windows: Network & Internet → Proxy → Turn off manual setup
- Mac: Network → Advanced → Proxies → Uncheck all
- Linux: Network Settings → Proxy → Set to “None”
- Click Save → Restart Chrome
Now try opening Google.
If it loads — you fixed it.
💡 Why this works:
Chrome uses system-wide proxy settings — even if you think you’re not using one.
One switch = instant fix.
Still Not Working? Try These Next
🔁 1. Clear Browser Cache & Cookies
Sometimes, Chrome saves broken proxy rules — and keeps using them.
Do this:
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Del - Choose All time
- Check:
- Browsing history
- Cookies
- Cached images and files
- Click Clear data
Then restart Chrome.
🛑 2. Disable Extensions Temporarily
A “smart” extension can mess everything up.
How to test:
- Type this in Chrome:text1chrome://extensions
- Toggle off all extensions
- Restart Chrome
- Test a website
If it works — turn on extensions one by one to find the culprit.
⚠️ Common offenders:
- Free “VPN” add-ons
- Ad blockers with built-in proxies
- Old proxy tools you forgot about
🌐 3. Flush DNS and Reset Network
Your computer might be stuck with outdated routing info.
On Windows (Run as Admin):
bash
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2
3
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ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
Restart your PC after running these.
On Mac:
bash
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sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Also, restart your router if possible.
On Linux:
bash
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sudo systemd-resolve –flush-caches
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
🛡️ 4. Check Firewall or Antivirus
Some security tools block proxy connections — thinking they’re risky.
Test it:
- Temporarily disable your antivirus
- Try Chrome again
If it works — re-enable the antivirus → Add Chrome to exceptions list.
🔍 Look for options like:
“Allow browser traffic”
“Don’t scan encrypted connections”
“Whitelist apps”
🔧 5. Check If Your Proxy Is Actually Alive
If you are supposed to use a proxy (work, school, etc.), make sure it’s still working.
Check:
- Did your password expire?
- Is the server down?
- Are there maintenance notices from IT?
Ask your team.
Or test it on another device.
Corporate Networks? Here’s What Happens
In offices, schools, or remote setups, proxies are managed by IT.
So even if you turn it off — it might come back after reboot.
Signs you’re on a managed network:
- Message says “Managed by your organization”
- You see a PAC file URL under proxy settings
- You need domain login (
COMPANY\username)
What to do:
- Don’t fight it. Contact IT.
- Ask: “Is the proxy server online?”
- Use their approved tool — not third-party fixes
Trying to bypass corporate rules can get you flagged — or locked out.
When Nothing Works — Last Resorts
🔄 Try a New Chrome Profile
A corrupted profile can cause endless issues.
- Go to
chrome://settings/manageProfile - Click + Add → Create new user
- Log in fresh → Test browsing
If it works — your old profile was broken.
🧼 Reinstall Chrome (Only If Desperate)
Yes — uninstall and reinstall.
But first:
- Export bookmarks
- Save passwords (if not synced)
- Backup important data
Then download fresh Chrome from google.com/chrome
Pro Tips to Avoid This Later
✔️ Use Incognito to test
Before saving anything, check if it works in private mode.
✔️ Avoid random proxy extensions
They change settings silently — and don’t tell you.
✔️ Bookmark chrome://net-internals/#proxy
This hidden Chrome page shows your real proxy status — no guessing.
✔️ Check before updates
After a big Windows update? Always verify proxy settings.
✔️ Switch browsers temporarily
Firefox, Edge, Brave — test them.
If they work? It’s Chrome — not your internet.
Final Thought: It’s Not Broken — It’s Misconfigured
You didn’t break your computer.
You didn’t lose your internet.
You just have a tiny setting turned on — or a corrupt cache — or an overprotective antivirus.
And now you know how to fix it.
Start small.
Turn off the proxy.
Clear the cache.
Disable extensions.
One step at a time.
Because the fastest fix is usually the simplest one.
And once you’ve done it once?
Next time — you’ll solve it before your coffee gets cold.
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