Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN in 7 Steps

Updated 14 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide explains how to fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error in Google Chrome and other browsers. This error appears when your device cannot resolve a website’s domain name to an IP address, often due to DNS server issues, incorrect network settings, or a corrupted DNS cache. You’ll learn step-by-step methods to resolve it, from clearing your DNS cache to changing DNS servers, and what to do if the problem persists.

What You’ll Need

Administrator access to your computer (to run commands and change network settings).
Your router’s login credentials (usually found on the router label) if you need to restart or reconfigure it.
An alternative device (like a phone) to test if the website is down for everyone.

Step-by-Step

Check if the website is down for everyone. Use a service like Down For Everyone Or Just Me or try loading the site on your phone’s mobile data. If the site is down, wait and try again later.
Clear your DNS cache. Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) as administrator. Type ipconfig /flushdns (Windows) or sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder (macOS) and press Enter. Restart your browser.
Restart your router and modem. Unplug them, wait 30 seconds, plug them back in, and wait for the lights to stabilize. This often clears temporary network glitches.
Change your DNS server to a public one. Go to your network adapter settings (Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings on Windows; System Preferences > Network on macOS). Set the DNS server to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare).
Disable your VPN or proxy. If you use a VPN or proxy, turn it off temporarily and try loading the site again. Sometimes these services interfere with DNS resolution.
Reset your network settings. On Windows, open Command Prompt as admin and run netsh winsock reset and netsh int ip reset, then restart your PC. On macOS, go to System Preferences > Network and delete your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, then re-add it.
Check your hosts file. Open the hosts file (C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts on Windows, /etc/hosts on macOS/Linux) in a text editor. Look for any lines with the domain you’re trying to access. If you see any, comment them out with a # at the beginning or delete the line, then save the file.

Common Mistakes

Typing the URL incorrectly. Double-check the spelling and the top-level domain (e.g., .com vs .net).
Forgetting to restart after clearing DNS. Some changes take effect only after a browser or system restart.
Using the wrong DNS server for your region. While public DNS servers work globally, sometimes a local ISP DNS is faster. You can revert to automatic DNS if the public ones don’t help.
Not clearing the browser cache. Even after fixing DNS, your browser might still show the error due to cached data. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.

Tips

Use a different browser. If the error persists in one browser, try another (e.g., Firefox, Edge) to isolate the issue.
Try a different device. If the site loads on your phone but not your PC, the issue is likely with your PC’s network settings.
Update your network drivers. Outdated drivers can cause DNS issues. Visit your manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers.
Use a DNS benchmark tool. Tools like DNS Benchmark can help you find the fastest DNS server for your location.

Troubleshooting

If the error persists after trying all steps, consider the following:

Run a network diagnostic. Use Windows Network Diagnostics (right-click the network icon) or macOS Wireless Diagnostics (hold Option and click the Wi-Fi icon).
Check your firewall or security software. Temporarily disable them to see if they’re blocking DNS queries. If they are, add an exception for your browser.
Contact your ISP. Sometimes your ISP’s DNS servers are having issues. They may provide alternative DNS addresses or can advise on outages.
Use a different network. Connect to a mobile hotspot or a friend’s Wi-Fi to see if the issue is with your network.
Reset your router to factory settings. This is a last resort, as it will erase custom settings. Look for a small reset button on the router and hold it for 10 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN mean?

It means your device’s DNS resolver could not find the IP address for the domain you requested. The domain name either doesn’t exist, is misspelled, or the DNS server is not responding correctly.

Why does this error happen only on some websites?

It could be that those specific domains have DNS issues, or your DNS server has cached a bad result for them. Clearing your DNS cache or changing servers usually fixes it.

Can this error be caused by malware?

Yes, in rare cases, malware can alter your DNS settings or hosts file. Run a full system scan with a reputable antivirus program.

How do I change DNS settings on my router?

Log into your router’s admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), find the WAN or Internet settings, and enter the DNS server addresses there. This will apply to all devices on your network.

Is it safe to use public DNS servers like 8.8.8.8?

Yes, public DNS servers are generally safe and often faster than ISP defaults. They are operated by reputable companies like Google and Cloudflare.

Will clearing my DNS cache log me out of websites?

No, clearing the DNS cache only removes the mapping of domain names to IP addresses. It does not affect your sessions or cookies.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.