How to fix the 'Network Change was Detected' error in Chrome

Solution 1: Shut down and reopen Chrome

The most simple solution to the 'Network Change was Detected' error is to shut down the Chrome browser and then relaunch it. You should try this method first before moving on to more complicated solutions that involve changing device and browser settings.

Solution 2: Clear browsing history

If shutting down Chrome and relaunching it doesn't solve the problem, you can try clearing your browsing history, which can help solve various problems.

1. Click on the three dots on the top right of the browser and then click on 'History'.

2. When you bring your cursor to the 'History' option, a new menu will appear. Click on 'History' again.

3. On the page that opens, click on 'Clear browsing data' on the left.

4. This will open a new tab where you can select what data to remove and for what period. For best results, select all three options by clicking on the checkboxes next to them.

5. Next, click on the dropdown menu at the top and click on 'All Time', before clicking on the 'Delete data' button.

Solution 3: Check your proxy settings

If you're using a proxy server when connecting to the internet, it can also cause problems sometimes and result in the 'Network Change was Detected' error. You can check your proxy settings and change them to get rid of the problem.

1. Open the Settings app and type 'proxy' in the search box at the top left. Click on the 'Change proxy settings' option when it appears.

2. When the proxy settings page opens, you can disable your proxy server if you set it up.

Solution 4: Update device software

Updating your computer's software can not only help you fix the 'Network changed' error on Chrome but also help resolve other issues. You can go to the device Settings page and check for updates from there. Additionally, you can check for updates to device drivers and installed programs individually. If you perform a system update, you may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Once updates are installed, try using Chrome again.

Solution 5: Restart your router

Another simple but effective solution is restarting your router, which can help solve a lot of network-related issues. Turn your router off and wait for around one minute before turning it back on again. Alternatively, remove the power cord from the router and wait for a minute before plugging it back in.

Solution 6: Turn off Chrome extensions and VPN

Browser extensions can sometimes cause problems, preventing browsers like Chrome from connecting to the internet properly. You can turn them off and then check whether the 'Network Change Detected' error appears again.

1. In Chrome, click on the Extensions button on the right of the address bar at the top and then on 'Manage Extensions'.

2. On the extensions page, click on the toggle next to the extension you want to turn off to disable it.

3. You can try disabling the extensions one by one and then checking whether the error still appears. If you use VPNs while browsing, you can also turn them off from here.

Solution 7: Flush DNS settings and reset the network configuration

Clearing or flushing your DNS settings can help solve network-related problems on your device and get your browser working properly.

1. On Windows, open the Start menu, type cmd, and click on 'Run as administrator'.

2. When the command prompt window appears, type ipconfig /flushdns and press the 'Enter' key.

3. Follow this command with NBTSTAT –R and press Enter again.

4. Next, type NETSH INT IP RESET and press the 'Enter' key.

5. Finally, type NETSH WINSOCK RESET and press Enter.

On macOS

1. On macOS, launch Spotlight using the Cmd + Space shortcut and then type terminal.
2. When the terminal appears, type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache;sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and enter your Administrator password.

Solution 8: Remove unneeded connections

To minimize problems occurring from multiple network connections, you should remove the ones you don't need. While the steps to do so can vary between different devices, the method is broadly the same.

1. On Windows, open the Settings page and click on the 'Network and Internet' option.

2. On the Network and Internet page, click on 'Wi-Fi' or 'Ethernet' depending on how you are connected to the internet.

3. On the next page, click on 'Manage known networks'.

4. Now you will see all the networks you've connected to using your PC. Simply click on the 'Forget' button on the right of the networks you wish to remove.

Solution 9: Update Google Chrome

Any bugs and issues present in Chrome that may be responsible for the 'Network Changed' error may be fixed by updating the browser.

1. Click on the three dots on the top right of the browser, move down to the 'Help' option, and then click on 'About Google Chrome'.

2. Chrome will automatically check for updates and if any update is available, it will install it. Otherwise, it will let you know that the browser is up to date.

Solution 10: Reset Chrome settings

If all else fails, you may need to reset your Chrome settings to the default ones.

1. Open the Chrome Settings page and click on 'Reset Settings' on the left.

2. Then click on 'Restore settings to their original defaults'. A pop-up will appear allowing you to confirm your decision.

Things to know

• Uninstalling and reinstalling Chrome is another possible solution you can try if nothing else works.
• If you're using the beta version of the Chrome browser, consider leaving the beta program and then retrying what you were trying to do.
• Sometimes your antivirus can create problems with your network and prevent Chrome from connecting to the internet. Try disabling it and reconnecting to the internet.
• In case you are unable to solve the problem, switch to a different browser like Firefox.