Learn how to fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error in Chrome, Windows, and macOS. Step-by-step solutions for users and website owners.
What is the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error?
This error means your browser cannot find the IP address of the domain you’re trying to visit.
It usually appears in Google Chrome as:
- DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
- “This site can’t be reached. Server IP address could not be found.”
Common causes include:
- Misconfigured DNS settings
- Outdated local cache
- Domain not pointing to the correct server
- Firewall or VPN issues
Step-by-Step Fix for Users
✅ Step 1: Clear Browser Cache & Cookies
- In Chrome: Settings → Privacy → Clear Browsing Data → Cookies & Cache.
- Restart your browser and try again.
✅ Step 2: Flush Local DNS Cache
Windows:
ipconfig /flushdns
macOS:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):
sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches
✅ Step 3: Change DNS Server
Switch to a public DNS provider for reliability.
- Google DNS:
8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4 - Cloudflare DNS:
1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1 - OpenDNS:
208.67.222.222 208.67.220.220
✅ Step 4: Restart Network Settings
- Restart your router or modem.
- Disable VPN or Proxy temporarily.
- Check if your ISP is blocking the domain.
Step-by-Step Fix for Website Owners
If you’re the website owner and visitors are reporting this error:
1. Verify Your Domain is Registered
Use a WHOIS lookup to check if your domain is active.
2. Check DNS Records
Make sure you have the correct A, AAAA, or CNAME records.
For example:
A→ points to your server’s IPv4 address.AAAA→ points to your server’s IPv6 address.CNAME→ used for subdomains.
3. Wait for DNS Propagation
When you update DNS, it may take 24–48 hours to fully propagate worldwide.
4. Check Hosting Configuration
If DNS is correct but the error persists, check your server’s Nginx/Apache configuration to ensure it’s listening for the right domain.
⚡ Quick Recap
- For users: Clear cache, flush DNS, change DNS servers, restart router.
- For site owners: Verify domain, correct DNS records, allow propagation, check server setup.
✅ Following these steps should resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error for both visitors and website owners.