How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error: Complete Guide

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If you are browsing using Google Chrome, maybe you have faced a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. Like other errors, there are several ways you can solve this problem yourself.

For this purpose, you need to understand what is DNS. Domain Name Server is responsible for translating domain names into the corresponding IP address.

When you are browsing on the internet, there are many websites that you will open every day. All of these websites have domain names with IP addresses. NXDOMAIN means that the Internet Domain name cannot be completed by a DNS server or domain name. This stands for Non-Existent Domains.

Understanding DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error: Complete Guide 1

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error is a common DNS-related issue that occurs when your web browser cannot find the website you’re trying to visit. Essentially, the Domain Name System (DNS) is unable to connect or translate the domain name into its corresponding IP address, making the site unreachable.

This error can manifest differently across various browsers:

  • Google Chrome: “This site can’t be reached – DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN”
  • Mozilla Firefox: “Hmm. We’re having trouble finding that site”
  • Microsoft Edge: “Hmm… can’t reach this page”
  • Safari: “Safari Can’t Find the Server”

The following are comprehensive steps you can take to resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error issue:

How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN on Google Chrome

How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error: Complete Guide 2

1. The cause of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error

Maybe you are confused about this message: DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN appears on your computer screen? Fortunately, errors like this often occur and this is not a big problem. This is just this error related to DNS.

Domain Name System or also known as DNS is a system that connects you to websites. When someone enters a URL in their browser’s address bar DNS sends a request to the online database to find the IP address that the URL has. If DNS does not find a suitable IP address, Google Chrome will display a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error message.

Common causes of this error include:

  • Typing the website URL incorrectly
  • Internet connection problems
  • Firewall blocking website access
  • VPN or antivirus interference with network settings
  • Expired or unregistered domain names
  • Misconfigured DNS settings on your computer
  • Cached DNS information that has become outdated
  • Issues with your Internet Service Provider’s DNS servers

2. Change DNS address

Please change the DNS IP on your computer. This will help restore new DNS and help access IP addresses normally.

Change DNS address

Change DNS address

For Windows: Click Start> Control Panel> Network and Sharing Center> Change Adapter settings.

Right-click on the active network then select Properties> Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP / IP)> Select Properties> in the “use following DNS server addresses” column, fill in the address dns 8.8.8.8; Alternative DNS Server as 8.8.4.4 then select OK

Alternative DNS Options:

  • Google DNS: Primary: 8.8.8.8, Secondary: 8.8.4.4
  • Cloudflare DNS: Primary: 1.1.1.1, Secondary: 1.0.0.1
  • OpenDNS: Primary: 208.67.222.222, Secondary: 208.67.220.220

For Mac Users:

  1. Go to System Preferences → Network
  2. Select your current internet connection and click “Advanced”
  3. Navigate to the DNS tab
  4. Click the “+” button and add the new DNS server addresses
  5. Click OK to save changes

3. Disabling VPN and Antivirus

VPN and antivirus software provide the best online security for those who spend most of their time on the internet.

Disabling VPN and Antivirus

Disabling VPN and Antivirus

However, the features possessed by these two software sometimes make users unable to access certain sites. Before changing your internet connection settings on a PC or laptop, it’s good if you try to disable VPN or antivirus first.

Why VPN and Antivirus Can Cause Issues:

  • VPNs can override your DNS settings
  • Antivirus software may block legitimate websites as a precaution
  • Firewall settings might be too restrictive
  • Some security software interferes with DNS resolution

Safe Disabling Steps:

  1. Temporarily disable your VPN connection
  2. Add exceptions to your antivirus software for the problematic website
  3. Check Windows Defender or your antivirus firewall settings
  4. Re-enable security software after testing

4. Flush DNS

Please Open Command Prompt (CMD). Click start> on search type CMD> right click> select run as administrator> in CMD type command : Ipconfig / flushdns

How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN on Google Chrome

Complete DNS Flush Process for Windows:

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh int ip set dns
netsh winsock reset

For Mac Users:

  1. Open Terminal
  2. Enter: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
  3. Enter your password when prompted
  4. Restart your browser

For Chrome Browser Cache:

  1. Type chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar
  2. Click “Clear host cache”
  3. Restart Chrome

Additional Advanced Solutions

5. Release and Renew IP Address

This method gives your computer a fresh IP address and can resolve network connection issues:

Windows Method:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
  2. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter
  3. Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter
  4. Restart your computer

Mac Method:

  1. Go to System Preferences → Network
  2. Select your connection and click “Advanced”
  3. Go to TCP/IP tab
  4. Click “Renew DHCP Lease”

6. Restart DNS Client Service (Windows)

The DNS Client service resolves and caches DNS domain names. Restarting it can fix DNS-related issues:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc
  2. Find “DNS Client” in the list
  3. Right-click and select “Restart”

Alternative method via Command Prompt:

net stop dnscache
net start dnscache

7. Check Your Local Hosts File

Your computer’s hosts file can sometimes block specific websites. Here’s how to check it:

Windows:

  1. Open Notepad as administrator
  2. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\
  3. Open the “hosts” file
  4. Look for entries that might block your target website
  5. Remove any suspicious entries and save

Mac:

  1. Open Terminal
  2. Type: sudo nano /private/etc/hosts
  3. Remove any entries related to the problematic website

8. Reset Chrome Flags

Chrome’s experimental features can sometimes cause DNS issues:

  1. Type chrome://flags in the address bar
  2. Click “Reset all to default”
  3. Restart Chrome

9. Check Domain Status

Before troubleshooting your computer, verify that the website itself isn’t the problem:

  1. Use online tools like ICANN WHOIS to check if the domain is registered
  2. Try accessing the website through a proxy service
  3. Check if the website loads on different devices or networks

10. Router and Modem Reset

Sometimes the issue lies with your network hardware:

  1. Unplug both modem and router for 30 seconds
  2. Plug in the modem first, wait 1 minute
  3. Plug in the router, wait 2 minutes
  4. Test your connection

Mobile Device Solutions

For Android Devices:

  1. Restart your device – Simple but often effective
  2. Update Chrome app – Ensure you have the latest version
  3. Clear Chrome cache and data:
    • Settings → Apps → Chrome → Storage → Clear Cache/Data
  4. Change DNS settings:
  • Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi
  • Long-press your network → Modify → Advanced Options
  • Set DNS 1: 8.8.8.8, DNS 2: 8.8.4.4

For iPhone/iOS Devices:

  1. Restart your iPhone
  2. Update iOS – Settings → General → Software Update
  3. Change DNS settings:
  • Settings → Wi-Fi → Your Network → Configure DNS → Manual
  • Add: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4, 2001:4860:4860::8888

Prevention Tips

To avoid future DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN errors:

  1. Regular DNS cache clearing – Do this monthly
  2. Keep your system updated – Install OS and browser updates promptly
  3. Use reliable DNS servers – Consider switching to public DNS permanently
  4. Monitor security software – Ensure it’s not overly restrictive
  5. Check domain expiration dates – If you own websites, renew domains on time

When to Contact Your ISP

If none of the above solutions work, the issue might be with your Internet Service Provider:

  • Multiple devices experience the same problem
  • The error persists across different browsers
  • Other websites also fail to load
  • You’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps without success

Contact your ISP’s technical support and explain the troubleshooting steps you’ve already attempted.

Conclusion

This error often occurs to internet users, but this is not a big problem because you can fix it easily and quickly. Turn off your VPN and Antivirus, change DNS address and clean the cache in the browser or you can also use CCleaner to clean the junk and cache on your computer.

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error, while frustrating, is typically resolved through systematic troubleshooting. Start with the simpler solutions like flushing DNS cache and changing DNS servers, then progress to more advanced methods if needed. Most users find success with the first few methods, particularly DNS flushing and changing DNS servers to public alternatives like Google’s 8.8.8.8 or Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1.

Remember that this error can have multiple causes, so patience and methodical testing of each solution will help you identify and resolve the specific issue affecting your connection. With the comprehensive solutions provided above, you should be able to restore your internet connectivity and get back to browsing without interruption.

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About The Author

Hello, my name is Jojo, and I’m a blogger. I started my blogging journey in 2012 while I was in college. However, I decided to pursue my passion for content writing in 2014. For nearly half of my life, I have spent my time immersed in computers and the internet. I believe in embracing life as a continuous process of learning and gaining experiences. Keyanalyzer is a platform where I share valuable information on various topics, including cybersecurity, VPNs, mobile development, web development, social media marketing, SEO, and much more. My goal in building this blog is to serve readers around the world and help solve their problems through informative content. Linkedin
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