Google Chrome has had several bugs reported, and one of them, the err_spdy_protocol_error message, relates to being unable to access a webpage. You will see the message This webpage is not available along with the err_spdy_protocol_error message. There are many reasons for this error, and consequently, a variety of ways to get around it. Here are seven approaches you could try at a minimum. One of them is likely to fix the issue.

What is ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR?

We must first determine where you could encounter this error. This error is a result of using the Google Chrome browser. If you're using any different browser such as Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge and you do not be able to reproduce this error. There aren't any websites that are infected by the error. Only those that are associated with Google, such as YouTube, Gmail, Blogger, and others, are affected. A few users have reported that this issue also caused problems for other websites that are not Google-related. It is known as SPDY (stands to mean Speedy), is the protocol used by Chrome to create secure websites and also to improve the speed of loading the website. The problem is that Google has switched its support to the SPDY protocol.

How to Fix Chrome Err_Spdy_Protocol_Error Issue?

Option 1: Close the browser and restart your browser.

When you first come across the err_spdy_protocol_error, the quickest way to fix it is simply to close the Chrome browser and reboot it. If that works, you've saved lots of time and cash. It is often the best way to solve this problem - but if you don't succeed, you've just wasted only a couple of minutes.

Method 2. Is Your Google Version the Most Up-to-date?

Prior to any other thing, ensure you're using the most recent version of Chrome. As with all browsers, Chrome is subject to changes as technology and the internet evolve. Take a look at the upper left corner of Chrome, and you'll find three dots. Select them, and then click Help > About Google Chrome.

If the version you are using of Chrome is up-to-date, you'll see:

If not, you'll get the Update option. Select that, and the version you have is Google Chrome will be updated to the most current version. If you try it again, you might notice that the error message has disappeared. If it does, then you will need to apply the appropriate chrome err_spdy_protocol_error fix.

Method #3: It's possible that you Could have a SPDY Sockets issue.

If this fails, then a common reason for the err_spdy_protocol_error is related to SPDY sockets. SPDY was created from HTTP as a method of increasing the speed of websites. This issue is often addressed with flushing of the sockets. This is how to do it.

  1. Open Google Chrome and go to: chrome://net-internals/#sockets
  2. You'll be given the option of clicking - click "Flush socket pools" - it will flush SPDY sockets 
  3. Restart Chrome. If the issue is resolved, then great. If not, you need to move for the next one.

Method 4: Clean Your Cache and History

It is the record that contains all the websites/URLs that you've visited. Your cache stores the images, pages, graphics, and other information that you visited. Clear all this, and you can find that your Chrome err_spdy_protocol_error has been resolved. For this, follow these steps:

  • In Chrome, press Ctrl + H. This will open your browsing history.
  • After that, click on Clean browsing history. It is located on the left-hand side of the screen.

Click it, and you'll be able to see the following screen:

  • Select "the beginning of time," and then the top 5 choices displayed below. These are,
  1. Download historiography
  2. Cookies, other plugins, and sire data
  3. Images and files that are cached
  4. Passwords
  5. Autofill form data

Do not check the lower two boxes.

After that, click Clear browsing data, and then ensure that the process has been completed.

  • Close Chrome and reboot your computer. Verify that the error message has disappeared.

Method 5: flush DNS and Renew Your IP Address

Look for your Windows picture on the Taskbar. Right-click on it, and you'll be presented with an option menu. Select "Command Prompt (Admin)." Then you'll be able to insert commands. The commands you input are listed below. 

Be sure to hit Enter following each command:

C:\WINDOWS\system32>ipconfig /release

C:\WINDOWS\system32>ipconfig /flushdns

C:\WINDOWS\system32>ipconfig /renew

After that, then open "Command Prompt (Admin)" like before, then type the following text, pressing Enter after each line:

  • ipconfig /flushdns
  • nbtstat -r
  • netsh int ip reset
  • netsh winsock reset

For instance:

Then reboot to make the necessary changes. This often appears to fix the err_spdy_protocol_error.

Method 6: Run Chrome Cleanup Tool

There's an official Google Chrome cleanup tool that can assist you in solving a variety of issues related to Chrome. It is able to identify and eliminate programs you don't believe to be helpful - as well as other problems. Just click the above link and then run it according to the instructions. 

You might want to do this earlier. However, if you do, you may have to delete some software you wish to preserve (you can continue to download it at a later time!) Having run it, check that the chrome err_spdy_protocol_error has been fixed.

Method 7: Be Insane

If you are experiencing the err_spdy_protocol_error for specific sites only, such as Reddit, then it might be that these sites are excluding you. Try making use of an Incognito mode to gain access to these sites. To test this, open the Chrome Menu and then New Incognito Window, or if that fails, press Ctrl+Shift+N. This err_spdy_protocol_error fix certainly works for some people. It is also a good fix for social networks like Tumblr, Facebook, and other sites.

Wrapping Up

The above seven ways to fix an err_spdy_protocol_error are easy to use if you come across this error message when using the Chrome search engine. The only thing you need to know is how to open the appropriate folders on your laptop or computer. There is no need to be knowledgeable about the technical aspects involved - just follow the steps for each of these solutions that are likely to perform for you. The err_spdy_protocol_error message is fairly common, and the above methods of fixing it have all been used successfully depending on the reason for the error.