While using Google Chrome to browse the internet, you may encounter some difficulties accessing websites integrated with Google. This lack of access is probably due to ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR. This error stops you from using Google services such as Gmail, YouTube, etc.
However, you can fix this error a few steps. This guide will review what this error is, what causes it, and possible solutions for it.This error happens when there is a problem with the way Chrome uses its Quick UDP Internet Connections QUIC protocol feature. It may be the protocol’s fault, a problem with your internet connection, or browser extension issues.
The error message reads:
“This site can’t be reached. The webpage at https://website.com/ might be temporarily down, or it may have moved permanently to a new web address, ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR.”
Once this message shows up on your screen, you will need to fix it immediately. I have listed possible solutions to help you with this error below. But, let us first of all, look at the causes of the error message ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR.
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What Causes the Error “ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR”
As I mentioned earlier, this error is caused by several reasons, but it mainly occurs when you try to use Google services on Google chrome. It is usually due to a protocol that is known as QUIC. Other reasons that the result in this error include:
Problems with your internet connection (VPN or Proxy)
Issues with a browser extension
Nonetheless, regardless of what caused this error, you would want to fix it once you encounter it. You can clear this error by following the guide in the next section.
How to Fix the Error “ERR_QUICK_PROTOCOL_ERROR”
This error is not difficult to fix. The only thing to do is perform some operations within the Google Chrome browser. These operations will only take you a few minutes to complete. Therefore, you will find a guide on the possible solutions to this error below.
Solution 1 – Disabling the QUIC protocol inside Google Chrome
If you are looking to solve the QUIC protocol error, the first thing you should do is to disable the QUIC protocol inside Google Chrome. This solution may be the only one you need to fix this error. To disable the QUIC protocol, follow the steps described below carefully.
Step 1: Launch your Google Chrome browser and type in the following URL in the URL locator.
Step 2: Hit the Enter button on your keyboard to go to that specific Chrome URL.
chrome://flags
Step 3: When you finish, a panel will appear with a list of Google experiments to enhance Internet Security and User Experience. Now, locate your particular protocol by pressing Ctrl + F simultaneously in Windows or Command + F in Mac.
Step 4: Type QUIC in the search box to go to your destination.
Step 5: The Experimental QUIC protocol will be automatically set to Default. Click on it and choose Disabled.
Step 6: Now, restart the Chrome browser and see if you have fixed your problem.
Disabling the QUIC protocol inside Google Chrome should be enough to fix the error, but you need to move down to the next potential fix below if you are still encountering it.
Solution 2 – Disabling Chrome Extensions
Sometimes, the reason why you are getting this error is probably one of your Chrome extensions. Therefore, fixing it will require that you disable the extension that is causing the error.
But unfortunately, you cannot diagnose the particular extension that is bad. So, in this scenario, you have to disable all your Chrome extensions and re-enable them one after another to find the culprit.
If the ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR message only started to show up after you installed a new extension, you should disable that extension first. To perform this solution, follow the guide below.
Step 1: Enter Chrome://extensions/ in your browser address bar.
Step 2: When you are done, you need to toggle to disable and enable extensions as required.
Step 3: Now, restart the Chrome browser and see if you have fixed your problem.
Disabling Google Chrome extensions should be enough to fix the error, but if you are still encountering it, you need to move down to the next potential fix below.
Solution 3: Checking Proxy Settings for Windows
This is another way you can tackle this error if you are using Windows. You may have problems with your proxy settings that are causing the ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR message. In this scenario, fixing this error will require that you check your proxy settings. Kindly follow the guide below to do this.
Step 1: Go to Settings menu in Windows by pressing the Windows key and then selecting the Settings gear.
Step 2: Now, search for Internet Options and click on the result that comes forth.
Step 3: Inside the Internet Properties window, access the Connections tab and click on LAN settings. Make sure that you uncheck the setting that says Use a proxy server for your LAN.
Step 4: Now, click on, OK. Click on Apply and restart your computer.
Step 5: Restart the Chrome browser and see if you have fixed your problem.
Ensuring that your proxy settings are in order should be enough to fix the error, but if you are still encountering it, you need to move down to the next potential fix below.
How to Fix the Error “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED”
When you go to a website using the Google Chrome browser, you may receive the error message; ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED. This error means that your attempt to connect with the webpage was denied.
When this happens, the first thing to do is to restart the network device that connects you to the internet. It is possible that this will not work, but you should try this when this ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error message appears. Fortunately, restarting the router only takes a few minutes.
To reboot your router:
Step 1: Unplug the router or modem from the power source. Do not just turn it off.
Step 2: Wait for about 15 to 20 seconds before plugging it back into the power source.
Step 3: Wait for the device to turn back on.
If the error message is still showing up, you can try clearing Google Chrome’s browser. This solution is another right way to fix the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error message in Chrome. You can smoothly perform this fix by following the guide below.
Step 1: Click on the three-point dots in the menu bar of the Google Chrome browser. Now, click on “more tools” and choose the option that says “delete browser data.” Alternatively, you can go to the address chrome://settings/clearBrowserData on the Chrome address line.
Step 2: In both cases, you can go directly to the browser cache menu. In the cache menu, you can remove the cache files by clicking on the option that says Delete Data. Please ensure that all the file categories listed and the option that says “total time” are selected.
If these file categories are not selected, Chrome will not empty the entire cache, just and the cache specific files from the last few of hours. If the error message is still showing up, you can try checking firewall settings as follows:
Step 1: Go to the Settings option in Windows by pressing the Windows key and then selecting the Settings gear.
Step 2: Now, search for Internet Options and click on the result that comes forth.
Step 3: Inside the Internet Properties window, access the Connections tab and click on LAN settings. Make sure that you uncheck the setting that says Use a proxy server for your LAN.
Step 4: Now, click on, OK. Click on Apply and restart your computer.
Step 5: Restart the Chrome browser and see if you have fixed your problem.
This should be enough to fix this error. But if it is still showing up, try contacting your provider. You can easily change your DNS servers on your own and therefore replace your internet provider’s standard solution.
But, you cannot influence the packet filtering that is done by your provider. There is a possibility that this packet filtering is blocking the website that you are targeting through the provider’s firewall system.
In this scenario, you will need to try DIY solutions. If DIY solutions failed, you need to contact support immediately. You may be lucky to find out that the page you are trying to access is actually blocked. In this case, you should simply order for it to be unblocked to rectify the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error.
Conclusion
ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR may show up on your screen while you are using the Chrome browser. It is probably due to some issues in your connection, and you can fix it within the Chrome browser.
Most times, disabling the QUIC protocol is the solution you need to fix this error. I hope the answers that I listed above have helped you to fix it on your device.