ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVEDGoogle Chrome

How to Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED (Google Chrome)

Quick Answer

The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error indicates that the browser cannot translate a website's domain name into an IP address. This often points to issues with your internet connection, DNS settings, or cached data. The fastest fix is often to clear your browser's DNS cache or restart your router.

What Causes This Error

Incorrect or outdated DNS cache on your computer or browser.
Issues with your internet connection or network configuration.
Incorrect DNS server settings on your device or router.
Firewall or antivirus software blocking network access.
Problems with the website's DNS records or server.
Outdated browser software or extensions interfering with network requests.

Step-by-Step Fixes

1Clear Google Chrome's DNS Cache

Open Google Chrome.
Type 'chrome://net-internals/#dns' into the address bar and press Enter.
Locate and click the 'Clear host cache' button.
Restart Google Chrome and attempt to access the website again.

2Flush DNS Cache and Renew IP Address on Your Operating System

**For Windows:** Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Type 'ipconfig /flushdns' and press Enter. Then type 'ipconfig /release' and press Enter, followed by 'ipconfig /renew' and press Enter.
**For macOS:** Open Terminal. Type 'sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder' and press Enter. You may be prompted for your administrator password.
**For Linux:** Open Terminal. The command varies by distribution; common commands include 'sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches', 'sudo /etc/init.d/nscd restart', or 'sudo service network-manager restart'.
Restart your computer after flushing the DNS cache.
Attempt to access the website in Chrome.

3Restart Your Router and Modem

Locate your internet router and modem (if separate devices).
Unplug the power cables from both devices.
Wait for at least 30 seconds to allow the devices to fully discharge.
Plug the power cable back into the modem first, and wait for it to fully boot up (usually indicated by stable lights).
Plug the power cable back into the router and wait for it to fully boot up.
Once both devices are operational, attempt to access the website in Chrome.

4Check Your Internet Connection

Verify that your device is connected to the internet. Open another browser or application that requires internet access to confirm connectivity.
If using Wi-Fi, try connecting via an Ethernet cable to rule out wireless issues.
If no internet connection is available, troubleshoot your network hardware or contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Advanced Fixes

Change Your DNS Server Settings

**For Windows:** Go to 'Settings' > 'Network & Internet' > 'Change adapter options'. Right-click your active connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi), select 'Properties'. Select 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' and click 'Properties'. Select 'Use the following DNS server addresses' and enter preferred DNS servers (e.g., Google DNS: Primary 8.8.8.8, Secondary 8.8.4.4 or Cloudflare DNS: Primary 1.1.1.1, Secondary 1.0.0.1). Click 'OK' twice.
**For macOS:** Go to 'System Settings' > 'Network'. Select your active connection, click 'Details'. Go to the 'DNS' tab. Click the '+' button to add new DNS servers (e.g., 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4). Drag them to the top of the list. Click 'OK' and 'Apply'.
**For Linux:** DNS settings can be managed via Network Manager GUI or by editing '/etc/resolv.conf'. For Network Manager, open its settings, go to IPv4 or IPv6 settings, and enter DNS servers manually. For '/etc/resolv.conf', add 'nameserver 8.8.8.8' and 'nameserver 8.8.4.4'.
Restart your browser or computer after changing DNS settings.
Attempt to access the website.

Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Temporarily disable your computer's firewall software (e.g., Windows Defender Firewall) and any third-party antivirus software.
Attempt to access the website in Chrome.
If the website loads, re-enable your security software and investigate its settings to ensure it is not blocking Chrome or specific network requests. Consider adding Chrome as an exception.
If the issue persists with security software disabled, re-enable it immediately to maintain system security.

Check and Disable Chrome Extensions

Open Google Chrome.
Type 'chrome://extensions' into the address bar and press Enter.
Toggle off each extension one by one, testing the website after each disablement.
If disabling a specific extension resolves the issue, consider removing or reconfiguring that extension.
If the issue persists, re-enable all extensions and proceed to other troubleshooting steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED mean?

The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error indicates that your web browser could not find the IP address associated with the domain name you tried to access. This process, called DNS resolution, failed, meaning the browser cannot locate the server hosting the website.

Is ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED a problem with my computer or the website?

It can be either. Most commonly, it's an issue with your local network, DNS settings, or browser cache. However, it can also be caused by problems with the website's DNS records or server, in which case you would need to contact the website owner.

Will changing my DNS server fix the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error?

Changing your DNS server can often resolve the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error if your current DNS server is slow, unreliable, or misconfigured. Public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1) are often more reliable.

How do I know if the website is down or if it's my connection?

To determine if the issue is with the website or your connection, try accessing other websites. If you can access other sites without issues, the problem might be specific to the website you're trying to reach. You can also use online 'website down' checkers to see if the site is reported as inaccessible for others.