How to Fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error?

How do you fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error? If you encounter the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error, you will receive a message indicating that your web browser cannot locate the server’s IP address. 

There may be a frustrating aspect to this issue as you cannot access the website. However, this issue can be quickly resolved thanks to many simple solutions.

This article will explain DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN, the error variations, and its main causes. Additionally, nine methods will be shared to resolve this issue.

What Is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN?

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error is typically the result of a DNS configuration error or problem.

Domain Name System (DNS) is a service that helps direct Internet traffic by connecting domain names to real web hosting servers. It converts a human-friendly request into a computer-friendly IP address for the server.

The DNS system connects a URL entered into a web browser by a user to the IP address of the server in question.

The process is known as DNS name resolution. It consists of a DNS recursor querying multiple nameservers to determine an IP address of a server.

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error may be displayed if DNS cannot resolve a domain name or address. ‘NXDOMAIN’ stands for Non-Existent Domain.

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error Variations in Browsers?

This error may appear in a couple of different ways depending on which browser you are using:

Google Chrome

Google Chrome will show the error as DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN, indicating that ‘this site can’t be reached,’ followed by the ‘server IP address could not be found.’.

Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox will show this error as ‘Hmm. We’re having trouble finding that site.’

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge will show the error as ‘Hmmm… can’t reach this page,’ which isn’t very useful.

Safari

Safari will show this error as ‘Safari Can’t Find the Server.’

Main Causes of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

There are several reasons why DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN occurs, such as:

• The target website cannot be located by a web browser due to either non-registered or expired domain names.
• No IP address is assigned to the domain.
• There is a misconfiguration in the DNS settings of the user’s computer, which prevents the computer from resolving the domain name.
• Network settings interfere with VPNs or antivirus software.
• There is a problem with the internet provider.

It is possible to determine the reason for DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN in two ways:

Ensure That the Domain is Active

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN may be triggered by a problem with the website’s domain name. For example, if you misspell the URL, the browser cannot locate the correct IP address in the domain name system DNS.

If the URL spelling is correct and the error persists, then the domain is most likely expired or unregistered. You may visit the ICANN lookup tool to determine whether a domain is active.

Follow these steps to use this tool:

1. Enter the site’s URL.
2. Click on the Lookup button.

3. Check the ICANN data to see if it is active.

As a website owner, you can prevent DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN errors by implementing the following actions:

• ICANN may suspend your domain if you do not verify the ownership information within 15 days of registering the domain. To unsuspend a domain, follow the directions in the verification email sent to your inbox.
• It is essential to use the nameservers provided by the web host to ensure that the domain points to the correct website.
• Ensure that the domain’s DNS records are accurate, particularly the A record, which points the domain name to the internet address.
• Domain registrations should be renewed before their expiration dates. Two things can be observed from the domain’s life cycle:

1. After a domain expires, it enters a grace period of 0 to 45 days. You will not incur additional fees if you renew your domain during this period.
2. After entering the redemption period, which lasts up to 30 days, activating the domain again will incur an additional fee.

• Your domain name may be in the process of being deleted, so you will need to wait until it is available for re-purchase.

Use a Proxy Server to Test the Website

The method lets you determine whether the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error occurs to all users or your browser.

Follow these steps to test the website:

1. Go to a proxy server site like hide.me or HMA.
2. Enter the website’s URL and choose the server location.
3. Click on the Go button.

Problems with your device or browser are more likely to cause this error than with the website if it is accessible from other locations.

How to Fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error (9 Methods)

It is important to note that the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error may occur due to issues relating to the website, the client’s computer, or the internet connection, so the solution will depend on the root issue to be addressed.

This section will provide nine methods to fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error message.

Method 1: Flush the DNS Cache

It is highly recommended that you flush the DNS cache to resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

All the IP addresses of the websites the client has previously visited using the same computer are stored in the DNS cache.

In some cases, the computer may be unable to locate the right website due to outdated IP addresses in the DNS cache.

If you are experiencing the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error on Windows, macOS, or Google Chrome, flush the DNS cache to resolve the issue.

Follow these steps to do it in Windows:

1. Search for the Command Prompt on the Start menu.
2. Click on the Run as administrator option.

3. Type in the commands below when a new window appears and press Enter:

ipconfig /flushdns

4. See whether the error message is still displayed in the browser.

Follow these steps to do it in macOS:

1. Go to the Terminal application.
2. Enter the following commands: 

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

3. Press the Return key.
4. Enter your password and press the Return key again.
5. Check if the error remains in the browser.

Follow these steps to do it in Google Chrome:

The DNS cache of Chrome is separate from the DNS cache of the operating system, so flushing it may solve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error in Chrome.

1. Enter chrome://net-internals/#dns into the Chrome address bar and press Enter.
2. Click on the Clear host cache button.

3. Ensure that the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error has been resolved.

Method 2: Restart DNS Client Service

For Windows users, you may want to restart the DNS client services, which resolves and caches DNS domain names.

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open up Command Prompt.
2. Type in “services.msc” and click on the OK button.

3. Look for DNS Client, right-click on it, and choose Restart.

In the event that the restart option is greyed out for you, you may use the command prompt instead.

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open up Command Prompt.
2. Type in “cmd” and click on the OK button.

3. Enter the following commands:

net stop dnscache

net start dnscache

Depending on what version of Windows you are running, you may receive an error message stating: ‘The requested pause, continue, or stop is not valid for this service.’

If this occurs, it is most likely because CMD must be run as a network service to execute commands.

Alternatively, if you are having this error, it is recommended that you try the alternative methods listed below.

Method 3: Change DNS Servers

You may also consider changing your DNS server as an alternative to fix the error. Your Internet service provider (ISP) automatically assigns DNS servers by default.

However, you may be able to temporarily switch these to a public DNS server, such as Google or Cloudflare.

Some sometimes prefer Google’s public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) since it is more reliable than other public DNS providers. Furthermore, Cloudflare launched a new set of free DNS servers, 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.

In addition, if you wish to use Google’s DNS servers, you must replace the address of the DNS server with the Google DNS address.

Alternatively, you may be able to resolve issues by removing your existing free DNS server and reverting to your ISP’s DNS servers.

Neither Google nor Cloudflare is perfect all the time, and on a few occasions, it has been observed that switching back to Google has resolved the issue.

Follow these steps to change DNS servers in Windows:

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open up Command Prompt.
2. Type in “control panel” and click on the OK button.

3. Click on the Network and Sharing Center option.

4. Click on “Change adapter settings” on the left-hand side.

5. Right-click on your current connection.

Based on how you are connecting, this will either be a Local Area Connection (LAN) or a Wireless Network Connection (WNC).

6. Click on the Properties option.

7. Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 or IPv6 and click on Properties.

8. Note any existing settings in case you need to revert.
9. Select the “Use the following DNS server addresses” option.
10. Enter your DNS servers.
11. Click on the OK button and restart your browser.

Follow these steps to change DNS servers on Mac:

1. Go to System Preferences.

2. Click on the network icon, then click on the Advanced button.

3. Click on the DNS tab.
4. Add your DNS server addresses.
5. Click on the OK button.

Method 4: Check the Local Hosts’ File

Computers use local hosts’ files to associate a domain name with its IP address, so when you open a website, they can display the correct page.

Occasionally, a particular domain name or IP address may be unknowingly marked as inaccessible by the hosts’ file. A simple check and edit of the file may resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

Follow these steps to check the hosts’ file on Windows:

1. Right-click on the Notepad application and select Run as administrator.

2. Go to File, then Open.

3. Change the file filter from Text Documents (*.txt) to All Files.

4. Enter this path in the File name bar:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\

5. Select the hosts’ file and click on the Open button.

Using the # symbol in the file, a list of blacklisted websites will appear beneath the last line.

6. Remove the target website’s domain name and IP address under ::1 localhost line and save changes If you see them.
7. Check the previously blocked websites to see if the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN notification continues to appear.

Follow these steps to check the hosts’ file on macOS:

1. Open the Terminal application.
2. Enter this command:

sudo nano /private/etc/hosts

3. Insert your password. You will be directed to the hosts’ file after this.
4. Delete the websites listed below the last ::1 line.
5. Delete the information regarding the inaccessible site and overwrite the hosts’ file by pressing Command + O.
6. Press Return to confirm the changes.
7. Press Command + X to close the hosts’ file.
8. Check the former blacklisted sites to see if the issue has been resolved.

Method 5: Reset Chrome Flags

It should be noted that Google Chrome Flags are experimental features that have not yet been incorporated into the default browsing experience but have been made available for testing.

Misconfigurations could cause the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Chrome error in some cases.

Follow these steps to disable Chrome Flags:

1. Enter chrome://flags in the address bar and press Enter.

The application allows you to view the new features that are currently active.

2. Click on the Reset all button at the top to return the browser settings to their default state, or change the Enabled Chrome Flags to Disabled.

3. Close and reopen the browser when done.

Method 6: Temporarily Disable VPN and Antivirus

If none of the other options are effective, you might consider disabling VPN, firewalls, and antivirus software.

Especially regarding VPN programs, DNS errors may occur when the extensions are installed on the browser and used externally.

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN may be caused by one of these programs interfering with DNS server settings, so it may be helpful to disable them to resolve the issue temporarily.

Firewalls or antivirus programs may block access to the site if the error is due to a block by one of these programs.

Therefore, before you deactivate one of these software programs, ensure that the website you intend to visit is secure.

This can be accomplished by checking that the site is not listed on global blacklists. In this case, you can enter an address and see whether it has been reported as an unsafe site by other users.

Method 7: Restart Your Computer

Something is annoying about it, but it needs to be noted. In addition, you may wish to try restarting your computer and perhaps your router.

Although most people have hundreds of tabs and applications open, restarting a device clears out a large amount of temporary cache and may fix the error.

Method 8: Restart Your Router or Modem

If you are accessing the internet through a router or modem, restarting it may help you resolve the “dns_probe_finished_nxdomain” error.

Turning off and then on a modem or router will clear the cache of IP addresses, which will fix the error in the long run.

Follow these steps to restart your router or modem:

1. Find the power button and long-press to turn it off.
2. Wait a few minutes.
3. Long-press again to turn it on.

Method 9: Fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error on Android

Suppose you are experiencing the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error on Android after verifying that the system or the browser does not need updating. In that case, you may wish to clear the browser’s cache and cookies.

Alternatively, suppose this procedure does not work. You can manually set up DNS servers using public DNS servers, such as Google’s.

Follow these steps to do this:

1. Access the settings of the WiFi network you are connected to.
2. Change the IP settings to Static.

3. Replace DNS 1 and 2 with the Google DNS servers 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

General FAQ About DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

This article will answer frequently asked questions to help you fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

What is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN?

This error occurs when the IP address does not match the DNS address of your computer. The entire message is converted into an IP address by DNS on a technical level.

When a person enters a URL in their browser, the DNS is consulted to determine the appropriate IP address for the feed server.

What does dns_probe_finished_nxdomain mean?

When a user’s computer cannot resolve the address of the target website, it causes an error, and it is dns_probe_finished_nxdomain meaning. This is a DNS-related error that can be resolved quickly.

How Do I Fix the Error Code DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN?

If the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error occurs, the IP address should be released and renewed. The DNS client service is recommended to be restarted, and the DNS servers must be changed.

Your computer must then be restarted after you have reset the Chrome flags, disabled VPN and antivirus, and checked the local hosts’ file and the DNS for your domain.

How Do You Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN on Mobile?

The following are some recommendations and things to check to resolve the issue on your mobile device:

• Restart your device.
• Check for updates to the Chrome App.
• Clear Chrome’s browser data and app data.
• Maintain your system by checking for updates.
• Ensure that your mobile device’s network settings are correct.

Conclusion

This article has explained DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN, the error variations, and its leading causes. Additionally, nine methods will be shared to resolve this issue.

It is our sincere pleasure to have you read this article. Comments and questions may be posted in the comments section.

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