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Perhaps, you are one of the billion people who prefer using Google Chrome. While this web browser offers numerous benefits, it is no stranger to issues. It can crash and show error messages that can be challenging to fix at times. You probably found this article because you were looking for instructions on how to fix ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR in Chrome. Well, worry no more because we’ve got you covered. We will explain the reason for this problem. What’s more, we will teach you how to get rid of it.

What is the Chrome Error ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR?

Users reported that this error message showed up while they were browsing the Internet. In most cases, the problem occurred after they had tried to access HTTPS websites. It is worth noting that this issue can happen whether you’re using a virtual private network (VPN) service or not. Moreover, it can appear when the user has an outdated Chrome browser. Basically, there can be various reasons for this problem. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to fix it.

How to Fix ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR on Windows 10

ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR is a common problem that happens due to system errors in Google Chrome. We’ve put together the solutions that will help you get rid of the issue. Work your way down the list until you find the one that will address the problem effectively.

Solution 1: Flushing the Socket Pools

One of the solutions you can try is flushing the socket pools on Google Chrome. This method will refresh the network sockets, helping you resolve the issue. Here are the steps:

  1. Launch Google Chrome.
  2. Click to the URL bar, then type “chrome://net-internals” (no quotes).
  3. Press Enter on your keyboard.
  4. Now, go to the left-pane menu and select Sockets.
  5. Move to the right pane, then click Flush Socket Pools.

After performing these steps, try accessing the problematic web page again. Check if the error still shows up.

Solution 2: Updating Google Chrome

It is worth noting that the first web browser to offer automatic updates was Google Chrome. It is crucial for users to have an updated browser to ensure a safe and smooth online experience. Most of the time, Chrome downloads and installs updates automatically. However, if you do not have the automatic update feature enabled, the ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR problem might occur. So, we recommend that you ensure that you have the latest version of Chrome. To update your web browser, follow the instructions below:

  1. Go to the top-right corner of Chrome, then click the Settings icon. It should look like three vertically aligned dots.
  2. Once you’re in the Settings page, go to the top-left corner and click the Menu icon.
  3. Click About Chrome from the options. Your browser will check for updates automatically.

Solution 3: Using Incognito Mode

Google Chrome stores data files to improve the overall user experience. It uses cookies, which are small text files that keep a history of the sites you visit. That said, the web browser has an Incognito Mode feature that removes most private data components. When you use it, your browsing history won’t be stored, which means that other people using your PC won’t dig up your online activities. Moreover, this mode will not save site data, cookies, or details you submit on forms.

If you’re having trouble dealing with ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR, you can try accessing the affected site on an Incognito window. To do that, perform the steps below:

  1. Open Google Chrome, then click the Settings icon at the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Select New Incognito Window from the options.
  3. On the Incognito window, try to access the problematic website.

Solution 4: Using Command Prompt to Perform a DNS Flush

One of the useful utilities of Windows 10 is Command Prompt. You can use this command line interpreter application to troubleshoot issues, perform advanced administrative functions, and solve various Windows problems. You can also use it to perform a DNS flush, which can be beneficial in fixing network-related issues. Keep in mind that you’ll need to use an elevated form of Command Prompt to execute the commands successfully. To proceed, follow these instructions:

  1. Go to your taskbar, then click the Search icon.
  2. In the Search box, type “Command Prompt” (no quotes).
  3. Right-click Command Prompt from the results, then select Run as Administrator from the context menu.
  4. Once Command Prompt is up, execute the command lines below:

Note: Remember to press Enter on your keyboard after each command line.

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /all

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig /renew

netsh int ip set dns

netsh winsock reset

After performing a DNS flush, you can try accessing the affected website. Check if the code ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR is gone.

Solution 5: Clearing Your Browser Cache

Another way of fixing the ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR problem is by clearing your browsing history and cache. During your browsing session, Chrome stores private data components like passwords, cache, and cookies, among others. Over time, they accumulate and affect the performance of your web browser. So, we suggest that you clear Chrome’s browsing data. Here are the steps:

  1. Open Google Chrome, then click the Settings icon at the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Select Settings from the menu.
  3. Scroll down, then click Advanced to see all the options.
  4. Go to the Privacy and Security section, then select Clear Browsing Data.
  5. Once you’re inside the Clear Browsing Data window, go to the Advanced tab.
  6. Select the following options:
  • Cookies and other site data
  • Cached images and file
  • Hosted app data
  • Browsing history (optional)
  1. Now, click the drop-down list beside Time Range.
  2. Select All Time.
  3. Click Clear Data to begin the process.

After following these steps, restart Google Chrome and try accessing the problematic website to see if the error is gone.

Solution 6: Disabling Your Anti-Virus

It is also possible that your third-party anti-virus is interfering with the network connection, causing the ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR issue to appear. So, to get rid of the error, we suggest that you temporarily disable your anti-virus. Once you’ve done that, try accessing the affected website again to see if the problem has been fixed.

If disabling your third-party anti-virus resolves the issue, we suggest that you switch to a different security software program. There are many products out there, and Auslogics Anti-Malware is among the few that can provide reliable protection. It is worth noting that this app was designed by a certified Microsoft Silver Application Developer. So, you can expect it to function smoothly with all Windows programs. Moreover, it won’t conflict with your main anti-virus.

Solution 7: Resetting your Web Browser Settings

If none of the solutions above helped you fix the problem, we recommend that you restore Chrome’s settings to their original defaults. Follow the steps below:

  1. Launch Google Chrome, then go to the top-right corner of the browser and click the Settings icon.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Scroll down, then click Advanced.
  4. Under Reset and Clean Up, select the ‘Reset settings to their original defaults’ option.
  5. Click Reset Settings.

After resetting Google Chrome, relaunch it. Go to the URL bar and type the web address of the site that has been giving you the ERR_SPDY_PROTOCOL_ERROR. Check if the problem is gone.

What other error codes would you like us to discuss?

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