ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILEDGoogle Chrome

How to Fix ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED (Google Chrome)

Quick Answer

The ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED error in Google Chrome indicates that the browser could not resolve the domain name of the website you are trying to reach. This usually points to a problem with your internet connection, DNS settings, or network configuration. The fastest initial fix is often to restart your router and clear your browser's DNS cache.

What Causes This Error

Incorrect DNS server settings or unresponsive DNS server.
Issues with your internet connection or network hardware (router/modem).
Corrupted browser cache or DNS cache on your computer.
Firewall or antivirus software blocking network access.
Outdated network drivers.
VPN or proxy server interference.

Step-by-Step Fixes

1Check Your Internet Connection and Restart Network Hardware

Verify that your device is connected to the internet. Open other applications or websites to confirm general connectivity.
Unplug your modem and router from their power outlets.
Wait for at least 30 seconds.
Plug the modem back in first, wait for it to fully boot up (indicated by stable lights).
Plug the router back in and wait for it to fully boot up. Test the website again.

2Clear Google Chrome's DNS Cache

Open Google Chrome.
Type "chrome://net-internals/#dns" into the address bar and press Enter.
Locate the "Clear host cache" button and click it.
Close and reopen Google Chrome, then attempt to access the website again.

3Flush DNS Cache and Renew IP Address on Your Computer

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. On Windows, search for "cmd", right-click, and select "Run as administrator". On macOS, open Terminal from Utilities.
Type "ipconfig /flushdns" (Windows) or "sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder" (macOS) and press Enter. You may be prompted for your password on macOS.
Type "ipconfig /release" and press Enter (Windows only).
Type "ipconfig /renew" and press Enter (Windows only).
Restart your computer and check if the ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED error persists.

4Change Your DNS Server to a Public DNS

Open Network Connections settings. On Windows, go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. On macOS, go to System Settings > Network.
Right-click on your active network adapter (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select "Properties" (Windows) or select your connection and click "Details" (macOS).
For Windows: 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 Public DNS). Click OK.
For macOS: Go to the DNS tab, click the "+" button, and add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 to the DNS servers list. Click OK or Apply.
Restart your browser and test the website.

Advanced Fixes

Disable Proxy Server or VPN

Open your computer's network settings. On Windows, search for "Proxy settings". On macOS, go to System Settings > Network > (select connection) > Details > Proxies.
Ensure that "Use a proxy server" or any manual proxy setup is turned off (Windows). For macOS, deselect any enabled proxy protocols.
If you are using a VPN, temporarily disable it or disconnect from the VPN service.
Test the website to see if the error is resolved. If it is, re-enable your proxy/VPN and check its configuration for issues.

Temporarily Disable Firewall or Antivirus Software

Locate your firewall or antivirus software icon in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (macOS).
Right-click the icon and look for an option to temporarily disable or pause protection. Follow the on-screen prompts.
Attempt to access the website in Chrome. If the error is resolved, re-enable your security software and investigate its settings for network blocking rules.
Remember to re-enable your security software immediately after testing to maintain system protection.

Reset Network Settings (Windows Only)

Open the Windows Settings app.
Navigate to Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
Click "Reset now" and confirm the action. This will remove and reinstall all network adapters and reset network components to their original settings.
Restart your computer after the reset is complete. You may need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED mean?

This error means that your browser, Google Chrome, was unable to translate the website's human-readable domain name (like example.com) into an IP address that computers use to locate servers. This process is called 'name resolution' and is handled by DNS (Domain Name System) servers.

Is ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED a problem with my computer or my internet service provider?

It can be either. The error often points to a local issue with your computer's network settings, DNS cache, or router. However, it can also indicate a problem with your Internet Service Provider's (ISP) DNS servers or a broader internet connectivity issue on their end.

Why does this error appear only for some websites?

If the error appears only for specific websites, it might indicate a cached DNS entry issue on your local machine or an issue with the specific DNS server you are using that is failing to resolve that particular domain. It could also be a temporary issue with the website's own DNS records.

Will restarting my router fix ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED?

Restarting your router is a common and often effective first step. It can clear temporary glitches in your router's firmware, refresh its connection to your ISP, and renew its DNS cache, which can resolve many network-related errors including ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED.