Google Chrome is the most used web browser in the world due to how simple to use it is and extensions that can add more features to the browser. Even the best have issues here and there and Invalid URL error on Google Chrome is one of them. Many users are facing this problem while trying to open a website or navigating to a URL.
Research shows that there are several reasons due to which this error can occurred. Some of these reasons include URL mistakes, problematic logged in Google account, corrupted cache files, discrepancies created by installed browser extensions, inadequate access permissions to view the web page, or problem within the Google Chrome application.
If you are facing the same issue on your Google Chrome then don’t panic, we have listed all the possible fixes and workarounds required to resolve the issue in the article below.
Table of Contents
Resolve Invalid URL Error
There are multiple reasons for this error to occur therefore you will have to try all the fixes one by one and see which works for you.
Fix 1: Perform Basic Troubleshoot
Make sure to check whether your internet connection is working before moving to more complex solution as this could be the reason why you could be facing the issue. Another possible reason is that you have entered the wrong URL for the website you are visiting hence check if you have entered the right URL.
You can also try refreshing the website by clicking on the refresh icon from the top left corner and see if this helps. If the issue persists even after this then, completely close your Google Chrome and reopen it again. If you are still seeing this error then follow the other fixes.
Fix 2: Make Sure You Have the Adequate Permissions to View the Website
It’s possible that you don’t have the necessary access permissions to view the web page, resulting in the “invalid URL” error. This is most likely to occur when accessing forms or web pages for work-related purposes. As a result, you must check that you have the necessary access permissions for the web page that you are trying to visit with Google Chrome.
Fix 3: Sign Out then Sign In to Your Google Account
The next step is to log out of your Google account in Chrome and restart your web browser. Log back into your account and visit the web page that is displaying your “invalid URL” issue on the next startup. There could be a temporary thing with your profile that is causing the issue. As a result, this solution should work for you.
You can alternatively log in to Chrome with some other Google account to see whether the error has been solved. You can also set up a new Google account and sign into that account to see if the “invalid URL” error has been resolved.
Fix 4: Clear Cache File and Browsing Data
Cache files are created for a better experience and faster loading time however these files can get damaged or corrupted due to unknown reasons and cause you this issue. Follow these instructions to clear out the cache files from your Chrome web browser:
- Open Chrome web browser on your device.
- Click on three dots icon from the top left corner.
- Hover over More Tools and choose Clear Browsing Data.
- Tick all the checkboxes from the following screen.
- Select the Time Range to All Time.
- Lastly, click on Clear data button to remove all the cache files and browsing data.
- Once done, restart your web browser and see if you are able to access the website.
Fix 5: Disable Browser Extension
Browser extensions enabled lots of options that are not natively available on your browser. But these extensions can also create compatibility issues with some of the website causing you this problem. You can disable all the installed browser extension to check if this is the reason. Follow the steps mentioned below:
- Launch Chrome and click on three dots icon from the top right.
- Go to More Tools and select Extension from the drop down menu.
- Now disable all the extensions by clicking on the toggle.
- Once disabled see if you are able to access the URL.
- If yes, then remove the extension one by one to see which is causing the issue.
Fix 6: Reinstall Google Chrome
If none of the mentioned fixes worked then the last resort left with you is to fully remove the Chrome web browser from your device and then re-install it again. Follow these instructions on how to do so:
- Press Win + R keys to launch RUN dialogue box.
- Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter.
- Now find Google Chrome from the list of installed application.
- Right click on it and select Uninstall.
- Follow rest of the steps and remove the browser from your PC.
- After it is uninstalled, open another web browser.
- Download the installation file of Google Chrome.
- Install it by opening the executable file and following the steps mentioned.
- Launch Google Chrome and see if the error persists.
Conclusion
Google Chrome is one of the best web browsers in the market however it is far from perfect. Sometime you can face issue like Invalid URL error on Google Chrome. If you are seeing this error then you can follow the fixes and their steps in the article above to see fix the issue without any hassle.