How to fix 'Network Change Was Detected' error in Chrome

1. Turn off and reopen Chrome

The first quick fix on this list is probably the simplest. While this method isn't 100% effective, it can sometimes resolve seemingly complicated browser issues, such as network change notifications. So, before changing your browser or device settings, try closing and reopening the Chrome browser.

2. Delete browsing history

Clearing browsing data is often an unwanted fix for a variety of different problems you might encounter while using Chrome, or any browser in general. So, it's best to start by clearing your browsing data to eliminate any potential problems that may occur.

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3. Check proxy settings

A proxy server acts as a gateway between you and the Internet. They are commonly used for security and privacy reasons, but can cause problems with network connections and therefore browser problems.

To check proxy settings:

1. Click the three vertical dots at the top right of the screen.
2. Then, click the "Settings" tab on the drop-down list, followed by the "Advanced" tab on the left side of the settings window.
3. Next, in the "System" tab , click "Open your computer's proxy settings" .

Alternatively, you can simply go into your device settings and type "proxy" in the search bar, which will give you the proxy settings. Here you can see if you are using a proxy server and disable it if you are.

4. Update device software

While updating all your computer software and drivers can be a chore, they can help you fix the ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED error code on Chrome.

If you're not sure whether your device is due for an update, you can check by going to settings and looking at the "Software Update" section on iOS or the "Update & Security" section on a Windows PC. If you own a brand other than those listed here, a quick Google search will give you the necessary steps to check if your device needs an update.

5. Restart the Wi-Fi router 

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When encountering network-related problems, restarting the router can solve the problem. So, if the browser displays the message "A network change was detected", try turning off the router for a minute and then restarting it.

6. Disable Chrome extensions

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Chrome extensions can sometimes interfere with the browser's performance, and there may be some extensions working on your browser that you didn't even know you had. If the specific network error is discussed here, temporarily disabling Chrome extensions can be a quick and effective fix.

7. Clear DNS settings

This is a slightly more complicated solution but not difficult to implement. Clearing DNS can solve many different network connection errors and only requires a few steps. However, this process will vary depending on the device in use.

1. Windows : Press Win + R and enter CMD. When Command Prompt opens, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter .
2. macOS : Press Command + Space to open Spotlight search, then enter Terminal. Open the Terminal app, then enter sudo dscacheutil -flushcache;sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder , followed by the admin password.
3. Linux : There are many ways to clear DNS on Linux.

8. Update Google Chrome

Like device updates, updating the Chrome app can resolve a myriad of issues, including network errors. This is a very easy process!

9. Delete unwanted network connections

Generally, the only network connection you need is to your router or Wi-Fi hotspot, so having a long list of additional connections in the settings can lead to a variety of different network errors.

You can do this easily by going into your device's settings, clicking the "Network" or "Connections" tab , and deleting any connections you no longer want or need saved to your device. The specific steps required for this will vary depending on the type of operating system the device is using, be it iOS, Windows, or other. But in general, you should be able to find your connection list in the "Network" or "Network and Sharing" section of settings.

You can also perform a network reset in the same network settings if you want to completely delete your saved connections and start from scratch.

10. Reset Chrome settings 

Resetting Chrome settings can be a convenient way to resolve the network change error without wasting too much time.

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While it may sometimes feel like you'll never fix your network error, just a little time and a few efforts will help get your browser back to a working state. So, if you are encountering the "A network change was detected" error on Chrome browser, try some of the quick fixes above. You can be back online immediately.

Lesley Montoya

Update 25 July 2024