Most of the time, this issue is caused when you have a bad internet connection, and clicking on the retry button will fix this issue right away. However, it can also occur if there is an issue with your Steam as well. In this article, we have listed all the possible fixes for this error.
How to Fix Steam Friends Network Unreachable?
The first thing you can do when you face this error is to check your internet connection and make sure that everything is working fine. If everything seems to be fine, then you can try these proven methods to get around the problem.
Opt-Out from the Steam Beta Participation
Those who have participated in Beta programs will receive new features and updates that the developers are testing. If you have opted in for Beta features, you might have received an update that is interfering with your friends network. So, turning off the beta participation might fix this issue. To turn off this feature: Now, relaunch Steam and see if this issue is resolved. If you’re still having the same problem, you can try the next method.
Delete Web Browser Data From Steam
Sometimes when you’ve participated in Beta programs, Steam switches storage locations when the Beta updates roll out. During such times, the app requests cookies and cache files from locations where they’re not stored. So, Steam cannot verify your cookies for your friendslist. If that is the case, then deleting the web cache data might be able to solve your issue. To clear your web browser data from Steam: Now, restart Steam and click on Friends & Chat to see if you can access it without error. If you’re still experiencing the problem, you can move on to the next method.
Delete Steam Folder from /Local Directory
Steam stores its cached files inside a folder named ‘Steam’ inside your C: drive. If, for some reason, the cached files inside the folder are corrupted, it might cause Steam to misbehave. Deleting this folder will make sure that all cached files are cleared, and no such files are interfering with the friends network. To access the Steam folder from File Explorer: Or alternatively, you can also do this via Run Command Box. To do that: Now, launch Steam and try to access the Friends & Chat feature. Check if you see your friendlist and everything is working perfectly. If you’re still facing errors, try this next method.
Append ‘-steamos’ on Steam Launch Option
Steam launch options are used to change settings and enable certain features in Steam. Setting this launch option will make sure that Steam doesn’t use the new UI of Friends & Chat feature. Now, restart Steam and see if you can open the Friends & Chat feature without any issue.
Update Your Network Certificate
Updating your ISRG ROOT X1 network certificate can solve this issue as well. Your programs can misbehave if you are using an outdated network certificate as well. However, there isn’t a setting that can automatically update your certificate, so you’ll have to do that manually. To do that:
