As a frequent user of Google Chrome, you may have encountered various error messages while browsing the web. One such error that can be quite frustrating is the ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT error. This error occurs when the browser is prevented from accessing a specific website due to various reasons. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the causes of the ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT error and provide troubleshooting methods to help you resolve it.
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Understanding the causes of ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT error
The ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT error can occur due to several reasons. One common cause is the presence of ad-blockers or browser extensions that block certain content on websites. These extensions are designed to enhance your browsing experience by blocking intrusive ads and pop-ups. However, they can sometimes block legitimate content, resulting in the aforementioned error.
Another possible cause of this error is outdated or incompatible versions of Google Chrome. Over time, the browser may encounter compatibility issues with certain websites or scripts, leading to the ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT error. Additionally, antivirus or firewall settings can also interfere with the browser’s ability to access certain websites, triggering this error.
Common scenarios when ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT occurs
The error can occur in various scenarios. One common scenario is when you try to access a website that uses aggressive advertising or tracking methods. Ad-blockers and browser extensions may perceive these practices as intrusive and block the content, triggering the error.
Another scenario is when you visit a website that has been flagged as potentially harmful or malicious by your antivirus or firewall. These security measures aim to protect your computer from potential threats, but sometimes they can falsely identify harmless websites and block them as well, this may also cause the error to appear on screen.
Troubleshooting ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT on Google Chrome
1: Clearing browser cache and cookies
One of the first troubleshooting methods you can try is clearing your browser cache and cookies. Over time, these files can accumulate and cause conflicts with website content, leading to the ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT error. To clear your cache and cookies in Google Chrome, follow these steps:
- Click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner of the browser.
- Go to “More tools” and select “Clear browsing data”.
- In the pop-up window, choose the time range for which you want to clear the data.
- Check the boxes for “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data”.
- Click on the “Clear data” button to proceed.
2: Disabling/re-enabling browser extensions
If the error persists after clearing the cache and cookies, the next step is to disable any ad-blockers or browser extensions that might be causing the issue. Here’s how you can disable extensions in Google Chrome:
- Click on the three-dot menu icon and go to “Extensions”.
- Select “Manage Extensions” from the menu.
- In the extensions page, locate the extension you want to disable and toggle the switch next to it to turn it off.
- Repeat this process for all the extensions you suspect might be causing the ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT error.
- Restart your browser and check if the error is resolved.
3: Updating Google Chrome to latest version
Outdated versions of Google Chrome can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with websites, triggering the ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT error. To ensure you have the latest version of Google Chrome installed, follow these steps:
- Click on the three-dot menu icon and go to “Help”.
- Select “About Google Chrome” from the menu.
- The browser will automatically check for updates and install them if available.
- Restart your browser after the update process is complete.
- Try accessing the website again to see if the error persists.
4: Checking antivirus and firewall settings
Antivirus and firewall settings can sometimes interfere with the browser’s ability to access certain websites, triggering the ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT error. To check your antivirus and firewall settings, follow these steps:
- Open your antivirus or firewall software.
- Look for any settings related to website blocking or content filtering.
- Temporarily disable these settings or add the website causing the error to the whitelist.
- Restart your browser and try accessing the website again.
5: Modifying DNS settings to resolve ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT
If all else fails, you can try modifying your DNS settings to resolve the ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT error. By changing your DNS server, you can bypass any potential conflicts with your current DNS provider. Here’s how you can modify your DNS settings:
- Open the Control Panel on your computer.
- Go to “Network and Internet” and select “Network and Sharing Center”.
- Click on “Change adapter settings” on the left-hand side of the window.
- Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties”.
- In the properties window, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties”.
- Check the box that says “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the desired DNS server addresses.
- Click on “OK” to save the changes.
- Restart your computer and check if the error persists.
Additional tricks to troubleshoot ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting methods mentioned above and the ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT error still persists, here are some additional tips and tricks you can try:
- Disable any proxy or VPN connections that might be interfering with your browsing.
- Check if the website is accessible on other browsers or devices to rule out any server-side issues.
- Reset your browser settings to their default values to eliminate any conflicting configurations.
Conclusion and Final thoughts
The ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT error in Google Chrome can be frustrating, but with the troubleshooting methods outlined in this comprehensive guide, you should be able to resolve it. Remember to clear your cache and cookies, disable any ad-blockers or extensions, update Google Chrome, check antivirus and firewall settings, and modify DNS settings if necessary. By following these steps and implementing the additional tips and tricks, you can overcome the ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT error and enjoy a seamless browsing experience.

Nishant Verma is a senior web developer who love to share his knowledge about Linux, SysAdmin, and more other web handlers. Currently, he loves to write as content contributor for ServoNode and also collaborated with MRLabs now.