Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

How To Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

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The “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error is a common DNS-related error that occurs when the DNS server is unable to resolve the domain name you entered into your web browser. The term “NXDOMAIN” stands for “non-existent domain,” indicating that the domain you are trying to access does not exist or cannot be found. This error typically occurs due to various reasons, such as incorrect DNS settings, issues with the DNS cache, problems with the DNS server, or misconfigured network settings. It can affect any device or operating system, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.

When encountering this error, you may see a message like “This site can’t be reached” or “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” in your web browser. Resolving the error involves troubleshooting the DNS configuration and ensuring that the domain name is correctly registered and accessible. Some common solutions for fixing the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error include flushing the DNS cache, resetting the DNS settings, checking the network connection, changing DNS servers, disabling VPN or proxy settings, and ensuring that the domain name is spelled correctly.

What is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error?

The “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error is a common error that occurs when attempting to access a website or domain using a web browser. It is an error message that indicates the DNS (Domain Name System) server was unable to resolve the domain name entered into the browser, resulting in a non-existent domain (NXDOMAIN) response.

When you enter a domain name into your browser’s address bar, the DNS server is responsible for translating that domain name into an IP address, which is used to locate the website’s server on the internet. However, if the DNS server cannot find a corresponding IP address for the domain name, it returns an NXDOMAIN response, indicating that the domain does not exist.

How To Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error?

The “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error is a common issue that occurs in web browsers when they are unable to resolve a domain name to its corresponding IP address. This error indicates that the DNS (Domain Name System) lookup failed, resulting in the browser’s inability to locate the website you’re trying to access. Here are some steps you can take to fix this error:

Check your internet connection:

Ensure that your internet connection is stable and working properly. If you’re using Wi-Fi, try restarting your router or connecting to a different network to rule out any connection issues.

Clear your browser cache:

Temporary files stored in your browser’s cache may sometimes cause conflicts. Clearing the cache can resolve DNS-related errors. Access your browser’s settings, find the option to clear browsing data, and select the appropriate checkboxes, including cache or temporary files. Restart your browser and check if the error persists.

Flush DNS cache:

Your computer also maintains a local DNS cache to speed up future DNS lookups. Flushing the DNS cache can resolve issues related to outdated or incorrect entries. Open the command prompt (on Windows, press Win + R, type “cmd,” and hit Enter), then type the following command and press Enter: “ipconfig /flushdns”. Wait for the process to complete and restart your browser.

Change DNS servers:

By default, your computer and router use the DNS servers provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). However, using alternative DNS servers like Google DNS or OpenDNS can sometimes resolve DNS-related errors. To change your DNS servers, access your network settings, find the DNS server configuration, and input the IP addresses of the desired DNS servers (e.g., for Google DNS, use “8.8.8.8” and “8.8.4.4”). Save the settings and restart your browser.

Disable VPN or proxy:

If you’re using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or proxy service, it could interfere with DNS resolution. Temporarily disable any VPN or proxy connections you have and check if the error still occurs. If the error is resolved, you may need to configure your VPN or proxy settings properly.

Disable firewall or antivirus:

In some cases, overly strict firewall or antivirus settings may block DNS requests, leading to the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error. Try disabling your firewall or antivirus temporarily and see if the error persists. If it does, re-enable the security software and proceed to the next step.

Restart DNS client service:

The DNS client service on your computer may encounter issues that cause DNS lookup failures. Restarting this service can resolve such problems. Open the command prompt as an administrator, type the following command, and press Enter: “net stop dnscache && net start dnscache”. Restart your browser and check if the error is resolved.

Restart your computer:

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix various software-related issues, including DNS errors. Restart your computer and try accessing the website again after the reboot.

By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error in most cases. However, if the error persists, you may want to contact your ISP for further assistance or consider seeking help from a technical professional.

How to Fix DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN Android & iOS?

To fix the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error on Android and iOS devices, you can follow these steps:

For Android

  1. Restart your device: A simple restart can resolve many temporary issues. Restart your Android device and check if the error persists.
  2. Toggle Airplane mode: Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification panel and find the Airplane mode icon. Tap on it to enable Airplane mode, wait for a few seconds, and then disable it by tapping the icon again. This action resets your device’s network connections and may help resolve the DNS error.
  3. Forget and reconnect to Wi-Fi: If you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, go to your device’s Wi-Fi settings, find the network you’re connected to, and select “Forget” or “Forget network.” Afterward, reconnect to the same network by entering the password. This step can refresh the network connection and fix any potential DNS issues.
  4. Change DNS settings: Android devices allow you to manually configure DNS settings. To do this, go to the Wi-Fi settings, long-press on the network you’re connected to, and select “Modify network.” Tap on the advanced options, find the IP settings, and change it from “DHCP” to “Static.” Then, input the desired DNS server addresses. You can use public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). Save the settings and check if the error is resolved.
  5. Clear app cache: If the DNS error occurs within a specific app, clearing its cache might help. Go to your device’s Settings, find the Apps or Application Manager section, locate the problematic app, and select it. Look for the option to clear the cache and tap on it. Restart the app and see if the error persists.

For iOS:

  1. Restart your device: Similar to Android, restarting your iOS device can resolve various temporary issues. Restart your iPhone or iPad and check if the error is resolved.
  2. Toggle Airplane mode: Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top right (iPhone X and newer) or swiping up from the bottom. Tap on the Airplane mode icon to enable it, wait for a few seconds, and disable it by tapping the icon again.
  3. Forget and reconnect to Wi-Fi: If you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, go to the Settings app, select Wi-Fi, and tap the “i” icon next to the network you’re connected to. Tap on “Forget This Network” and confirm the action. Afterward, reconnect to the same Wi-Fi network by selecting it from the list and entering the password. This step can resolve DNS-related issues.
  4. Change DNS settings: On iOS devices, you can’t change DNS settings system-wide. However, you can use a DNS-changing app from the App Store to configure DNS servers for individual connections. Search for DNS changer apps in the App Store, download and install a reliable one, follow the app’s instructions to set up custom DNS servers (e.g., Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS), and see if the error is resolved.
  5. Clear app cache: If the DNS error occurs within a specific app, clearing its cache might help. However, iOS doesn’t provide a built-in option to clear app caches. You may need to delete and reinstall the problematic app to clear its cache. Press and hold the app icon on your home screen until the icons start jiggling, tap the “x” icon on the app you want to delete, and confirm the deletion. Then, reinstall the app from the App Store and check if the error persists.

What are the Reasons that cause DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error?

The “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error is a common error message that appears in web browsers when the DNS (Domain Name System) lookup fails for a specific domain. This error indicates that the domain you are trying to access does not exist or cannot be resolved to an IP address. Here are some common reasons that can cause this error:

Incorrect domain name:

If you mistype the domain name in the URL, the DNS lookup will fail because the domain does not exist. Double-check the spelling of the domain you are trying to access.

DNS server issues:

The DNS server you are using may be experiencing problems or may not be able to resolve the domain name. This can happen due to server misconfiguration, temporary server issues, or network connectivity problems. Try using a different DNS server or contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance.

DNS cache:

Your local DNS cache may have outdated or incorrect information. Flushing the DNS cache on your computer can help resolve the issue. You can do this by opening the command prompt (on Windows) or terminal (on macOS or Linux) and entering the appropriate command. For example, on Windows, you can run the command “ipconfig /flushdns” to flush the DNS cache.

Firewall or antivirus software:

Sometimes, overzealous firewall or antivirus software can interfere with DNS lookups and cause the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error. Temporarily disabling such software or adjusting their settings may help resolve the issue.

ISP restrictions or DNS hijacking:

In some cases, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may block access to certain websites or redirect DNS requests to their own servers. This can result in the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error when trying to access specific domains. Contact your ISP for further assistance if you suspect this may be the case.

Local network issues:

Problems within your local network, such as misconfigured routers or network settings, can also lead to DNS lookup failures. Restarting your router or checking network configurations can help identify and resolve such issues.

Domain configuration issues:

If you are the owner of the domain or responsible for its DNS settings, there might be misconfigurations in the DNS records. Ensure that the domain’s DNS records are properly set up, including the correct IP address and necessary DNS records like A, CNAME, or MX records.

Remember that the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error specifically indicates a failure to resolve the domain name to an IP address. If you are experiencing other types of DNS errors or issues, the causes and solutions may vary.

How to clear DNS cache and resolve DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error?

To clear the DNS cache and resolve the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error, you can follow these steps based on different operating systems:

For Windows:

  1. Open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges. You can do this by pressing the Windows key, typing “Command Prompt,” right-clicking on it, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
  3. Wait for the message that confirms the DNS cache has been successfully flushed.
  4. Restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

macOS:

  1. Open the Terminal application. You can find it in the Applications folder under Utilities, or you can use Spotlight search by pressing Command + Space and typing “Terminal.”
  2. In the Terminal window, enter the following command and press Enter: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
  3. Enter your administrator password when prompted.
  4. Restart your computer.

Linux (Ubuntu and similar distributions):

  1. Open a terminal window by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or by searching for “Terminal” in your applications.
  2. In the terminal, enter the following command and press Enter: sudo systemctl restart network-manager
  3. Enter your administrator password when prompted.
  4. Restart your computer or restart the network service for the changes to take effect.

After clearing the DNS cache, you can check if the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error is resolved by trying to access the website again. If the error persists, it might indicate an issue with the DNS configuration or the website itself. In that case, you can try changing your DNS server settings or contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for further assistance.

How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN on Desktop?

The “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error typically occurs when there is a DNS (Domain Name System) resolution issue, meaning your computer is unable to translate a domain name into an IP address. Here are several steps you can take to fix this error on your desktop:

Clear DNS Cache:

    • Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
    • Type “cmd” and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
    • In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
    • Wait for the confirmation message, then close the Command Prompt.

Check Network Connection:

    • Ensure that you have a stable internet connection.
    • Restart your router/modem to refresh the network connection.

Configure DNS Settings:

    • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
    • Type “ncpa.cpl” and press Enter to open the Network Connections window.
    • Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties.”
    • In the Properties window, scroll down and double-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” to open its properties.
    • Select the option “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
    • Enter the following DNS server addresses:
      • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
      • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4 (These are Google’s public DNS servers, but you can also use other reliable DNS servers like Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1)
    • Click “OK” to save the changes.

Disable VPN or Proxy:

    • If you are using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or proxy, temporarily disable it to check if it’s causing the issue.

Restart DNS Client Service:

    • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
    • Type “services.msc” and press Enter to open the Services window.
    • Scroll down and locate the “DNS Client” service.
    • Right-click on it and select “Restart.”
    • Wait for the service to restart, then close the Services window.

Restart your Computer:

    • Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary network issues.

Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings:

    • Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software to see if they are blocking the DNS resolution.
    • If the error goes away after disabling the firewall or antivirus, you may need to adjust their settings or add exceptions for the affected programs.

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you can also try using a different web browser or contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for further assistance.

Ways To Fix DNS Probe Finished NXDomain Error?

Here are some potential solutions to fix this error:

Check your internet connection:

Ensure that your internet connection is stable and working properly. Try accessing other websites to confirm if the issue is specific to the DNS or the website you are trying to access.

Clear browser cache:

Cached DNS data in your browser can sometimes cause conflicts. Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies may resolve the issue. You can usually find this option in the browser’s settings menu.

Flush DNS cache:

Flushing the DNS cache can help refresh the DNS records. Open the command prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac), then enter the appropriate command:

    • For Windows: Type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter.
    • For Mac: Type “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and press Enter. Enter your administrator password if prompted.

Change DNS servers:

Switching to a different DNS server can often resolve DNS-related issues. You can use public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). To change DNS servers, follow these steps:

    • Windows: Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center. Click on your active network connection, then click “Properties.” Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties” again. Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the preferred DNS server addresses.
    • Mac: Go to System Preferences > Network. Select your active network connection, click “Advanced,” and go to the “DNS” tab. Click the “+” button to add a new DNS server and enter the preferred DNS server addresses.

Restart DNS client service:

Restarting the DNS client service on your computer can sometimes resolve DNS-related issues. Open the command prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac), then enter the appropriate command:

    • For Windows: Type “net stop dnscache” and press Enter, followed by “net start dnscache” and press Enter.
    • For Mac: Type “sudo launchctl stop com.apple.mDNSResponder” and press Enter, followed by “sudo launchctl start com.apple.mDNSResponder” and press Enter. Enter your administrator password if prompted.

Disable VPN or proxy:

If you are using a VPN or proxy service, try disabling it temporarily to see if it resolves the issue. Sometimes these services can interfere with DNS resolution.

Restart your router:

Restarting your router can help resolve temporary network issues. Simply unplug the power source, wait for a few seconds, and then plug it back in.

If none of these solutions work, it’s possible that the issue lies with the website or domain you are trying to access. In such cases, you may need to wait for the website to become available or contact the website administrator for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error?

A: The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error is a common error message that appears in web browsers when there is a problem resolving a domain name. It indicates that the DNS (Domain Name System) could not find the IP address associated with the domain you are trying to access.

Q: What causes the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error?

A: There are several possible causes for this error:

  1. Incorrect DNS settings on your computer or network.
  2. Issues with your ISP’s DNS servers.
  3. Problems with the website’s DNS configuration.
  4. Malware or adware interfering with DNS resolution.
  5. Firewall or antivirus settings blocking DNS requests.

Q: How can I fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error?

A: Here are some solutions you can try to fix this error:

  1. Flush DNS cache: Open the command prompt or terminal and enter the command “ipconfig /flushdns” (Windows) or “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache” (Mac). Then try accessing the website again.
  2. Change DNS servers: Use alternative DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220) instead of your default DNS.
  3. Restart networking equipment: Power off your modem, router, and computer. Then turn them back on in sequence, starting with the modem, followed by the router, and finally the computer.
  4. Disable VPN or proxy: If you’re using a VPN or proxy service, disable it temporarily and check if the error persists.
  5. Check firewall and antivirus settings: Ensure that your firewall or antivirus program is not blocking DNS requests. Temporarily disable them and see if the error is resolved.
  6. Scan for malware: Run a full system scan with reliable antivirus software to check for any malware or adware that could be affecting DNS resolution.
  7. Contact your ISP or network administrator: If none of the above solutions work, the issue might be with your ISP’s DNS servers or network configuration. Reach out to them for assistance.

Q: Are there any other potential solutions to the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error?

A: Yes, in some cases, additional solutions may help resolve the error:

  1. Clear browser cache: Clear the cache, cookies, and browsing history of your web browser.
  2. Disable browser extensions: Temporarily disable all browser extensions or try accessing the website in an incognito/private browsing window.
  3. Check hosts file: Make sure the hosts file on your computer does not contain any incorrect or conflicting entries related to the website you’re trying to access.
  4. Update network drivers: Ensure that your network drivers are up to date. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest drivers for your network adapter.

Q: Can the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error occur on all web browsers?

A: Yes, the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error can occur on any web browser, including popular ones like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.

Q: Is the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error specific to a certain operating system?

A: No, the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error can occur on any operating system, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and others.

Q: What should I do if the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error persists even after trying the suggested solutions?

A: If the error persists, you can try the following additional steps:

  1. Restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking: This will start your computer with only essential services and drivers running, which can help identify if any third-party software is causing the issue.
  2. Reset your router: Press the reset button on your router to restore it to its factory settings. Note that this will erase any custom settings you have made.
  3. Contact your website’s administrator: If you are experiencing the error on a specific website, reaching out to the website’s administrator or technical support team can help them investigate and resolve any potential DNS configuration issues.

Q: Are there any command-line tools or utilities that can assist in troubleshooting the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error?

A: Yes, there are a few command-line tools you can use for troubleshooting:

  1. nslookup: This command-line tool allows you to manually query DNS servers for specific domain names. You can use it to check if a DNS server can resolve the domain you are having trouble with.
  2. tracert (Windows) or traceroute (Mac/Linux): These commands help trace the network path from your computer to the destination server, helping identify any network connectivity issues along the way.
  3. ipconfig /all (Windows) or ifconfig (Mac/Linux): These commands display detailed information about your computer’s network configuration, including DNS settings and network adapters.

Q: Can a temporary DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error indicate a problem with the website itself?

A: Yes, it is possible that the website you are trying to access may be experiencing temporary DNS issues. In such cases, the error is typically resolved once the website’s DNS configuration is corrected.

Q: Is it possible for the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error to occur intermittently?

A: Yes, the error can occur intermittently if there are sporadic issues with DNS resolution. It could be due to temporary network problems, DNS server failures, or other factors affecting the DNS lookup process.

Q: Does changing DNS servers have any potential drawbacks?

A: While changing DNS servers can often resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

  1. Impact on local network performance: Alternative DNS servers may not provide the same level of performance as your default DNS servers, potentially resulting in slower DNS lookups.
  2. Regional differences: Alternative DNS servers might not have the same level of geographic coverage as your default DNS servers, potentially affecting your ability to access region-specific content.
  3. Privacy concerns: Some alternative DNS providers may collect and analyze your DNS query data for various purposes. Ensure that you choose a reputable DNS service provider if privacy is a concern for you.