What is Error 404 Page Not Found in Google Chrome: Fix 404 Error In Chrome

Learn what Error 404 Page Not Found means in Google Chrome and discover how to fix 404 error in chrome.

What is Error 404 Page Not Found?

The 404 page not found error is an HTTP status code that indicates that the browser successfully connected to the server, but the server couldn’t find what was requested.

In simple terms, your Google Chrome browser is working perfectly, but the server hosting the website cannot locate the page you are trying to view.

The 404 error can occur for several reasons. It often happens when a page has been deleted or moved without setting up a proper redirect, such as a 301 redirect. Another common cause is a mistyped URL, where even a small spelling error can prevent the page from loading. Additionally, internal server issues or broken links within the website can trigger a 404 error. In some cases, the domain name may exist, but the specific page path does not, leading the server to return a “Page Not Found” message.

A 404 not found error typically appears with a standard message like:

“404. That’s an error. The requested URL was not found on this server.”

Sometimes, websites customize their 404 error pages to be more user-friendly, but the underlying issue remains the same: the page cannot be found.

How to Fix Error 404 Page Not Found in Chrome

Seeing a 404 page not found Chrome message can be annoying, but the good news is that in many cases, it’s fixable from the user’s side. Here’s how you can troubleshoot and potentially solve the problem:

1. Check the URL for Typos

Many times, a simple mistake in the URL can trigger a 404 not found error. Double-check the web address for spelling mistakes, missing characters, or incorrect slashes.

2. Refresh the Page

Sometimes, the server might temporarily fail to load a page. Simply pressing F5 or clicking the refresh button can resolve the issue.

3. Try Incognito Mode

Using Chrome’s Incognito Mode can help identify whether browser extensions or cached data are causing the 404 error. Here’s how to open an Incognito window:

On your computer, open Chrome.
Click on More (three dots at the top right) and select New Incognito Window.
A new window will appear. Look for the Incognito icon at the top corner.
Alternatively, use the shortcut:
- Windows, Linux, or Chrome OS: Press Ctrl + Shift + N.
- Mac: Press ⌘ + Shift + N.

If the website loads correctly in Incognito Mode, an extension or cached data could be the cause.

4. Try Disabling All Your Extensions

Sometimes, a misbehaving extension can interfere with webpage loading, leading to 404 errors. To disable extensions:

Go to chrome://extensions or click More → More Tools → Extensions.
Toggle off all extensions.
Try accessing the page again.
If the problem is resolved, re-enable extensions one by one to identify the culprit.

5. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Old or corrupted cache files can cause Chrome to show 404 errors even when the page is available. Clear your browsing data by:

Opening Settings → Privacy and Security → Clear browsing data.
Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
Click Clear data.

This step refreshes stored data and can often fix the issue.

6. Try Resetting Chrome

If none of the above steps work, consider resetting Chrome settings to their default state. Resetting Chrome can resolve deep-seated configuration issues that might cause persistent 404 errors. You can find the option under:

Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to their original defaults.

Refer to Google’s official guide on How to Reset Chrome for detailed steps.

7. Try Creating a New User Profile

Creating a fresh Chrome user profile can help determine if the issue is related to profile-specific data corruption. Here’s how:

Open Chrome.
Click your profile icon at the top right.
Select Add or Manage people and create a New Profile.

You can also refer to Google’s guide on How to Share Chrome with Other Users.

8. Use the Website’s Search Bar

If a page has been moved without a 301 redirect, try using the site’s internal search to find the new page location.

9. Access the Page from a Different Device or Network

Trying to load the page from another device or network helps rule out local device or DNS caching issues.

10. Contact Website Support

Finally, if the page continues to show a 404 error across devices and networks, it is likely removed or incorrectly linked. Contact the website’s support team for assistance.

Additional Solutions for 404 Errors Within the Chrome Application

Sometimes, 404-like failures occur not in page loads but within Chrome’s own application interfaces—for instance, the Extensions, Settings, or Apps pages themselves returning “Page Not Found.” To address these:

Verify Chrome Installation Integrity
- On Windows, run sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt to detect corrupted system files that could affect Chrome.
- On Mac, use Disk Utility to repair disk permissions.
Inspect Hosts File
A misconfigured hosts file can redirect legitimate Google or Chrome domains to invalid IPs:
- Windows: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
- macOS/Linux: /etc/hosts
  Remove any lines pointing Chrome domains to non-standard addresses.
Disable Security Software Interference
Overzealous antivirus or firewall rules sometimes block Chrome’s internal URLs:
- Temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall.
- Test chrome://extensions/ or chrome://settings/ to confirm if security software was the culprit.
Clear Application Data on Mobile
On Android or iOS:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Chrome.
- Tap Storage → Clear Cache and Clear Data.
- Relaunch Chrome and re-test.
Check for Chrome OS Updates (Chromebook)
- Open the Settings app → About Chrome OS.
- Click Check for updates.
  An out-of-date system may misinterpret or mishandle internal Chrome assets, causing 404-level failures.

What Does 404 Not Found Mean?

The 404 not found error means that the server received the browser’s request but couldn’t find a page that matches the requested URL. It’s different from server-side errors like 500 internal server error, which indicate server malfunction.

Conclusion: Fix 404 Error In Chrome

Encountering an error 404 page not found Google Chrome issue doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong with your device or browser. Often, it’s due to small errors like mistyped URLs, outdated links, or server-side changes without proper redirection.

By understanding what is error 404 page not found, knowing what does 404 not found mean, and following clear steps on how to fix error 404 page not found in Chrome, you can resolve most cases quickly and smoothly.

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What is Error 404 Page Not Found in Google Chrome: Fix 404 Error In Chrome