How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN (Google Chrome)

Quick Answer: The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error indicates that the Domain Name System (DNS) could not resolve the requested domain name to an IP address. This often means the domain does not exist, is misspelled, or there's a problem with your DNS configuration. The fastest fix is to check for typos in the URL and clear your local DNS cache.

What Causes This Error

Step-by-Step Fixes

Fix 1: Fix 1: Verify URL and Website Status

Carefully retype the URL in the Chrome address bar, paying close attention to spelling and domain extension (e.g., .com, .org).,Open a new tab and search for 'Is [website name] down for everyone or just me?' or use a service like 'DownDetector' or 'IsItDownRightNow.com'.,If the website is reported as down for everyone, the issue is with the website's server, not your connection.

Fix 2: Fix 2: Clear Chrome's DNS Cache and Local DNS Cache

Open Chrome and type `chrome://net-internals/#dns` into the address bar. Press Enter.,Click the 'Clear host cache' button.,For Windows: Open Command Prompt as administrator. Type `ipconfig /flushdns` and press Enter. You should see 'Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache'.,For macOS: Open Terminal. Type `sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder` and press Enter. Enter your password if prompted.,For Linux: Open Terminal. The command varies by distribution. Common commands include `sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager`, `sudo /etc/init.d/nscd restart`, or `sudo resolvectl flush caches`.

Fix 3: Fix 3: Change DNS Servers

For Windows: Go to 'Control Panel' > 'Network and Internet' > 'Network and Sharing Center'. Click 'Change adapter settings'. Right-click your active network adapter (e.g., 'Ethernet' or 'Wi-Fi') and select 'Properties'. Select 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' and click 'Properties'. Select 'Use the following DNS server addresses' and enter `8.8.8.8` for 'Preferred DNS server' and `8.8.4.4` for 'Alternate DNS server' (Google DNS) or `1.1.1.1` and `1.0.0.1` (Cloudflare DNS). Click 'OK' twice.,For macOS: Go to 'System Settings' > 'Network'. Select your active network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Click 'Details...' or 'Advanced...'. Go to the 'DNS' tab. Click the '+' button to add new DNS servers. Enter `8.8.8.8` and `8.8.4.4` (Google DNS) or `1.1.1.1` and `1.0.0.1` (Cloudflare DNS). Drag them to the top of the list. Click 'OK' or 'Apply'.,For Router: Access your router's administration page (usually `192.168.1.1` or `192.168.0.1`). Log in with your credentials. Navigate to the 'DNS' settings, often found under 'WAN' or 'Internet' settings. Change the primary and secondary DNS servers to `8.8.8.8` and `8.8.4.4` or `1.1.1.1` and `1.0.0.1`. Save changes and reboot the router.

Fix 4: Fix 4: Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Temporarily disable your third-party antivirus software. Refer to your antivirus software's documentation for specific instructions.,Temporarily disable your operating system's firewall (e.g., Windows Defender Firewall). For Windows: Go to 'Control Panel' > 'System and Security' > 'Windows Defender Firewall' > 'Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off'. Select 'Turn off Windows Defender Firewall' for both private and public networks. Remember to re-enable it after testing.,Attempt to access the website. If it loads, re-enable your security software and investigate its settings for DNS or network filtering rules that might be causing the conflict. You may need to add an exception or adjust its protection levels.

Fix 5: Fix 5: Reset Winsock and IP Stack

For Windows: Open Command Prompt as administrator.,Type `netsh winsock reset` and press Enter.,Type `netsh int ip reset` and press Enter.,Restart your computer after executing these commands.

FAQs

Q: What does NXDOMAIN mean?

A: NXDOMAIN stands for 'Non-Existent Domain'. It's a DNS response indicating that the queried domain name does not exist in the DNS system or cannot be resolved to an IP address.

Q: Is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN a server-side or client-side error?

A: It can be either. It's client-side if your device's DNS settings are incorrect, your local cache is corrupted, or your network is misconfigured. It's server-side if the domain itself is expired, misspelled in its DNS records, or the website's DNS servers are down.

Q: Will restarting my router help?

A: Yes, restarting your router can often help. It clears your router's DNS cache and re-establishes your internet connection, potentially resolving temporary network or DNS server issues provided by your ISP.

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