The “This Site Can’t Be Reached” error occurs when a browser can’t connect to a website’s server, often due to DNS, web hosting, or domain name issues. To fix it, users need to clear the DNS cache, check their internet connection, or contact their web hosting provider for server-related problems.

What if you are counting down to an important sale going live on your website in a few hours, and when you open it, you see a message: “This Site Can’t Be Reached”? For an online business, this situation can be a disaster. According to a report, 88% of customers will not return to a website if they had a bad experience.

While it is intuitive to want to fix this error quickly, an incomplete understanding of what it is and why it happens can delay the resolution and cause further panic.

This blog discusses what it is, why it happens, and how to fix the ‘this site can’t be reached’ error in detail. Let’s dive in!

What is the ‘This Site Can’t Be Reached’ Error and What Causes it

Every website needs a web host that stores the website data and files on its online servers. If, for any reason, the browser you are using to open this website cannot connect to those servers, it shows a ‘this site can’t be reached’ error message. When this message appears, the website does not display any data or files stored on those servers.

There can be many reasons why the server is unable to establish this connection and displays this message. Let’s learn about some of the most common ones:

1. Problems with the DNS

The Domain Name System (DNS) is like a phonebook for the Internet. Every website address is mapped to a numerical address in DNS servers.

When you enter an easy-to-remember website address, your browser looks for its corresponding numerical address in the DNS to open the website. Any incorrect mapping or issues with DNS cache or settings can cause the ‘this site can’t be reached’ error.

Also Read – Understanding The Importance Of DNS Filtering For Enhanced Online Security

2. Problem with Web Hosting Server

If your web host’s servers are faulty or facing any other technical problems, your website won’t be able to fetch its data and files from the server. This can also lead to the ‘this site can’t be reached’ error.

3. Problems with Domain Name

Your website’s domain name needs proper configuration in the DNS records. If your domain name provider has not ensured this or guarded your domain name, it can also lead to the ‘this site can’t be reached’ error.

These are some problems at your end that you can resolve to ensure your website doesn’t get an error message. There might also be other problems at the user’s end that might result in this error, which you might not be able to control.

These problems include network connectivity issues, an outdated browser version, a firewall or antivirus, and misconfigured VPN or proxy settings.

Also Read – How to Secure Your Domain Name: Best Practices for Protecting Your Online Identity

Guide on How to Fix ‘This Site Can’t Be Fixed’ Error

Some of the basic troubleshooting steps for how to fix the ‘this site can’t be reached’ error:

  • Check if you have entered the correct domain name to fix this first. Any mistake in the website name won’t let you connect to the servers.
  • Try checking your internet connection and see if it is working properly. Try changing your connection if the current one isn’t working.
  • If your internet is working fine, try opening the website in a different browser.

If these don’t resolve the problem, here’s what you can do to get your website working again:

Delete DNS Cache

A DNS cache is a temporary data storage that stores the numerical addresses of all the previously visited sites on the browser. Any incorrect or outdated data in the DNS cache can lead to the ‘this site can’t be reached’ error. Try deleting the DNS cache with these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + R
  2. Type “cmd” and press enter.
  3. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

Contact Your Web Hosting Partner

If emptying the DNS cache doesn’t work, there might likely be some issues with your website’s servers. In that case, you need to contact your web hosting service provider.

They should know how to fix the ‘this site can’t be reached’ error and get your website up and running again. To avoid similar issues in the future, you should partner with a reliable web hosting proactive service provider that performs regular maintenance on their servers.

Prevent Future Website Breakdowns with Crazy Domains

Besides knowing how to fix the ‘this site can’t be reached’ error, you need to ensure that you have done everything in your power to prevent any such occurrence from your side.

According to a report, businesses lose $4.6 billion annually due to website errors. If you are a small business owner or a startup, you can’t afford to be one of these businesses.

To help you deliver a seamless website experience to your end users, Crazy Domains can be a trusted domain and business hosting partner. With such a competitive landscape, you can ensure a unique and secure online presence by getting your premium domain name with Crazy Domains before someone else claims it!

You can also choose from multiple business hosting plans that suit your needs and experience an edge over your competitors!