What is ERR_HTTP2_PROTOCOL_ERROR and How to Fix It

A fast and efficient website is one of the primary requirements for any user browsing the internet. HTTP2 is the latest version of the HTTP protocol that helps websites load much faster by improving how data is sent and received.

However, even the latest version of the HTTP protocol can sometimes run into issues, leading to common errors.

One such problem is the ERR_HTTP2_PROTOCOL_ERROR, which can disrupt the smooth functioning of your website, making it inaccessible to users. The error needs to be resolved quickly to ensure the uninterrupted and reliable functioning of the website you are trying to access.

In this post, we’ll explore the details of HTTP/2, explain what causes the ERR_HTTP2_PROTOCOL_ERROR, and outline simple troubleshooting steps to fix the error on your web browser and devices.

What Is ERR_HTTP2_PROTOCOL_ERROR?

ERR_HTTP2_PROTOCOL_ERROR is a website error message that appears in web browsers whenever there is an issue with the HTTP/2 protocol during the communication between the browser and the server.

The HTTP/2 here is nothing but an advanced version of the HTTP protocol, which is created simply to enhance the performance of web interactions by enabling several requests and responses to be sent simultaneously over a single connection.

When a user tries to access a website, the browser and the website hosting server need to communicate with each other using a specific set of rules called HTTP/2. HTTP/2 is like an advanced and improved set of rules that helps the systems and websites talk faster and more efficiently.

However, there are times when your browser or the server could break these rules. During such instances, they can’t understand each other correctly, and the connection is interrupted with an ERR_HTTP2_PROTOCOL_ERROR message.

Main Causes of ERR_HTTP2_PROTOCOL_ERROR

In general, the err_http2_protocol_error occurs due to issues with the network, browser, or conflicts with other third-party software. Typically, this happens when HTTP/2 is either outdated or not supported at all.

To begin troubleshooting,  it is important to identify the root causes of the ERR_HTTP2_PROTOCOL_ERROR first. Here are some of the key causes of this error-

1. Outdated or Old Software

One of the main reasons you may face this error is old or outdated software on your device. If you’re using outdated versions of your web server, operating system, or web browser, they may not support the HTTP/2 protocol, leading to ERR_HTTP2_PROTOCOL_ERROR.

2. Network Issues

At times, network issues, such as high latency or packet loss, can also lead to the Err_HTTP2_Protocol_Error to occur.

3. Bad Browser Cache

The browser’s cache on any website plays a critical role in increasing the loading times of a website by storing data from websites that have been visited earlier by the users. However, if this cached data becomes bad or gets corrupt, it can lead to several problems, and the server may not be able to build a connection, leading to an Err_HTTP2_Protocol_Error error.

4. Mismatched Browser Extensions

The main use of browser extensions is to enhance the overall browsing experience of users by adding several additional functionalities. However, they can still disturb the functioning of how websites load and interact with the main browser. There are browser extensions that can simply block the communication that occurs between the device and the website’s server, thus preventing the website from functioning properly, leading to ERR_HTTP2_PROTOCOL_ERROR.

5. Server Configuration Issues

Web servers play an important role in how the internet works, thus making the data available to users as per the browser requests. To facilitate this, it is critical to have accurate configuration for HTTP/2,  which require a completely secure environment to operate, making SSL/TLS a necessity. Any kind of misconfiguration in this arrangement can disturb the functioning of the server and browser, causing the ERR_HTTP2_PROTOCOL_ERROR.

Ways to Fix the Error ERR_HTTP2_PROTOCOL_ERROR

Here are some of the simple ways to fix the error-

1. Update Your Browser

In most cases, outdated browsers might struggle with the latest HTTP/2 standards. It is therefore recommended to check for the latest updates in your browser’s settings and go ahead with the same. (e.g., Chrome: chrome://settings/help).

2. Refresh the Webpage

One of the other quick fixes for ERR_HTTP2_PROTOCOL_ERROR in Chrome is to simply refresh the webpage by clicking the Refresh button available at the top-left corner. In most cases, you will be able to see the webpage properly after that. Alternatively, you can also try to restart the browser to fix this error

3. Disable or Uninstall Browser Extensions

When using extensions, there are chances of some extensions interfering with HTTP/2. To fix this, it is best to temporarily disable or uninstall browser extensions, and the error might not show up.

4. Clear your Browser Data

In a few cases, the ERR_HTTP2_PROTOCOL_ERROR is most possibly caused by the corrupted files stored as browsing data in Google Chrome. To get rid of the error, you can simply clear your browser data completely.

Conclusion

In summary, the err_http2_protocol_error simply means that there is a problem with the HTTP/2 protocol during the client and server communication. In this post, we have discussed here the main causes and the key steps to help resolve the err_http2_protocol_error.

However, if none of the above-mentioned methods helps you fix the ERR_HTTP2_PROTOCOL_ERROR error on your website, it is recommended to contact your hosting provider’s customer support team for further assistance.

Crazy Domain is a leading hosting solution provider that offers excellent domain and hosting packages for your website. With us, you can take advantage of a range of affordable options available and kickstart your online journey without any errors.

Contact us to know more about CrazyDomain.