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 website's domain name to an IP address. This often means the domain does not exist or there's a problem with your DNS settings. Clearing your DNS cache and renewing your IP address can often resolve this issue quickly.
What Causes This Error
- Incorrect or outdated DNS cache on your computer
- Issues with your internet service provider's (ISP) DNS servers
- Incorrect DNS settings in your router or computer
- Website domain name does not exist or has expired
- Firewall or antivirus software blocking access
- VPN or proxy server interference
- Problems with the website's DNS records
Step-by-Step Fixes
1Clear DNS Cache and Renew IP Address to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator (Windows: Search for 'cmd', right-click and select 'Run as administrator'; macOS: Open 'Terminal' from Applications > Utilities).
- Type 'ipconfig /flushdns' and press Enter. A message 'Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache' should appear.
- Type 'ipconfig /registerdns' and press Enter.
- Type 'ipconfig /release' and press Enter.
- Type 'ipconfig /renew' and press Enter.
- Type 'netsh winsock reset' and press Enter.
- Restart your computer and attempt to access the website.
2Change Your DNS Servers
- Open Network Connections settings (Windows: Right-click Start > Network Connections > Change adapter options; macOS: System Settings > Network > select active connection > Details).
- Select your active internet connection (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi), right-click, and choose 'Properties' (Windows) or click 'Details' and then 'DNS' tab (macOS).
- For Windows, select 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' and click 'Properties'. For macOS, click the '+' button under DNS Servers.
- Select 'Use the following DNS server addresses' (Windows) or manually enter DNS servers (macOS).
- Enter preferred DNS servers, such as Google's Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
- Click 'OK' or 'Apply' to save changes.
- Restart your browser or computer and test the website.
3Disable VPN or Proxy
- If you are using a VPN, disconnect from it.
- Check your browser's proxy settings (Chrome: Settings > System > Open your computer's proxy settings).
- Ensure that 'Automatically detect settings' is enabled and 'Use a proxy server for your LAN' is disabled, or that no manual proxy is configured unless you specifically require one.
- Restart your browser and attempt to access the website.
4Check Your Hosts File
- Open Notepad as an administrator (Windows: Search for 'notepad', right-click and select 'Run as administrator'; macOS: Open 'Terminal' and type 'sudo nano /etc/hosts').
- For Windows, go to File > Open and navigate to 'C:WindowsSystem32driversetchosts'. Ensure 'All Files' is selected in the file type dropdown.
- Review the hosts file for any entries related to the website you are trying to access. Legitimate entries typically start with '127.0.0.1 localhost'.
- Remove any suspicious or incorrect entries that might be redirecting the domain.
- Save the file and close Notepad.
- Restart your browser or computer.
Advanced Fixes
Update Router Firmware or Reset Router
- Access your router's administration page by typing its IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into your browser's address bar.
- Log in using your router's credentials (usually found on a sticker on the router).
- Navigate to the firmware update section and check for available updates. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to update the firmware.
- If updating does not resolve the issue, consider performing a factory reset on your router. This will revert all settings to default. Consult your router's manual for specific reset instructions.
- After resetting, reconfigure your internet connection and Wi-Fi settings.
- Test the website.
Temporarily Disable Firewall or Antivirus
- Temporarily disable your computer's firewall (Windows Defender Firewall or third-party firewall software).
- Temporarily disable your antivirus software.
- Attempt to access the website. If access is restored, re-enable your security software and investigate its settings for any blocking rules related to DNS or web access.
- If the issue persists, re-enable your security software immediately to maintain protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'NXDOMAIN' mean?
NXDOMAIN stands for 'Non-Existent Domain'. It is a response from a DNS server indicating that the queried domain name does not exist or cannot be found in the DNS system. This means the server could not translate the domain name into an IP address.
Is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN an internet connection issue?
While it can be related to how your computer connects to DNS servers, it's not strictly an internet connection issue. Your internet connection might be active, but your computer or network device is failing to resolve domain names. It could also indicate that the website itself is down or its domain has expired.
Will restarting my computer fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN?
Restarting your computer can sometimes resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. A restart can clear temporary network glitches, refresh your network adapters, and clear some cached data. It is often a good first step in troubleshooting network-related issues.
Can my ISP cause this error?
Yes, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can cause this error. If your ISP's DNS servers are experiencing issues, are misconfigured, or are slow to respond, your computer may fail to resolve domain names, leading to the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. Changing to public DNS servers can help diagnose this.