One of the most frustrating errors you can encounter while browsing the internet is the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. This error typically appears when trying to access a website and the browser fails to resolve the domain name to an IP address. It essentially means that your browser is unable to contact the DNS server to translate the website's domain name into an IP address, which is necessary to load the webpage.In this knowledgebase, we’ll explore the causes of the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error, how it affects browsing, and provide detailed troubleshooting steps for fixing the issue. Whether you're experiencing this error intermittently or consistently, this guide will provide the information needed to resolve it.

Understanding the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error

What is ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED?

The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error occurs when a browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari) is unable to resolve the domain name of a website you are trying to visit. It happens during the DNS resolution process, which is responsible for translating human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (such as 192.168.1.1).

This error message indicates that the DNS system could not translate the domain name, so the browser was unable to connect to the website.

• Common Scenario: You type www.example.com in your browser, but instead of loading the website, you get an error that says ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED. This typically happens if the browser cannot reach a DNS server or if the DNS configuration is incorrect.

 Why Does This Error Occur?

The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error can be triggered by several factors, most of which are related to DNS resolution issues. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Incorrect DNS Settings: If your computer is not using a valid DNS server or if the server is down, it can’t resolve domain names.
2. Corrupted DNS Cache: A corrupted or outdated DNS cache can result in DNS lookup failures, causing this error.
3. Internet Connection Issues: DNS resolution requires an active internet connection. If there’s a problem with your connection, DNS queries might fail.
4. Problems with Your ISP’s DNS Server: Sometimes the DNS servers provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may be down or slow.
5. Firewall or Security Software Blocking DNS Requests: Antivirus or firewall software could block DNS traffic, preventing the browser from resolving domain names.
6. Misconfigured Router Settings: If your router’s DNS settings are misconfigured, the devices connected to it will experience DNS issues.
7. Hosts File Modifications: If the local hosts file on your computer has been modified, it may interfere with DNS resolution.

 How Does DNS Resolution Work?

To understand why ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED occurs, it’s essential to know how DNS resolution works:

1. User Input: When you type a domain name (e.g., www.example.com) into your browser, the browser needs to translate that domain into an IP address.
2. DNS Query: The browser sends a DNS query to your DNS resolver (usually provided by your ISP or a third-party service like Google DNS).
3. Response from DNS Server: If the DNS server knows the IP address for the domain, it returns the corresponding IP address to your browser.
4. Website Load: The browser then uses the IP address to connect to the server hosting the website and load the page.

If the DNS resolver cannot find the correct IP address for the domain, the browser will display an error such as ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED.

Common Causes of ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED

 Incorrect DNS Server Settings

When your computer or device is not using a valid DNS server, the browser will fail to resolve domain names, resulting in the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. This can happen if:

• The DNS server settings have been manually configured incorrectly.
• Your ISP’s DNS server is not functioning correctly.

 Corrupted DNS Cache

Your system caches DNS results to improve performance. However, if the cache becomes corrupted or outdated, it may prevent your browser from resolving domain names. This often occurs if your system has stored incorrect DNS records.

 Internet Connection Issues

Your device needs an active internet connection to reach a DNS server and resolve domain names. If your internet connection is unstable, you may experience frequent DNS resolution failures.

 Problems with ISP DNS Server

Your ISP’s DNS server may be experiencing issues, causing delays or failures in domain name resolution. This can happen during outages, maintenance, or technical issues with the ISP.

 Misconfigured Router Settings

A misconfigured router can cause network-wide DNS issues. If your router’s DNS settings are incorrect, every device on your network will experience DNS problems, resulting in the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.

Hosts File Modifications

The hosts file on your computer maps domain names to IP addresses. If this file is misconfigured or contains incorrect entries, it can interfere with DNS resolution, causing errors when trying to access websites.

 Firewall or Antivirus Software Blocking DNS Requests

Some antivirus programs or firewalls may block DNS requests, mistakenly treating them as potential security threats. This can lead to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error when the browser is unable to resolve domain names.

How to Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Browser Error

Here are a series of steps you can follow to troubleshoot and fix the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.

 Check Your Internet Connection

Since DNS resolution requires an active internet connection, the first step in resolving this error is to ensure that your device is connected to the internet.

• Solution: Check if other devices on the same network are experiencing similar issues. Try restarting your router and modem to reset your internet connection.

Restart Your Browser

Sometimes, browser-specific issues can trigger the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. Restarting the browser can clear any temporary glitches.

• Solution: Close your browser and reopen it. If the problem persists, try opening the website in a different browser to rule out browser-specific issues.

Clear the DNS Cache

Clearing the DNS cache on your computer can resolve DNS resolution problems. Cached entries can sometimes become outdated or corrupted, leading to errors.

• On Windows:

  1. Open the Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type the command ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
  3. Restart your browser and try to visit the website again.

• On macOS:

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. Type the command sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.
  3. Restart your browser and try again.

• On Linux:

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. Type the command sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches and press Enter.

 Change Your DNS Server

If your ISP’s DNS server is having issues, switching to a more reliable and faster third-party DNS provider can resolve the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.

• Google DNS:

  • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
  • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4

• Cloudflare DNS:

  • Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
  • Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1

To change your DNS server:

• On Windows:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
  2. Right-click your active connection and choose Properties.
  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties.
  4. Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the DNS addresses you want to use.

• On macOS:

  1. Go to System Preferences > Network.
  2. Select your active network connection, then click Advanced.
  3. Go to the DNS tab and add the new DNS servers.

 Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Antivirus software or firewalls may block DNS requests, causing the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. Temporarily disabling them can help identify if they are causing the issue.

• Solution: Disable your firewall or antivirus temporarily and check if the error persists. If disabling the software resolves the issue, consider adjusting the firewall or antivirus settings to allow DNS traffic.

 Reset Router DNS Settings

If you are using a router, it may be misconfigured. Resetting your router’s DNS settings to the default or using a third-party DNS provider can fix the problem.

• Solution: Log in to your router’s settings (typically through a web interface) and change the DNS server addresses to reliable ones (e.g., Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS).

Check the Hosts File for Modifications

Sometimes, modifications to your computer’s hosts file can interfere with DNS resolution. This file maps domain names to IP addresses, and incorrect entries can prevent proper domain resolution.

• On Windows:

  1. Go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
  2. Open the hosts file in Notepad.
  3. Look for any entries that are blocking or misdirecting DNS requests and remove them.

• On macOS:

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. Type sudo nano /etc/hosts and press Enter.
  3. Remove any incorrect or unwanted entries.

Test the Website Using nslookup or dig

If you’re still experiencing the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error, you can use tools like nslookup (Windows) or dig (macOS/Linux) to check if the DNS server can resolve the website’s domain name.

• On Windows:

  1. Open Command Prompt.
  2. Type nslookup www.example.com and press Enter.
  3. If the response is an IP address, the DNS resolution is working fine.

• On macOS/Linux:

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. Type dig www.example.com and press Enter.
  3. If you get an IP address in the response, DNS resolution is working fine.

 Contact Your ISP

If none of the above steps work, the issue may lie with your ISP’s DNS servers. Contact your ISP for assistance, and ask if they are experiencing any DNS server issues.

Home Users (Individual Computer Use)

• Usage: Individuals at home often experience this error due to local DNS issues, outdated browser cache, or network misconfigurations. Fixing it involves clearing browser data, checking DNS settings, or switching to public DNS services (Google DNS or Cloudflare).
• Fix: Clearing cache and changing DNS settings in the router or device (e.g., setting DNS to 8.8.8.8).

Business/Office Networks

• Usage: In a corporate environment, the error might be more widespread if DNS servers or network configurations are misconfigured. Employees might not be able to access websites critical for their work.
• Fix: Network administrators would need to check the internal DNS server configuration, test external DNS resolution, and reset the router/firewall configurations.

Web Hosting and Development

• Usage: Developers working on websites might encounter this error if they have configured the domain nameservers incorrectly or the website’s DNS records are not set up properly.
• Fix: Ensure proper configuration of DNS records (A, CNAME, etc.) and wait for DNS propagation. Developers should also verify the server's DNS configuration and troubleshoot domain issues with the hosting provider.

Network Troubleshooting

• Usage: Network administrators or IT support staff often use troubleshooting tools like nslookup, ping, or traceroute to diagnose network and DNS issues.
• Fix: Running commands like nslookup <domain> or ping <IP> can help identify DNS issues. If the DNS request fails, adjusting DNS settings or checking for network outages may be necessary.

ISP-Related Issues

• Usage: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may have temporary DNS outages or misconfigured DNS servers, leading to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.
• Fix: Contacting the ISP to verify if there are any known DNS server issues or switching to a third-party DNS (like Google DNS or Cloudflare) could resolve the error.

VPN Users

• Usage: VPN services can sometimes create DNS resolution problems if the DNS servers used by the VPN are down or incompatible with the user’s device.
• Fix: Users should disconnect from the VPN to check if the error persists. If it resolves, changing the VPN’s DNS server or switching VPN providers might be necessary.

Mobile Users (Smartphone/Tablet)

• Usage: Mobile devices can encounter the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error when trying to access websites over a cellular or Wi-Fi network. This can be due to DNS issues on the mobile network or misconfigured settings.
• Fix: On mobile devices, resetting the network settings or switching to a different network (e.g., Wi-Fi to mobile data or vice versa) can help resolve the error.

Remote Work and Home Offices

• Usage: Remote workers may experience the error when accessing company resources or external sites. Network issues, incorrect DNS settings, or VPN conflicts may contribute.
• Fix: Ensuring proper VPN configuration, using consistent DNS settings across devices, and troubleshooting by restarting the router and devices can help.

Cloud-Based Applications

• Usage: Businesses relying on cloud services (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure) may experience this error if DNS configurations for cloud-hosted services are incorrect or DNS servers are unavailable.
• Fix: The solution involves ensuring the DNS records for cloud services are correctly set up, and any issues with the cloud provider’s DNS resolution are addressed.

Public Wi-Fi Networks (e.g., Coffee Shops, Airports)

• Usage: Users on public Wi-Fi networks may encounter the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error because of unreliable DNS resolution on the shared network.
• Fix: Using a mobile hotspot, switching to a different public network, or configuring the device to use a more reliable DNS server (like Google's 8.8.8.8) can resolve the issue in public spaces.

DNS Server Issues

• Description: The most common cause of the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error is a DNS server failure or misconfiguration. If the DNS server cannot resolve the domain name to an IP address, the browser will throw this error.
• Solution: Switch to a reliable DNS server like Google’s (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1) and test again.

Incorrect DNS Records on the Website’s Server

• Description: If the website you are trying to access has incorrect or missing DNS records (such as A, CNAME, or MX records), the browser cannot resolve the domain name.
• Solution: Verify and update the DNS records for the website. This typically requires access to the domain registrar or hosting provider.

Expired Domain Name or DNS Propagation Delay

• Description: If a domain name has expired or if recent DNS changes are still propagating across the internet, this can lead to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.
• Solution: Check if the domain is still active, and wait for DNS propagation to complete (this can take up to 48 hours).

Local DNS Cache Corruption

• Description: Over time, the local DNS cache on your device may become outdated or corrupted, leading to DNS resolution failures.
• Solution: Clear the DNS cache by running ipconfig /flushdns on Windows or sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder on macOS.

Misconfigured Hosts File

• Description: The hosts file on your local system can override DNS resolution. If there are incorrect entries in the hosts file, the browser might fail to resolve a domain.
• Solution: Check the hosts file on your system (typically located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts for Windows or /etc/hosts for macOS/Linux) and ensure there are no invalid entries.

Firewall or Security Software Blocking DNS Resolution

• Description: Sometimes, firewall or security software can block DNS requests or interfere with the DNS resolution process, leading to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.
• Solution: Temporarily disable the firewall or security software and check if the error persists. If it resolves, adjust the firewall settings to allow DNS traffic.

DNS Resolver Settings Misconfigured on Router

• Description: If the router’s DNS settings are misconfigured or the router is using unreliable DNS servers, it can prevent devices on the network from resolving domain names.
• Solution: Access the router's admin settings and change the DNS servers to more reliable ones like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222).

Browser-Specific DNS Issues

• Description: Certain browsers may have their own DNS resolution mechanisms that could malfunction or conflict with system-wide DNS settings. This could cause DNS resolution errors specific to that browser.
• Solution: Test the site in a different browser to check if the issue persists. If the issue is browser-specific, clearing the browser cache or resetting the browser settings might help.

Proxy Server Misconfiguration

• Description: If a proxy server is misconfigured or unavailable, it may prevent DNS requests from being properly routed, leading to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.
• Solution: Disable or reconfigure the proxy settings in your browser or system settings.

DNS Leak or VPN Configuration Issues

• Description: When using a VPN, DNS queries might leak outside the VPN tunnel or use incorrect DNS servers, resulting in a failure to resolve domain names.
• Solution: Disable the VPN and test the connection without it. Alternatively, configure the VPN to use the correct DNS servers, or try using a DNS leak protection feature if available.

What is the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error?

• Answer: The error occurs when your browser cannot resolve the domain name to an IP address. This means your browser is unable to contact the server hosting the website you want to visit. It often happens due to DNS issues, network problems, or incorrect settings in your local environment.

How can I fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED on my browser?

• Answer: You can try the following steps:
  • Clear browser cache and cookies: These might be causing issues with loading the page.
  • Check DNS settings: Ensure your DNS settings are correct, or try using a public DNS like Google's (8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4).
  • Flush DNS cache: On Windows, use the ipconfig /flushdns command in Command Prompt.
  • Restart the router: Your router may have DNS issues that need resetting.
  • Disable VPN/Proxy: If you’re using a VPN or proxy, try disabling them to see if the issue resolves.

What causes ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED in Chrome?

• Answer: This error is often caused by a DNS resolution failure, network connectivity issues, or incorrect domain configurations on the server-side. It can also happen if Chrome’s DNS cache is outdated.

How do I flush the DNS cache?

• Answer:
  • On Windows: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type ipconfig /flushdns.
  • On macOS: Open Terminal and type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.
  • On Linux: Use sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches or sudo service network-manager restart.

Can an incorrect DNS server cause ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED?

• Answer: Yes, if your DNS server is down or misconfigured, your browser will not be able to resolve domain names. You can try switching to a different DNS server (e.g., Google DNS or OpenDNS).

Why does ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED happen when using a VPN?

• Answer: A VPN might route your internet traffic through servers that have DNS issues, causing the error. You can test by disabling the VPN to see if the problem persists.

How do I change my DNS settings?

• Answer:
  • On Windows: Go to Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings > Right-click on your network connection > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1).
  • On macOS: Go to System Preferences > Network > Select your network connection > Advanced > DNS > Add the desired DNS servers.

How do I check if my DNS server is working?

• Answer: You can use the nslookup command in Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) to check DNS resolution. For example, nslookup www.example.com should return an IP address if the DNS is working.

Is it possible that the website server is causing ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED?

• Answer: Yes, if the website’s DNS records are misconfigured or the server is down, you may encounter this error. In this case, the issue lies with the website itself, not your local machine.

What is the role of DNS in ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED?

• Answer: DNS is responsible for converting the website's domain name (e.g., www.example.com) into an IP address that the browser can connect to. If DNS fails to resolve the domain, the browser cannot access the website, leading to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.