Solving ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR with Cloudflare: A Quick Fix Guide

Nov 1, 2024

2 min read

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If you’ve recently encountered the ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR in Google Chrome, you’re not alone. This error, linked to Chrome’s handling of HTTP/3 (QUIC) protocol, has been increasingly common, leading to frustration for developers and clients alike. Here, we’ll break down the causes of this issue and the steps to resolve it if your domain is managed through Cloudflare.

What Causes the ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR?

The ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR is generally triggered by updates in Chrome that affect HTTP/3 (QUIC) protocol handling. This browser and version-specific error can appear unexpectedly, leaving developers with limited options to resolve it server-side. Through testing, we identified that the issue is often rooted in how HTTP/3 and TLS 1.3 protocols interact.

Step-by-Step Solution for ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR

If your site uses Cloudflare for domain management, follow these steps to troubleshoot and resolve the error:

1. Disable HTTP/3 (QUIC) in Cloudflare

Log in to Cloudflare: Access your Cloudflare dashboard.
Navigate to Speed > Optimization: Under this section, locate the HTTP/3 (QUIC) setting.
Turn Off HTTP/3 (QUIC): Disabling this protocol often resolves the error, as it reverts connections to the older HTTP/2 or HTTP/1.1 protocols.

This step should resolve the issue for most users, but if you encounter an ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error instead, additional adjustments may be necessary.

2. Turn Off TLS 1.3 in Cloudflare

If ERR_CONNECTION_RESET appears after disabling HTTP/3, the issue could lie with the TLS 1.3 protocol. Here’s how to turn it off:

In Cloudflare, go to SSL/TLS Settings: Find the TLS 1.3 setting under SSL/TLS configurations.
Disable TLS 1.3: Disabling this protocol can address connection resets by defaulting to TLS 1.2.

By following these two steps, most users find that their ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR and ERR_CONNECTION_RESET issues are resolved.

Final Thoughts

Browser-specific errors can be challenging to debug, especially when caused by recent updates. If you’re managing domains through Cloudflare, adjusting your settings can ensure compatibility with Chrome and deliver a smooth experience for users.