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Guide to Fix Error Code – DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

In today’s date, Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers. The majority of users depend upon it. But there’s no surety that the website will always give you a smooth experience. Sometimes it happens that you may get certain glitch or an error that can block you from accessing the site altogether.

Some are common, and some are entirely unheard of. The commonly faced Google Chrome error DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is one among the big pool of Google Errors, which can be somewhat annoying.

Before we jump into what’s this Google Chrome error, DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is all about, first, let’s understand what’s DNS.

What’s DNS?

It’s a fact that you, me, or any other user can remember dozens of website names. But if you’re not an IT geek, it might sound strange that these website names which are easier to remember are, in reality, gets transferred to its IP (Internet Protocol) address.

So, whenever you enter the site’s URL, DNS (Domain Name System) gets in between to connect that website with its actual server’s IP address. Put simply, it’s DNS, which helps to transfer to the IP (Internet Protocol) Address based system by using human-friendly names. It gives benefits to users to use internet resources like a website without remembering IP addresses or port numbers.

Moreover, this process is known as DNS name resolution, which involves a DNS recursor, which queries different nameservers for finding out the real IP address of the website’s server.

What is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN?

Not always the case, but sometimes it happens that DNS fails to find the address or the domain name which you’re trying to visit. In that case, you would have a high chance of receiving an error DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN on different OS – Windows, Android, and Mac.

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is one of the Google chrome errors, which indicates the failure of the DNS lookup. In this error message, NXDOMAIN stands for Non-Existent Domain.

the-webpage-is-not-available
Lastly, Google Chrome error- DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN, blocks users from reaching their preferred website along with the message “This site is not available” or another one “This site can’t be reached.”

How to Fix Google Chrome Error DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN?

Luckily, this Google Chrome error have certain sets of solution depending upon the operating system – Windows, Mac, or Android you’re using. Equally, it’s also a truth that the solution of one operating system will differ from another one.

Let’s get through the steps to solve this Google Chrome error one by one.

How to Fix Google Chrome Error DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN On Windows?

Below are some of the standard solutions which you can refer one by one if you’re facing this Google Chrome Error DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN on Windows operating system.

  1. Releasing & Renewing IP Address
  2. Restarting DNS Client Service
  3. Changing DNS Servers
  4. Resetting Google Chrome Flags
  5. Disable VPN and Antivirus Temporarily
  6. Verify Local Hosts File
  7. Verify DNS of Your Domain
  8. Restarting Your Computer

1. Releasing & Renewing IP Address

It’s a fact that Google Chrome error is one of the client-side DNS issues. So, it’s recommended to try releasing and renewing the IP address on your computer, which involves flushing the DNS cache. Follow the below steps for the same:

  • Open Command Prompt from Windows Run box. For that, type “cmd” and hit the Enter button.
run-cmd
  • Once the command prompt opens, type the command: ipconfig /release and hit Enter. It’ll release your present IP address.
cmd-ipconfig-release
  • Now, type: ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter button. This command will flush your local DNS cache. If it’s done correctly, you’ll receive a message “Successfully flushed the DNS resolver Cache.“
cmd-ipconfig-flush
  • Now, type another command: ipconfig /renew and hit Enter button. It’ll renew your IP address.
cmd-ipconfig-renew
  • However, you can also reset your IP settings and Winsock catalog through commands: netsh int ip set dns & netsh winsock reset.
  • Or else you can even flush and renew your DNS by disabling and re-enabling network adapter.

2. Restarting DNS Client Service

For restarting DNS client service,

  • Now, go to the Windows Service Manager. For that open Run Box and type “services.msc” and hit the Enter button.
run-services-msc
  • Now, search and select “DNS Client” and right-click on it and select the option “Restart.”
services-dns-client
  • In case the Restart button is disabled, then another option is through the command prompt.
  • Type “cmd” in the Windows Run Box and click the “OK” button.
run-cmd
  • Now, enter the following command:
net stop dnscache
 net start dnscache
However, there’s a possibility of receiving an error message depending upon the version of your Windows OS.

For example, you can face an error message like The requested pause, continue, or stop is not valid for this service.

3. Changing DNS Servers

If the above steps didn’t work, then you can try modifying your DNS servers. Generally, your ISP automatically assigns DNS servers, but you can try changing it to the public DNS server. For instance, Google.

For changing DNS Servers, follow the below steps:

  • Open Control Panel
control-panel
  • When the control panel opens, select and open “Network and Internet” and then “Network and Sharing Center” and in that select “Change Adapter Settings.”
change-adapter-settings
  • Now, select and right-click your current internet connection, depending upon the one you have, Local Area Connection (LAN) or Wireless Network Connection based upon how you connect. Now, click “Properties.”
wireless-network
From Properties,

For changing DNS Servers, follow below steps:

  • Go to Wireless Network Connection Properties. From that, select the Networking tab. Now, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (or Version 6) and finally “Properties” button.
internet-protocol-version4
If you have any existing settings, then save it for later. Now, select the option “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter or replace with the below values:

For instance, here we’re using Google’s Public DNS IP Addresses:

  • For IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
  • For IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844
ipv-4-dns
  • Now, click the OK button and restart your browser.

4. Resetting Google Chrome Flags

Chances are there Google Chrome settings, or any experimental features might have changed accidentally. To reset back to default type: chrome://flags into your web browser’s address bar and hit enter. Now, click on the button “Reset all to default” and restart your browser.
chrome-reset-all-to-default

5. Turning Off Antivirus or VPN

If you’ve tried all the above steps and still, you’re facing this issue, please try turning off your installed Antivirus or VPN. As it’s possible that it might be creating a conflict or overriding your network settings along with DNS servers. Eventually, displaying this Google Chrome error message: DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN.

6. Verify URL of the Website

It may sound quite absurd, but it can happen that you might have made a mistake in typing the URL of the website, and you end up receiving this Google Chrome error message: DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN. Check your browser’s address bar, whether you’ve made any mistake while entering the URL of the website.
this-site-cant-be-reached

7. Verify Local Hosts File

The computer contains many files, and one of them is a host file, which is a local file used for translating NetBIOS or domain names into an IP address. Generally, editing of this file is done whenever any user wants to look through DNS before switching domains to a new host. So, go through this Local Hosts file and verify whether the website you’re trying to visit is enlisted in this file. If yes, then remove it as sometimes Google Chrome error message DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN can be due to this.

To open and edit Local Hosts file:

  • Open any text editor. For example, Notepad and locate the host file:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\
  • Now, select All Files (*.*) option and from the list open file named: hosts
remove-the-host-file

8. Restarting Your Computer

It’s not something anyone would like to do, but in case none of the above steps work and the website you want to visit is quite essential, then this last option is to restart your computer for once. It’s possible that this Google Chrome error might get resolved as rebooting devices clears many temporary caches.

How to Fix Google Chrome Error DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN On Mac?

If you’re using Mac OS, below are some of the solutions, you can count upon to resolve this Google Chrome error message DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN.

  1. Releasing & Renewing IP Address
  2. Modification of DNS Servers
  3. Verification of Local Hosts File

1. Release & Renewal of IP Address

For releasing and renewing the IP address on your Mac, follow the below steps.

  • Go to System Preferences
mac-system-preferences
  • Select the Advanced option, once you click the network icon.
mac-network-advanced
  • Click “Renew DHCP” from the TCP/IP tab.
Similarly, you also have an option to clear your local DNS cache on Mac, like Windows. For that

  • Go to Utilities and select Terminal
mac-terminal
  • Now, enter the command: dscacheutil -flushcache
flush-cache-mac
Note: You’ll not be displayed any message upon the completion of the command.

2. Modification of DNS Servers

For modifying DNS servers on a Mac system, follow below steps:

  • Go to System Preferences
mac-system-preferences
  • Click the “Advanced” button from the Network.
mac-network-advanced
  • Select, DNS tab
mac-dns
Now, modify DNS IP Address.

For instance, Google’s Public DNS IP Addresses:

  • For IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
  • For IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844

3. Verification of Local Hosts File

For confirming local hosts file on a Mac OS,

  • From the above menu, select “Go” then “Utilities.” Once Utilities open, select, and click “Terminal.”
mac-terminal
  • Once the Terminal opens, enter the below command and hit the Enter button.

sudo nano /private/etc/hosts

Now, make sure the website you’re trying to visit is not recorded in the host file. If it’s listed, then remove it.

How to Fix Google Chrome Error DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN On Android?

If you’re facing this Google chrome error message – DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN in your Android device then go through the below steps.

  1. Changing DNS Settings
  2. Flushing DNS Cache
  3. Reinstalling Your Google Chrome App

1. Changing DNS Settings

To make changes in DNS settings of your Android device, follow the below steps:

  • From your device select Settings > Wi-Fi > > Modify network.
  • Select, Show advanced options.
  • Now, look for IP settings and make its value Static.
  • Finally, you can perform this optional step of changing DNS settings to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for another DNS option.

2. Flushing DNS Cache

If you’ve got an Android device with a removable battery, then simply turn off the device, remove the battery and wait for a minute. Again, insert the battery back and try to open the website. Mostly, the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error message might have resolved.

In case your Android phone is with a non-removable battery, then follow the below steps:

  • Go to the Google Chrome app.
  • In the URL address bar enter: chrome://net-internals/#DNS
android-chrome-dns
  • Now, select the option DNS from the left menu bar.
  • And click the Clear host cache button.
  • Now, click back arrow and select the option “Clear Cache” and “Flush Sockets.”
clear-dns-cache-flush-sockets-on-chrome-android
  • Lastly, restart your Chrome app.

3. Reinstalling Your Google Chrome App

As the title implies, simply remove your Google Chrome app from your device and reinstall the latest version from the Google Play store.

Here’s How Google Chrome Error Message: DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Is Display In:

Mozilla Firefox

In Mozilla Firefox it will simply display a message

Hmm. We’re having trouble finding that site

along with

We can’t connect to the server at domain.com.

dns-probe-finished-nxdomain-error-in-firefox

Microsoft Edge

In Microsoft Edge it will display:

Hmmm… can’t reach this page

along with the message

Make sure you’ve got the right web address: domain.com.

dns-probe-finished-nxdomain-error-in-edge

Apple Safari

In Mac, Safari, the message is:

Safari Can’t Find the Server

along with

Safari can’t open the page “domain.com” because Safari can’t find the server “domain.com”.

dns-probe-finished-nxdomain-error-in-safari

Summary

No matter which error we face, whether it’s DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN or any other. It does become annoying if the website becomes inaccessible. However, it’s one of the commonly faced error messages of the Google Chrome which is faced by the users, and here in this article, we’ve given steps to resolve this Google Chrome error message: DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN for Windows, Mac, and Android along with how it looks like in other browsers namely Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge.

In case if you’ve been able to solve this Error code: DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN in any other way, then please share with us in the comment section below.

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