If you’ve ever encountered the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error while browsing the web, you know how frustrating it can be. This error typically appears in Google Chrome (and other Chromium-based browsers like Microsoft Edge) when the browser is unable to resolve the domain name of the website you’re trying to visit. Essentially, it means that the DNS (Domain Name System) resolution failed, and as a result, the browser cannot find the website you want to visit.In this guide, we'll explore what causes the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error, the technical aspects behind it, and most importantly, how to fix it. Whether you are a website owner or a casual user, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to resolve the issue and get back online.

What is the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error?

The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error is an indication that your browser cannot connect to the website you are trying to access because it was unable to resolve the domain name (for example, www.example.com) into the corresponding IP address. This failure usually occurs due to DNS issues, as DNS is responsible for mapping domain names to IP addresses.The process of resolving a domain name involves querying DNS servers, which return the correct IP address for the domain. If this process fails, the browser cannot access the site, and the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED message appears.

Common Causes of ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Errors

There are several potential reasons why this error may occur, ranging from issues with the website’s DNS settings to problems with your local network. Here are some of the most common causes:

 DNS Server Issues

• Cause: DNS servers are responsible for resolving domain names to IP addresses. If your DNS server is down, slow, or incorrectly configured, it may be unable to resolve the website’s domain, resulting in the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.
• Solution: Switch to a different DNS server (such as Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS) to ensure better performance and reliability.

 Incorrect DNS Configuration on Your Device

• Cause: If your device’s DNS settings are incorrect, it may not be able to resolve domain names correctly. This could happen due to manual changes, incorrect settings from an ISP, or a misconfiguration during setup.
• Solution: Verify and update your DNS settings to use reliable DNS servers (e.g., 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google DNS).

 DNS Cache Corruption

• Cause: Your computer, router, or DNS server caches previously resolved domain names. Over time, these caches can become outdated or corrupted, preventing the browser from correctly resolving the domain name.
• Solution: Flush your DNS cache to remove any outdated or corrupt data.

 Website DNS Configuration Problems

• Cause: Sometimes, the website you're trying to visit may have DNS configuration problems on its end, such as missing or incorrect DNS records. If the website’s DNS records are not set up properly, the browser will not be able to resolve the domain name, resulting in this error.
• Solution: If you're the website owner, ensure that your DNS settings are correctly configured with your domain registrar or hosting provider. If you're a user, contact the website's support to inform them of the issue.

Firewall or Antivirus Interference

• Cause: A firewall or antivirus software on your computer may block DNS requests, leading to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. This could happen if the firewall or security software is overly aggressive or misconfigured.
• Solution: Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus and check if you can access the website. If the error resolves, adjust the firewall or antivirus settings to allow DNS requests.

 Issues with Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

• Cause: Your ISP may be experiencing DNS issues or using a DNS server that is slow or unreliable, causing the domain resolution process to fail.
• Solution: Switch to a third-party DNS provider (such as Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS) to bypass the ISP’s DNS server.

 Connectivity Issues

• Cause: Poor or intermittent internet connectivity can result in failed DNS queries. If your network connection is unstable or if your device is disconnected from the internet, it may not be able to resolve the domain name.
• Solution: Check your internet connection to ensure it’s stable. If you’re using Wi-Fi, consider switching to a wired connection for better reliability.

Temporary Server Issues

• Cause: Sometimes, the DNS server you’re using might be temporarily down or experiencing high traffic, causing it to fail to resolve domain names.
• Solution: Wait for the issue to resolve itself, or switch to a different DNS server to bypass the problematic one.

 Browser-Specific Issues

• Cause: The issue may be isolated to your web browser, possibly due to a corrupted browser cache, an extension interfering with DNS resolution, or outdated browser settings.
• Solution: Try accessing the site in a different browser. If the error persists, clear your browser cache, disable extensions, and ensure your browser is up to date.

 Problems with Router or Network Configuration

• Cause: Misconfigured network settings or issues with your router may prevent your computer from correctly accessing DNS servers, leading to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.
• Solution: Restart your router, check for firmware updates, or reset it to default settings.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED

Here are the most effective methods to resolve the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. You can try each solution based on the possible causes of the issue.

 Check Your Internet Connection

• Steps:
  1. Ensure your device is properly connected to the internet.
  2. If you're on Wi-Fi, try switching to a wired connection.
  3. Test the internet connection by visiting other websites. If other websites are also not working, the problem is likely with your internet connection.
  4. Restart your modem/router to resolve potential connectivity issues.

 Clear Your DNS Cache

• Steps:
  1. Open Command Prompt on Windows or Terminal on macOS.
  2. Type the following command to flush your DNS cache:
     • Windows: ipconfig /flushdns
     • macOS: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
  3. Hit Enter to clear the cache.
  4. Restart your browser and check if the error persists.

 Change Your DNS Server

• Steps:
  1. Go to your device's Network Settings.
  2. Find the DNS settings (usually under "Advanced" settings).
  3. Change the DNS server to a public DNS provider:
     • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
     • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
  4. Save the changes and restart your browser to see if the issue is resolved.

 Reset Your Browser Settings

• Steps:
  1. Open Google Chrome and go to the Settings menu.
  2. Scroll down and click Advanced to reveal more options.
  3. Under Reset and clean up, click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  4. Confirm the reset and restart your browser.
  5. Try accessing the website again.

 Disable Your Firewall/Antivirus Temporarily

• Steps:
  1. Disable your firewall or antivirus software temporarily.
  2. Attempt to access the website again.
  3. If the error resolves, the firewall/antivirus was blocking DNS traffic.
  4. Re-enable the firewall/antivirus and configure it to allow DNS queries, or switch to a different security software.

Use Incognito or Private Browsing Mode

• Steps:
  1. Open your browser and go to Incognito Mode (Chrome) or Private Browsing Mode (Firefox).
  2. Try accessing the website.
  3. If the site loads correctly in Incognito Mode, your browser cache or extensions may be causing the issue.
  4. Clear your browser cache or disable extensions to find the root cause.

 Restart Your Router

• Steps:
  1. Turn off your router, wait for about 30 seconds, and turn it back on.
  2. After the router restarts, try accessing the website again.
  3. If you still see the error, check your router's settings to ensure it’s using the correct DNS settings.

 Contact Your ISP

• Steps:
  1. If the error persists despite trying the above methods, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
  2. Ask them if they are experiencing DNS issues or if they can provide assistance in resolving the error.
  3. If necessary, switch to a third-party DNS provider as mentioned earlier.

 Check the Website’s DNS Records

• Steps:
  1. If you are the website owner, log into your domain registrar account and check the DNS records.
  2. Ensure that the A record, CNAME record, and other relevant DNS settings are correctly configured.
  3. If you’re not the owner, contact the website’s support team to report the issue.

Try Another Browser

• Steps:
  1. If the error appears only in one browser, try accessing the website in a different browser (e.g., Firefox, Safari).
  2. If the website loads in another browser, the issue may be isolated to your primary browser.

• Usage Field for Fixing ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Browser Errors

  The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error commonly occurs in modern browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers when they are unable to resolve the domain name to the corresponding IP address. This issue can occur in various contexts and environments, affecting both individual users and businesses. Here are some usage fields where this error is often encountered and needs resolution:

  1. Individual Users Browsing the Web

     • Purpose: When a person is browsing the internet, accessing personal blogs, social media, or general websites, this error can interrupt the user experience.
     • Impact: Individuals may be unable to access websites they want to visit, leading to frustration or lost productivity.

  2. E-Commerce Websites and Online Shops

     • Purpose: Businesses with e-commerce platforms rely on smooth and uninterrupted website access to serve customers.
     • Impact: If customers experience the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error while trying to purchase items or browse the website, it can result in lost sales and a poor user experience.

  3. Corporate Websites and Internal Networks

     • Purpose: In a business or enterprise context, websites, intranets, or internal applications might rely on DNS resolution to function properly.
     • Impact: If DNS resolution fails, employees or customers may not be able to access vital business applications, documents, or communication tools, leading to inefficiencies or disruptions in operations.

  4. Web Hosting Providers

     • Purpose: Web hosting companies that manage domain name systems for their clients may encounter the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error if DNS records or server configurations are incorrect.
     • Impact: Clients may not be able to access their websites, affecting their business operations, reputation, and customer relationships.

  5. Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)

     • Purpose: CDNs help distribute content across the globe, and DNS resolution is key to ensuring users can reach the right server quickly.
     • Impact: If a CDN’s DNS server is misconfigured, users may see the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error, leading to delays, reduced performance, or downtime.

  6. Developers and Website Administrators

     • Purpose: Developers or system administrators setting up DNS configurations for a website or application could run into this error during testing or troubleshooting phases.
     • Impact: Misconfigured DNS records could delay launches or debugging, leading to a poor user experience for both developers and end-users.

  7. Network Infrastructure and ISPs

     • Purpose: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and internal networks need to ensure reliable DNS configurations to guarantee proper access to websites and services.
     • Impact: If there are issues with DNS resolution on the ISP’s end or within the network infrastructure, users will face ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED errors when browsing.

  8. Content Creators and Bloggers

     • Purpose: Independent creators or bloggers using domain names for their personal websites or blogs need DNS to be properly configured for site access.
     • Impact: If their DNS settings are incorrect or the DNS server is down, the website will be inaccessible to readers, hurting engagement and visitor numbers.

  9. Remote Workers and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

     • Purpose: Employees working remotely or through a VPN need reliable DNS resolution for accessing work resources or secure web applications.
     • Impact: If DNS fails, workers may not be able to connect to company resources, affecting productivity and collaboration.

  10. Streaming Services and Online Media

      • Purpose: Streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, or Twitch require users to access their domain names for media content delivery.
      • Impact: DNS issues could prevent users from accessing streaming services, which may lead to a poor user experience, downtime, or content delivery issues.

  Technical Issues Leading to ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Errors

  Several technical issues can cause the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error, usually involving DNS misconfigurations, network issues, or software interference. Here are the most common technical problems that result in this browser error:

  1. DNS Server Failure or Unavailability

     • Cause: DNS servers can go down or fail to respond, leading to issues in domain name resolution.
     • Impact: Websites cannot be accessed since the browser cannot resolve the IP address corresponding to the domain.
     • Solution: Switch to a more reliable DNS server like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1).

  2. Incorrect DNS Configuration on Local Device

     • Cause: DNS settings on your device may be misconfigured, causing the browser to be unable to reach the DNS server or resolve domain names.
     • Impact: The browser is unable to resolve the IP address for a specific website, leading to a resolution error.
     • Solution: Check and configure your device’s DNS settings to point to a reliable DNS server.

  3. Corrupted DNS Cache

     • Cause: DNS cache stores domain resolutions to speed up future visits. If the cache becomes corrupted or outdated, it can result in failed DNS lookups.
     • Impact: A cached DNS entry that no longer exists or has been changed can cause websites to fail to load.
     • Solution: Clear your DNS cache using commands like ipconfig /flushdns on Windows or sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder on macOS.

  4. Outdated Browser Cache or Settings

     • Cause: A corrupted or outdated cache in your browser can cause problems when trying to access websites.
     • Impact: Even though DNS is working correctly, the browser fails to properly resolve domain names due to old cache data.
     • Solution: Clear your browser’s cache or use Incognito/Private browsing mode to bypass old cached data.

  5. Firewall or Antivirus Software Blocking DNS Requests

     • Cause: Security software like firewalls or antivirus programs may block or interfere with DNS queries.
     • Impact: If the firewall or antivirus software is overly strict, DNS traffic may not be allowed, causing the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.
     • Solution: Temporarily disable the firewall or antivirus and check if the issue resolves. Re-enable the software afterward and configure it to allow DNS traffic.

  6. DNS Propagation Delay

     • Cause: DNS records can take time to propagate across the globe. If a website has recently been moved to a new server or had its DNS settings changed, the error may be caused by incomplete propagation.
     • Impact: Some users will not be able to access the website while DNS servers around the world update.
     • Solution: Wait 24-48 hours for DNS propagation to complete or use tools like DNS Checker to monitor the propagation progress.

  7. ISP DNS Server Issues

     • Cause: Your Internet Service Provider's DNS server may be experiencing outages or slowdowns.
     • Impact: Users relying on that ISP's DNS will face difficulties accessing websites, even if the DNS configuration is correct.
     • Solution: Switch to a public DNS service like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS to avoid potential issues with your ISP’s DNS server.

  8. Domain Expiry or DNS Misconfiguration by Website Owner

     • Cause: The domain of the website you’re trying to access might have expired or have incorrect DNS records.
     • Impact: DNS resolution fails because the domain is no longer valid or is pointing to incorrect IP addresses.
     • Solution: Verify the status of the website’s domain registration or contact the website’s administrator to correct DNS settings.

  9. Router or Modem DNS Configuration Issues

     • Cause: The router or modem may be using outdated DNS servers or have incorrect network settings that prevent proper DNS resolution.
     • Impact: All devices on the network may face issues resolving domain names, leading to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.
     • Solution: Access the router’s DNS settings and update them to use reliable DNS servers. You may also want to reset the router to its default settings.

  10. Network Connectivity Issues

      • Cause: Poor internet connectivity or network configuration problems can affect DNS resolution.
      • Impact: If the device is disconnected or there is significant network latency, DNS queries may fail, leading to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.
      • Solution: Check your internet connection and ensure it’s stable. If necessary, restart your router or switch to a different network.

  Technical FAQ for ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Browser Errors

  Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that can help you diagnose and fix the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.

   What does the error "ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED" mean?

  • Answer: This error occurs when your browser is unable to resolve the domain name of the website you're trying to visit. In simpler terms, it means the DNS server could not translate the domain (like www.example.com) into an IP address, preventing you from accessing the site.

  How can I fix the "ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED" error on my computer?

  • Answer: You can fix the error by troubleshooting common causes:
    • Clear your browser’s cache.
    • Flush the DNS cache.
    • Change to a reliable DNS server (like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS).
    • Disable any interfering firewall or antivirus software.

   Does this error happen only in Google Chrome?

  • Answer: No, while the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error is most commonly associated with Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers (like Edge), it can also appear in Firefox, Safari, or any browser that uses DNS for domain name resolution.

  Why does my DNS server not resolve the website’s name?

  • Answer: The issue could stem from a problem with your DNS server, incorrect DNS configuration, DNS cache corruption, or network connectivity issues. You can try switching to a different DNS server to resolve this.

  How do I clear the DNS cache on my Windows computer?

  • Answer: To clear the DNS cache:
    1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
    2. Type the command ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
    3. This will clear the local DNS cache.

   How do I change my DNS server to Google DNS?

  • Answer: Go to your network settings, find the DNS settings, and change them to:
    • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
    • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
  • Save the changes and restart your browser.

  Can my antivirus software cause the "ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED" error?

  • Answer: Yes, some antivirus programs can block or interfere with DNS queries, resulting in this error. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus and check if the error resolves.

  How long does it take for DNS changes to propagate?

  • Answer: DNS propagation can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to fully propagate across the internet, depending on various factors like TTL (Time to Live) settings.

  What is DNS propagation?

  • Answer: DNS propagation refers to the process of updating and distributing DNS records across DNS servers worldwide. It ensures that users can access your website from any location on the internet once DNS changes are made.

   How do I check if the website's DNS records are correctly configured?

  • Answer: You can use online tools like DNS Checker or MXToolbox to check if the website’s DNS records (A record, CNAME record, etc.) are correctly set up and propagated.