DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN: How to Fix This Error

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error is a frustrating problem that can occur when you’re trying to access a website. It’s a DNS-related issue, which stands for “Domain Name System.” In simple terms, this error occurs when the browser can’t find the domain of the website you’re trying to visit. When this happens, you might see a message saying “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” in your browser.

This article will help you understand the causes of this error and provide practical solutions to fix it.

What is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN?

NXDOMAIN stands for “Non-Existent Domain.” When your browser attempts to connect to a website, it relies on DNS servers to translate a website’s domain name (like “google.com”) into an IP address. If the DNS server cannot resolve the domain name or the domain doesn’t exist, the browser will show the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

Common Causes of DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

There are several reasons why you might encounter this error:

1. Incorrect URL: If you mistyped the website’s address, your browser won’t be able to find it.
2. DNS Issues: Your DNS server may not be able to resolve the domain.
3. Website No Longer Exists: The website you’re trying to visit might have been deleted or taken down.
4. Outdated Cache: Corrupted or outdated DNS cache files can cause this error.
5. ISP or Network Problems: Occasionally, your internet service provider (ISP) or local network may be having issues with DNS servers.

How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

Here are some practical troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:

1. Check the URL:
   • Ensure that you’ve typed the correct website address. Even a small typo can result in this error.
2. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies:
   • Cached data or cookies might be causing the issue. Clearing them can help resolve the error.
   • In Chrome, go to Settings → Privacy and security → Clear browsing data.
3. Flush Your DNS Cache:
   • On Windows, press Win + R to open the Run dialog, then type cmd to open Command Prompt. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
   • On Mac, open the terminal and type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder, then press Enter.
4. Change Your DNS Server:
   • Your DNS server might be down or slow. Switching to a reliable public DNS service like Google DNS or Cloudflare can solve the issue.
   • Go to Network settings, select your connection, and update the DNS settings to use Google’s DNS servers:
     • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
     • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
5. Restart Your Router:
   • Sometimes, the router’s settings might cause issues with DNS. Simply restarting your router might solve the problem.
6. Check the Website Status:
   • If the website is down, you can check its status using tools like “Down For Everyone or Just Me.”
7. Disable VPN or Proxy Settings:
   • VPNs or proxy servers may interfere with your connection. Try disabling them to see if the issue resolves.
8. Contact Your ISP:
   • If the issue persists, it could be related to your ISP’s DNS servers. Contact them for assistance.

Conclusion

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error can be caused by various issues, ranging from incorrect URLs to network problems. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can resolve this issue and get back to browsing without hassle. Always make sure your DNS settings are configured correctly and your cache is cleared regularly to avoid such errors.