Google Chrome Update Server Not Available (Error: 12)
When updating your Google Chrome browser on Mac systems it is very common to get the “Update Server Not Available (Error: 12)” message.
Unfortunately, there is no exact way to fix this problem but I have discovered 3 workarounds that will help you upgrade to the newest version of Google Chrome for Mac.
- Keep Restarting Chrome and Trying Again
- Delete Old Version and Re-download New Version
- Use Terminal
- Open Terminal
- Enter this on the command line:
~/Library/Google/GoogleSoftwareUpdate/GoogleSoftwareUpdate.bundle/Contents/Resources/GoogleSoftwareUpdateAgent.app/Contents/Resources/install.py --uninstall
- Then enter this on the command line:
sudo /Library/Google/GoogleSoftwareUpdate/GoogleSoftwareUpdate.bundle/Contents/Resources/GoogleSoftwareUpdateAgent.app/Contents/Resources/install.py --uninstall
- Restart Google Chrome
This solution is for those with patience. It may sound odd but if you keep restarting Google Chrome and keep pressing the “Update Now” button, eventually the browser will update itself. Sometimes I only need to press the button 3 or 4 times and sometimes I move on to workaround number 2.
If you’ve tried pressing the “Update Now” button multiple times to no avail, then the next easiest solution is to download the newest version of Google Chrome, delete the old version from you applications folder (your bookmarks and settings will be retained) and copy the new version into the applications folder. You can just copy the new version over the old version if that is your preference.
If you’re a terminal fan, a solution was proposed and confirmed in this Google forum (enter each command on a single line):
I hope these workarounds helped to solve the problem with the update server not being available for Google Chrome on Mac. If you have another suggestion or solution please don’t be afraid to add it below in the comments section.
About Anson Alexander
Anson Alexander is a graduate from the University of Tampa with a degree in International Business and Information Systems.A previous IT Administrator for a medium size publication company, Anson has recently decided to work full time on his own business by publishing on AnsonAlex.com, publishing technology tutorials on YouTube and offering SEO, IT training and digital marketing services.His main interests include technology, social media, infographics, economics, marketing and web design.Connect with Anson on Google+.
