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How to Fix: Chrome Not Loading Page (Display Only Text)

The web page is not loaded properly when the browser blocks essential files like CSS stylesheet and JavaScript. This causes the page to break and sometimes display only text without visual elements. Check the browser extensions and system firewall, or reset the chrome browser to fix the page loading issue.

Google Chrome has firmly established itself as the go-to browser across major platforms. Be it for cross-device support, an abundance of features, or providing a streamlined browsing experience; there’s much to look forward to.

On the flip side, it occasionally gets bugged with a few issues. While some spell out the error message, others aren’t so user-friendly. Instead, it is up to the users to figure out the issue and, more importantly, find its fix.

In this regard, there have been complaints lining up from many users that the webpage refuses to open in the Chrome browser. Or if somehow the page does load up, it can only display a few components like texts and hyperlinks; other portions of the page are just filled with blank spaces.

Page Not Loading Properly in Browser

While this issue is quite concerning, fortunately, the fixes are pretty easy to carry out to fix the page loading issue in Chrome. And this guide shall make you aware of just that. So without further ado, let’s get started.

Check the Internet Connection

First and foremost, you should verify that the internet connection is up and running correctly. If it’s not working, the page refuses to load. On the other hand, if you have a slower connection speed, then not all site components will be able to load properly.

You may consider switching from Wireless (WiFi) to a wired connection (via Ethernet cable). Likewise, you may try sharing your device’s carrier data via Hotspot and check if the issue is fixed.

While an Ethernet or Hotspot requires more effort to set up, it is worth reaping the rewards if it can spell out success.

Disable VPN Connection

If you are using a Virtual Private Network for a secure connection or to access geo-restricted content, then it’s time to pause it temporarily. It could be the case that the region through which you are browsing the site (via VPN) might be blocked by that website.

Likewise, a VPN connection might break in between, resulting in the browser’s inability to load the page. So you may try disabling it and then check whether it fixes the issue.

  1. Click on the WiFi icon situated at the taskbar.
  2. Select the VPN you are currently connected to.
  3. Hit on the Disconnect command button.

VPN Connection in Windows OS

A VPN has many valuable features, but if it conflicts with the site’s loading, it’s better to keep it disabled.

Disable Extensions

Extensions are third-party add-ons that add extra features to your overall browsing experience. However, they could well be the root cause of various issues. The best bet to check and verify the same is to disable these extensions.

One of the most effortless alternatives before disabling the extension is to check the page load in Chrome incognito mode. The incognito window typically disables the extensions if the page is loading correctly; there is a high chance of chrome browser extension interference that causes the loading issue.

Some extensions, like AdBlocker, Web Tracking Blocker, VPN add-ons, etc., were found to be the main culprit for breaking the webpage layout.

Here are the steps to disable the chrome extensions on the computer:

  1. Launch the Google Chrome browser.
  2. Click on the More vertical 3dots icon situated at the top right.
  3. Go to More tools > Extensions.
    Extensions menu under More Tools option
  4. Now disable the extensions, one after the other, until you can load the page correctly.
    Disable AdBlocker Extensions in Chrome
  5. Once you identify the issue-causing extension, removing it from your Chrome is better.

There’s no denying that these add-ons provide some nifty features, but more often than not, they could also lead to a few issues. So it’s always advised to use an extension from a well-known source.

Delete Chrome Browser Data

Browser’s temporary files, such as Cache and Cookies, could slow down the overall functionality of Chrome. This, in turn, could prove to be the breeding ground for many issues, including the one we are dealing with now. Therefore, the only way out is to delete these data right away.

Here are the steps to delete chrome browser data from the computer:

  1. Type in chrome://settings/clearBrowserData in Chrome’s address bar, and hit Enter on the keyboard.
    This shall bring up the Clear Browsing Data dialog box.
  2. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
    Clear Browser Data from Chrome Browser
  3. Hit the Clear data button, and wait for the process to complete.

While clearing these temporary data might result in a little delay for the first-time loading of sites, if they rectify the issue, then it’s worth the wait.

Reset Chrome Browser

If any data or browser setting is corrupted, you will face problems. However, the real issue lies in finding that grey area. Well, there’s a much easier way out.

You could reset the browser and revert all the Chrome settings to their default state. Doing so will remove the pinned tabs and delete stored data, but your bookmarks and passwords will stay secure.

Here are the steps to reset the chrome browser on the computer:

  1. Launch the Google Chrome browser.
  2. Click on the More vertical 3dots icon situated at the top right.
  3. Select the Settings menu from the list.
  4. Scroll to the bottom, and click on Advanced.
  5. Go to the Reset and Clean up section, and click Reset settings to their original defaults.
    Restore Settings to Default in Chrome
  6. Hit the Reset settings button in the confirmation dialog box.
    Reset Settings command in Chrome

Once that is done, restart the browser, and the issue might have been rectified. Resetting the browser removes the pin tab, chrome site settings, and startup pages, but these are just a small price to pay in fixing the underlying issue.

Disable System Firewall

Windows Firewall or your antivirus app might incorrectly flag a site as harmful and might then block it from loading any further on your PC. However, if you believe that the site is safe to visit, you may disable the Firewall and proceed with the site.

info iconDisabling the System Firewall is strictly not recommended. You should check if disabling the Firewall can fix the underlying issue with chrome page loading.

Here are the steps to disable the system firewall in Windows OS:

  1. Search and Open for Windows Defender Firewall from the Start menu.
  2. Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the left menu bar.
    Turn Windows Firefox On or Off option
  3. Switch the toggle to Turn off Windows Defender Firewall under the Public and Private Network.
    Turn Off Windows Defender Firefox in Computer

If the underlying issue is still persistent, or you are done using that site, it is highly recommended that you turn back on the Firewall or antivirus app.

Bottom Line: Chrome Page not Loading

This brings us to the end of this guide on how to fix Chrome not loading pages properly. We have shared six different types of methods for the same. I believe one of them should fix the issue with page loading.

In my case, I was browsing the site using the VPN’s Japan server. However, that website was blocked in that region so the page couldn’t load correctly.

A few users also mentioned that disabling the AdBlocker extensions has worked for them. On that note, let us know which method worked out for you in fixing the chrome page not loading correctly.

Lastly, if you've any thoughts on How to Fix: Chrome Not Loading Page (Display Only Text), then feel free to drop in below comment box.

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Sadique Hassan

Sadique is a Bachelor of Computer Application in Computer Science and an MBA professional. He became a tech writer by choice and has continued pursuing it for the last 7+ years. He is keenly interested in open-source technology like Android and also loves troubleshooting the tech. Connect him on LinkedIn.

16 thoughts on “How to Fix: Chrome Not Loading Page (Display Only Text)”

  1. My problem with web pages not loading only happens when my neighbor is home using her WiFi. I switched internet providers, but the problem continues. I’ve tried all of the fixes listed above and still have issues when she is home. The problem occurs only with some web-sites. Any more suggestions?

    1. That’s weird! I can’t be much help here. Maybe you should check if the problem persists if you are connected somewhere else except your home.

  2. I was having this problem (Chrome running on Mac) and tried the steps in the article but to no avail.

    I discovered the solution myself and it was so simple I could kick myself.

    If there are images on the webpage you visit that aren’t loading hover your cursor over the broken image icon and ctrl select “open image in new tab”, once the image has loaded in this tab, go back to the previous tab and refresh the page and the page images should now load and the layout should be fixed.

    Hope this helps somebody.

    1. Thanks a lot stew, i got exhausted trying all the hardest technical solutions which never worked, and i couldn’t find your solution anywhere. Worked like a charm!!!

  3. I’ve been experiencing this issue. Immediately reloading (refreshing) the page displays the page as it should be. Going back to the same web site later in the day and it displays just fine. This started occurring after a recent Chrome Update. Perhaps the update is the trigger?

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