The “Aw, Snap!” error may not seem as alarming as errors like “err_ssl_version_or_cipher_mismatch,” but it can still be just as frustrating.
We’ve all had the frustrating experience of trying to access a site, only to have it crash with the “Aw, Snap!” message.
Various factors can trigger this error, but plenty of straightforward solutions exist.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps to resolve the “Aw, Snap!” error in Google Chrome and get back to browsing smoothly.
The “Aw, Snap!” error, often called a page crash error, occurs when Chrome fails to load a webpage because the site doesn’t respond.
When Chrome can’t load a page, it displays a sad face icon, increasing frustration without help.
Common Causes of the “Aw, Snap!” Error
Several issues can trigger the “Aw, Snap!” error, including a poor internet connection, incompatible extensions, or outdated cache and cookies in the browser.
Effective ways to fix the “Aw Snap!” error in Google Chrome:
1. Refresh the Website
While it might seem simple, reloading the website can often fix the issue. Hit the reload button or try reloading the entire page.
If the page loads correctly, you’re done and don’t need to continue with other steps.
If the error still appears, try the following solutions.
2. Close Unnecessary Tabs or Use Private Mode
When too many tabs are open, Chrome may experience issues. Try closing all the tabs and reopening the website for a fresh session, which could help fix the problem.
If the error goes away when you open the page in a private or incognito window, closing some tabs could help fix the issue.
3. Test Your Network Connection
A weak or inconsistent internet connection might be the cause of the error. Restart your router or connect to a different network if you notice poor signal strength.
Unplug your router for about 30 seconds before plugging it back in to restart the connection. If needed, check the router’s instructions for how to reset it properly.
4. Clear Your Browser’s Cached Data
A clogged cache can cause your browser to slow down or crash, which may lead to the ‘Aw, snap!’ error. Clearing your cache and cookies will often resolve this issue.
To do so, click the three dots in the top-right corner of Chrome and choose ‘Clear Browsing Data.’ A new window asking you to select what data to delete will pop up.
Check the options for ‘cached images and files’ and ‘cookies and other site data,’ set the time range to ‘All time,’ then hit ‘Clear data.’
Once you’ve cleared the data, reload the page to check if the error has cleared. If the site loads correctly, the problem was likely due to the cached files.
If the issue continues, keep reading for more troubleshooting methods.
5. Turn Off Extensions in Chrome
Specific Chrome extensions may interfere with the browser, triggering the ‘Aw, snap!’ error. Disabling them can help identify the culprit.
Go to the settings menu in Chrome, click on ‘Extensions,’ and turn off all the active extensions.
After that, turn them back on one by one and test the browser after each to identify which one might be responsible.
6. Ensure Google Chrome is Up to Date
Google Chrome frequently releases updates that enhance its security, performance, and stability. Checking for the latest updates can help resolve issues.
In Chrome settings, scroll to the bottom and click ‘About Chrome.’ If an update is available, it will appear here. Select ‘Update’ or ‘Relaunch’ to install the update.
7. Reboot Your Device
If previous fixes didn’t help, restarting your device might clear up any minor glitches causing the ‘Aw, snap!’ error.
Restarting your computer or mobile device resolves problems like this.
8. Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software
At times, antivirus programs can mistakenly block other antivirus programs can sometimesrly leading to crashes. Turning off your antivirus, temporarily may fix the error.
Note: Disabling your antivirus software is a temporary solution. It’s crucial to keep your antivirus active to protect your device.
You can add the website to your antivirus whitelist to prevent the issue from recurring.
