Since Google Chrome holds the highest Browser Market share, It means the majority of the users generally have to face the “err_socket_not_connected” error.
It is one of the most common Chrome Errors you will encounter and even Vague. It is because it can trigger due to various reasons, depending upon a particular cause or situation.
But it should not be misunderstood that, the “err_socket_not_connected” is not a Google Chrome-specific error. Even Internet Explorer users have also reported the same.
Also, there are chances that you might find different variations of this error. This may vary depending upon a specific website or the error can be common to all the websites.
Whatever the scenario is, In this post we shall discuss this error in detail. Trying to answer all your queries such as What does the “err_socket_not_connected” error mean? What causes it and How you can fix it? So stay tuned and keep reading this post till the end.
What does the err_socket_not_connected mean?
The err_socket_not_connected means there is a problem with establishing a socket connection between the browser and the server for a particular webpage or resource.
If any of you don’t know what exactly sockets are, these are like communication endpoints that allow data to be sent and received over a network.
While considering the err_socket_not_connected error message, It indicates that the browser attempted to establish a socket connection to a server, but the connection could not be established or was not successful for some reason.
What causes the err_socket_not_connected error?
Generally, the primary reason for triggering err_socket_not_connected is related to the sockets on your computer, but other reasons can cause this error. Let us check them out.
Network Issues: If you have a poor, unstable, or slow internet connection, it can also prevent the browser from establishing a socket connection.
Browser issues: Browsers are designed to store website files in the cache memory to enhance user experience. But this cache memory can get corrupted over time. Result in triggering errors.
Corrupted socket pools in your browser: Socket pools are like the combination of multiple pools whose main task is to manage multiple requests simultaneously. But if they fail to work, it will result in an err_socket_not_connected error.
Server Issues: Sometimes the server you trying to connect may be temporarily down due to maintenance, overloaded by requests, or experiencing high traffic can result in errors.
Java software issues: An outdated or Corrupted Java Software present in your computer or device can also prevent sockets from connecting.
Firewall or Antivirus Software: Firewalls or Anti-Virus programs on your device might be blocking the sockets from connecting.
DNS issues: The DNS or Domain Name Server works as a translator that translates domain names into their respective IP addresses. But if the DNS doesn’t work due to some reason, it will prevent sockets from connecting.
Browser Extensions: Poorly coded Extensions or incompatible Browser extensions can also interfere with the socket connection.
Before directly moving to troubleshooting the err_socket_not_connected error. First thing you should try the basic and most common troubleshooting method. Including checking your internet activity status and making sure you are using an open internet connection. (Without any proxies used and the connection should be private)
These methods seem easy for you, but sometimes they can be very help
The First method you should need to follow, is to check your Internet Connection. Make sure that the err_socket_not_connected error has not occurred due to network-related issues.
Sometimes, if there is a glitch or instability in your internet connection, it can lead to such err_socket_not_connected errors.
You can try to access other websites and see if the issue is only specific to a website or happens for all the websites.
Make sure your device is properly connected to the internet network whether it is wired or wireless. Check your wifi router, or internet modem shows internet active status or not
2. Reboot your Internet modem and PC
One of the very basic yet effective methods for any type of network error is simply to reboot your internet modem or PC for some time. The method is quite basic, all you need to do is turn off your internet modem > remove the plug > wait for 10-15 seconds, and replug.
3. Flush Socket pools in chrome (Err_socket_not_connected chrome fix)
No matter which operating systems you use, including Windows, macOS, or Linux. if you use Google Chrome as your default web browser. you have the option to use the feature chrome://net-internals/#sockets to flush socket pools instantly.
This is one of the most effective methods to fix the ‘err_socket_not_connected’ error on most occasions.
All you have to do is,
Step 1: Open your Chrome Browser
Step 2: Go to the link chrome://net-internals/#sockets to flush the socket pools.
Flush Socket pools in Chrome
You have successfully been able to flush the DNS cache in Chrome. The above method also works on various platforms and devices such as Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iPhone or iPad.
4. Check Java Software (Err_socket_not_connected Windows 10 fix)
Another reason that might be triggering the err_socket_not_connected error is outdated or incompatible Java on your computer. However, it can be easily fixed by simply installing the latest version of Java available.
To do this follow these steps given below:
Step 1: If you are a Windows 10 user, all you need to do is Press the “Windows+R” key simultaneously. A run dialogue box will open, in which you have to type “appwiz.cpl” and hit enter.
Step 2: It will open all control panel items, in which you have to locate and select “Java (32-bit)“.
Step 3: Now in the Java window, select the “Java” tab from the top of the window > click on the “View” button.
Step 4: Now click on the “Add” button as shown in the picture below and navigate to the directory where all your Java installs are available.
Step 5: After that click on the save changes button and close all windows. Restart your PC and check if the err_socket_not_connected error persists.
Since the DNS servers are responsible for translating the domain names to their corresponding IP addresses. But if anything goes wrong during the process or the DNS server is temporarily down. It can trigger error messages like err_socket_not_connected error.
To check if this is the issue, try changing DNS servers to more reliable ones, i.e. Google.
For Windows 10 or 11 users, you need to go to your Windows icon located at the bottom corner left-hand side of your screen and click on it.
Type “Network connections” in the search bar as shown in the picture below and select the View network connections application as shown below:
Windows Network Connections
When you click on View Network connections, you will be directed to the Network Connections page, where you can see all the available connections you have. The active/current internet connection you are using will be marked as green whereas the connections not in use will be marked as red cross as shown in the picture below.
Network Connections not in use
On the View Network connections page, choose the connection you are currently using or active and right-click on it to reveal options. Select properties.
Network Connection Properties
When you click on the properties, a new window will open, in which you have to select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) followed by the properties option.
Multiple Networks in Windows
In the new popup window i.e. Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties, if “Obtain DNS server address automatically is selected. You need to choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 as the servers. Click on the OK button and check.
However, if you have already specified your DNS servers, this time change the settings to automatic and click on the “OK” button >check.
DNS Server
Now, if the error is triggered due to your DNS issue, it should fix the err_socket_not_connected error.
6. Deactivate Chrome Browser Extensions
No doubt, Browser Extensions help increase the functionality or features of the browser. But if these extensions are poorly coded or have some bugs present in them it can prevent you from accessing your favorite website.
To figure out if this causing the issue, you have to deactivate all of them temporarily.
To view all the installed Chrome extensions, Type “chrome://extensions/” in the URL bar.
Disable Chrome Extensions
After that, disable all active Chrome extensions and check whether the error has been resolved or not. If it has been resolved, it means that an installed extension caused the error.
To point out the culprit extension, enable one plugin at a time and try to access the website each time.
7. Stop any running VPN, Antivirus programs, or Firewalls.
VPN services are one of the most helpful tools that allow you to surf the internet without revealing your identity. You can easily access any of the website content that is protected for a particular geographical region while protecting your privacy simultaneously.
But apart from their benefits, there are some downsides of it you have to also suffer. If you are using a Free VPN service and it is not reputed, they often get blacklisted by various websites.
Therefore, if you are using any of the VPN services, just turn them off temporarily and try to access the website again.
On the other hand, if you are running any Antivirus program or firewall Turned on, they can also conflict with your network and trigger errors.
To deactivate your Firewalls in Windows Devices.
Step 1: First, you need to open your computer’s control panel. To do this, click on the “start” menu on your desktop and type in “control” in the search field.
Step 2: Next, select “System and Security” from the control panel options. This will take you to a new page.
Step 3: On the new page, you’ll see an option for “Windows Defender Firewall.” Click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall.”
Windows System and Security
Step 4: In the next window, you’ll see a list of apps and features that are allowed to communicate through your firewall. To change these settings, click on “Change settings.”
Windows Defender Allowed Apps
Step 5: If you don’t see your DNS client on the list, you can add it by clicking on the plus (+) icon.
Step 6: To temporarily disable your firewall, uncheck the box next to “Windows Defender Firewall” and click on “OK” to save your changes.
Step 7: Alternatively, you can adjust your firewall settings by finding the DNS client or any other application you want to configure and checking or unchecking the boxes next to the desired settings.
Step 8: Once you’re done adjusting your settings, click on “OK” to save your changes.
Note: It’s important to disable your firewall temporarily if you need to troubleshoot a connectivity issue. Leaving your computer without a firewall can expose it to potential security threats.
For macOS
Click on the Apple search bar and type “Firewall”.
A firewall interface will open where you have to select the “Firewall” tab.
If the firewall is turned on, you’ll see a message that says “Firewall is on.” Toggle to Turn it Off.
Disabling Firewalls in MacOS
8. Fresh Install Chrome Browser
If none of the above-mentioned methods work for you. The best thing you can do is to reinstall Chrome Browser just like new. But before that, you can try to clear your browser cache and data, to see if this fixes the issue.
If doesn’t fix, the only thing left for you is to reinstall the Chrome browser like a fresh start. To do this, first, you have to completely uninstall/remove Chrome files from your system.
Step 1: Go to your Windows PC and Press the “Windows +R” keys simultaneously. Now type “appwiz.cpl” in the run command box, followed by hitting enter.
Step 2: Now when an application manager window opens, navigate to Google Chrome > right-click for options> select “uninstall”.
Step 3: After successfully uninstalling Chrome completely from your browser, Go to Chrome’s official website, and download fresh software from that particular location.
Now run the program to execute and try to access the website again.
However there are more methods you can follow, that are panacea for all network or browser issues, please check them out in the following blogs:
The ‘err_socket_not_connected’ error can happen due to a variety of reasons not just one. Hence, the troubleshooting methods can vary depending on the root cause. In this blog, we have gathered all the possible reasons and their solutions in a very comprehensive way. Just try them out, and it will definitely fix the ‘err_socket_not_connected’ error.
If you come up with more potential methods or would like to add your valuable suggestions, please do let us know in the comment section below:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix err_socket_not_connected?
You can fix the err_socket_not_connected error by following these methods: 1. Check your Internet connection 2. Reboot your Internet modem and PC 3. Flush Socket pools in chrome (Err_socket_not_connected chrome fix) 4. Check Java Software (Err_socket_not_connected Windows 10 fix) 5. Change DNS servers 6. Deactivate Chrome Browser Extensions 7. Stop any running VPN, Antivirus programs, or Firewalls. 8. Fresh Install Chrome Browser
What is err_socket_not_connected?
The err_socket_not_connected means there is a problem with establishing a socket connection between the browser and the server for a particular webpage or resource.
Rahul Kumar is a web enthusiast, and content strategist specializing in WordPress & web hosting. With years of experience and a commitment to staying up-to-date with industry trends, he creates effective online strategies that drive traffic, boosts engagement, and increase conversions. Rahul’s attention to detail and ability to craft compelling content makes him a valuable asset to any brand looking to improve its online presence.
