# Chrome: Unable to connect to the proxy server. ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED

**Code:** `ERR_PROXY_CONNECTION_FAILED` · **Category:** Browser · **Seen on:** Chrome, Edge, Windows, macOS

Chrome is configured to use a proxy but cannot connect to it — the proxy is down or the setting is wrong (often left over from a VPN or malware).

## Meaning

A proxy address saved in Windows, macOS or the browser keeps being used even after the program that created it is gone. Removing the proxy setting usually restores normal browsing immediately.

## Common causes

- Leftover proxy setting from a VPN, antivirus or developer tool (Fiddler, Charles)
- Wrong proxy address or port
- Proxy server stopped
- Malware or an extension changing proxy settings
- Auto-config (PAC) URL unreachable

## Quick fix

1. Turn off the proxy in system settings
2. Remove suspicious extensions and scan for malware
3. Reset Chrome network state by restarting the browser after changing the proxy

## Detailed fix by platform

### Windows

1. Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy → turn off "Use a proxy server"; also check "Automatically detect settings"
2. `reg query "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings" /v ProxyEnable`

### macOS

1. System Settings → Network → Details → Proxies: untick all

## How to diagnose

1. **Setting** — Is a proxy enabled in system settings?
2. **Software** — Which tool set it?
3. **Extension** — Do extensions manage proxies?

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Source: [WhatIsMyError](https://whatismyerror.com/errors/browser/err-proxy-connection-failed)