How to fix
Google Chrome error ERR_ADDRESS_INVALID
on Windows

So, sometimes, I get an ERR_ADDRESS_INVALID message in Google Chrome. I don't know what causes it, and it happens on random websites or when I try to check my Google account, for example. How can I fix this?

ERR_ADDRESS_INVALID is one of the common errors that keeps users from accessing websites and is generally displayed with a "This site can't be reached" message. This error comes into effect when the browser isn't able to resolve a valid IP address, or the entered URL is incorrect. There can be several conditions that may cause this error to occur: it might be browser-specific, or sometimes there are problems with network configurations or interference from third-party software.

ERR_ADDRESS_INVALID error is usually caused by corrupted browser data. In case the browser cache or cookies are corrupted or outdated, they will prevent Chrome from correctly loading websites and result in an invalid address error. The first thing done to troubleshoot the issue usually involves clearing browser cache and cookies.

Another culprit for the ERR_ADDRESS_INVALID error could be related to network settings. If the DNS or IP settings in the computer are wrong or out of date, Chrome will fail to locate the website; hence, this error. Sometimes, a reset of the network configurations or a check in the hosts file for any wrong entries will resolve the issue, since the wrong mapping of the IP address to the domain name can disrupt normal browsing.

Third-party applications can also disturb Chrome's connection to websites, and among them are VPNs or antivirus. Particularly, VPNs may change some network settings, making the browser connect through invalid addresses. You can try temporarily disabling these programs to see whether they are interfering with your browser.

Sometimes, the problem may be browser extensions. There are several of them, like ad blockers or security tools that block some websites or redirect the requested page to an error. Therefore, it might be a good idea to check with your browser in incognito mode or disable the extensions altogether to see if they are causing error ERR_ADDRESS_INVALID.

For persistent or system-wide problems, the root could be some conflict in the system or malware. If any of the above fixes do not work, then a third-party PC repair tool like [d1] will automatically detect and fix deeper system problems that interfere with the functioning of Chrome.

Fix 1. Check the URL for errors

A common reason for the ERR_ADDRESS_INVALID error involves entering the wrong URL. Check if the website address is written right and contains no extra characters or spaces.

• Re-enter the website URL carefully.
• Ensure there are no additional symbols or unnecessary spaces.

Fix 2. Clear browser cache and cookies

Old or broken cache and cookies might stop Chrome from loading websites correctly, leading to the error.

• Click on Menu and select Settings.
• Under Privacy and security, pick Clear browsing data.
• Select All time under the time range.
• Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
• Click Clear data.

Fix 3. Disable or uninstall browser extensions

‍Some browser add-ons, especially ad blockers or VPNs, sometimes mess with website connections. Turning off these add-ons might show if they are causing the issue.

• Open Settings and go to More tools.
• Select Extensions.
• Here, you will find the list of the installed extensions.
• You can either delete them by pressing Remove or toggling the switch to disable them.

Fix 4. Disable third-party antivirus or firewall software

Security tools like antivirus programs or firewalls sometimes stop access to websites. This leads to the "invalid address" error. Turning off these tools for a short time could reveal if they are behind the issue.

• Open your antivirus or firewall software.
• Temporarily disable real-time protection or the firewall.
• Try loading the website again.

Fix 5. Check proxy server settings

If your system uses a proxy server, it might cause trouble with loading some websites and show an error. Look at these settings and change them to fix the issue.

• Type inetcpl.cpl in Windows search and press Enter.
• Go to the Connections tab and click on LAN settings.
• Ensure the option for using a proxy server is unchecked.

Fix 6. Reset browser settings

Resetting Chrome to default settings fixes errors from wrong browser options. Personal data, including bookmarks and passwords, will remain.

• Click on Menu and go to Settings.
• On the left side, click Reset settings.
• Under Reset settings, click Restore settings to their original defaults.
• Confirm by clicking Reset settings.

Fix 7. Check the hosts file for incorrect entries

The hosts file on your computer maps domain names to IP addresses. Incorrect or malicious entries in this file can cause connection problems.

• Press Win + E on your keyboard to open File Explorer.
• Navigate to the following location:
  C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
• Open the hosts file located in it.
• Check for any unfamiliar entries, especially IP addresses not related to the sites you’re trying to access.
• Remove suspicious entries and save the file.

Fix 8. Reinstall Chrome

If none of the solutions help, you can try reinstalling the browser.

• Close Chrome.
• Type Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter.
• Click on Uninstall a program under Programs.
• Find Google Chrome in the list of installed programs, click on it, and then click Uninstall.
• Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation
• Restart your computer and reinstall Chrome.