ERR_CONNECTION_RESET on Mac: Safari and Browser Troubleshooting

What ERR_CONNECTION_RESET means

A TCP connection reset occurs when one side of a network connection abruptly terminates it by sending a RST (reset) packet. The browser established a connection to the server — or thought it was about to — but the connection was cut before any data could be transferred.

This is different from a timeout (the server never responded) or a DNS error (the domain could not be resolved). A connection reset means the connection started and was then forcibly ended by something in the network path.

Is the error specific to one site?

• Try two or three other websites. If they load normally and only one site fails with this error, the problem is most likely on the server or in the server's network, not on your device.
• If multiple sites fail with the same error, the problem is more likely on your device or local network.
• Try the failing site on a different device on the same network. If it fails there too, the network may be a factor.

Network checks

1. 1

   Disconnect any VPN

   VPNs modify your network path and can cause connection resets, particularly if the VPN server is having problems. Disconnect and retry.

2. 2

   Restart your router

   Power off your router for 30 seconds and power it back on. This clears the router's connection state table, which can contain stale entries.

3. 3

   Try a different network

   Switch to a mobile hotspot. If the error disappears, your regular network or router is a factor.

4. 4

   Check for proxy settings

   In System Settings > Network, check whether a proxy is configured. An incorrectly configured proxy can reset connections. Disable it temporarily to test.

Browser-side checks

1. 1

   Try in a private window

   Open a private/incognito window and try the URL. Extensions are often disabled in private mode.

2. 2

   Disable extensions

   Some browser extensions modify network requests and can cause resets. Disable all extensions and retry.

3. 3

   Clear browser cache

   In Safari, go to History > Clear History. In Chrome, use Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.

4. 4

   Try a different browser

   If the error appears in Safari but not Chrome, or vice versa, a browser-specific setting is involved.

macOS network settings

If the error is broad and persists across browsers and networks, a macOS network setting may have become misconfigured.

• In System Settings > Network, check whether any VPN or proxy configurations exist that you did not set up.
• Try renewing your DHCP lease: in your network connection settings, look for a 'Renew DHCP Lease' button.
• As a more significant step, you can create a new Network Location (via the Network settings location menu) to test with a completely default configuration.