How to fix DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN error in Google Chrome

The “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error message is a problem that occurs in the Google Chrome browser when there is a DNS issue.

This error message indicates that Google Chrome cannot load a website because it cannot retrieve the IP address associated with the domain name.

DNS, which stands for domain name server, converts a domain name into an IP address. When there is a DNS problem, this conversion process fails, resulting in the inability to access websites through browsers like Google Chrome. In some cases, you will see the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error message displayed.

Resolving the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error in Google Chrome

Note: All these 8 steps are safe to try for anyone who experiences the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error in the Chrome browser.

Is the Website Online?

You can try a few things to troubleshoot the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error. Start by checking if the website you’re trying to visit is online and available. You can do this by visiting the website “isitdownrightnow” to verify its availability.

isitdownrightnow check

Disabling VPN or Proxy Servers

If you are connected to a proxy server or a VPN, try disabling them. A VPN routes internet traffic through a third-party server, and if there is an issue with that server, you may encounter an error message like “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN.” Consider changing servers or temporarily disabling the proxy or VPN connection if you’re using one.

Disable firewall software

Disabling the firewall installed on your computer can potentially resolve the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error if the firewall is incorrectly configured and blocking the DNS resolution process. However, it’s important to note that disabling the firewall can leave your computer more vulnerable to security threats, so it should be done temporarily and with caution.

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Restart the Router

Restarting your router can resolve the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error.

A DNS cache is a temporary database that stores information about the websites you have recently visited. When you try to access a website, your computer first checks its DNS cache to see if it already has the IP address for the domain name. If the IP address is not found in the cache, it requests the DNS server to obtain the IP address.

Sometimes, the DNS cache on your router can become outdated, causing issues with DNS resolution, such as the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error. By restarting the router, you essentially clear the DNS cache on the router and start fresh.

Clearing Google Chrome DNS Cache

In addition to the router’s DNS cache, Google Chrome maintains an internal DNS data database. This DNS data can become outdated, similar to the router’s cache. Clearing the internal DNS cache data of the Google Chrome browser may help resolve this issue.

Open the Google Chrome browser. In the address bar, type:

chrome://net-internals/#dns

Then click on the “Clear host cache” button.

Clear host cache in Google Chrome

Resetting Chrome Flags

If you have made any modifications to the hidden settings of Google Chrome, known as “flags,” it can potentially cause DNS issues. It is recommended to reset these flags if you have made any changes.

Open the Google Chrome browser. In the address bar, type:

chrome://flags/

Then click on the “Reset all” button and click on “Relaunch” at the bottom to restart Google Chrome.

Reset all Chrome flags

Removing Google Chrome Extensions

If you have recently installed a browser extension, it’s advisable to remove it. Some extensions can modify settings in Google Chrome or redirect internet traffic through other servers. It’s recommended to remove any extensions that you don’t use, don’t recognize, or don’t trust from your Google Chrome browser.

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Open the Google Chrome browser. In the address bar, type:

chrome://extensions/

Click on the “Remove” button to uninstall the extension.

uninstall browser extension

Resetting Google Chrome to Default Settings

If you want to reset everything in Google Chrome, you can reset it to its default settings.

I hope this information has been helpful. Thank you for reading!

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