"This site can't be reached"

Your browser couldn't get through to the website at all. Either the address is wrong, the site's domain has lapsed or been set up wrongly, the site's server is down, or something on your side (your Wi-Fi, or a VPN app) is in the way.

What you'll see

Chrome and Edge
This site can't be reached, often with a code under it: DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN (the name doesn't lead anywhere), ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT (no answer), ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED (the server said no) or ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED.
Safari
Safari can't find the server, or Safari can't open the page.
Firefox
Hmm. We're having trouble finding that site, or The connection has timed out.

If you're visiting a site

  1. Check the address for typos, especially after the dot (.com or .org).
  2. Try another website. If nothing loads, it's your connection: restart your Wi-Fi, or switch your phone from Wi-Fi to cellular data.
  3. Turn off any VPN (an app that routes your connection through another computer, often for privacy or work) and try again.
  4. Try the site on another device or network. If it loads there, clear your cache on the first one.
  5. Still nothing anywhere? The site itself is down. Try again later, or contact the business another way.

Stuck, and someone's helping you? Send them your details with My setup, or a screenshot and the error messages with PageKiwi for Chrome.

If it's your site

  1. Run Site health on your address. It says whether the site answers and when your domain name runs out.
  2. If the domain has lapsed, renew it with whoever you bought it from today: Keep your domain explains how. Your email stops too.
  3. If the domain is fine but the site doesn't answer, contact your web host: the server may be down, or your domain may point to the wrong place (its "DNS settings").
  4. Changed host or domain settings in the last day or two? Changes can take up to 48 hours to reach everyone.

Tools that help: Site health, Site Watch.