Troubleshooting ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED: A Comprehensive Guide to Overcoming This Common DNS Error

The Internet is a vast network of interconnected systems, each of which uses a unique identifier – an IP address – to communicate. Sometimes, however, these identifiers can get lost in translation, leading to errors like ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED. This guide will help you understand and resolve this common issue.

Understanding ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED

Before we delve into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the nature of the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. Commonly encountered in the Google Chrome browser, this error is typically a result of faulty Domain Name System (DNS) resolution.

Deciphering the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error

The DNS is akin to the Internet’s directory assistance. It translates easy-to-remember domain names (like www.example.com) into their corresponding numerical IP addresses. When the DNS fails to find the IP address for a particular domain name, the browser cannot load the website, leading to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.

The error can manifest in various forms, such as:

• ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED
• NET::ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED
• “The webpage is not available”
• “The site can’t be reached”

The Root Causes of ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED

Several factors can trigger the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. Here are a few common causes:

• Outdated Cached Data: Your device maintains a cache of DNS lookups to speed up subsequent visits to the same site. However, if the site’s IP address changes and your cache is not updated, your device will try to connect to the old, non-existent IP, leading to ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED.
• Network Settings: Your network’s configuration, including your DNS server settings, can also cause the error. If your DNS server is down or unreachable, your device won’t be able to resolve the site’s IP address.
• Firewall or Antivirus Software: Sometimes, overzealous security applications can block certain DNS requests, causing this error.
• Browser Settings: Issues with your browser, such as incorrect settings or outdated cache, can also lead to ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED

Now that we have a grasp on what causes the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED, let’s explore several tried-and-true methods to resolve this pesky error.

1. Clearing Your DNS Cache

The first step in troubleshooting any DNS-related error is clearing your DNS cache. This process varies slightly between operating systems:

Windows:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Enter the following command: ipconfig /flushdns
3. Press Enter.

macOS:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Enter the following command: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
3. Press Enter.

Linux:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Enter the following command: sudo /etc/init.d/nscd restart
3. Press Enter.

2. Checking Your Browser Settings

Your browser also caches DNS records to speed up load times. If this cache becomes outdated, it can lead to ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED. Clearing your browser’s cache can help resolve this issue.

To clear the host cache, type chrome://net-internals/#dns into your browser, enter your domain and press clear host cache.

Google Chrome has a helpful feature called page preloading. It loads parts of websites you’ve visited before in the background, making them load faster when you revisit. This can be great for speed, but it can also lead to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.

To avoid this error and save internet data and resources, consider turning off this feature. Find out how to below.

1. Click on the three dots at the top-right corner of the Google Chrome window and select Settings.

2. Choose privacy and security.

3. Select Cookies and other site data, then scroll down to locate Preload pages for faster browsing and searching. Switch the toggle off.

3. Adjusting Your Firewall and DNS Server Settings

Misconfigured firewalls and DNS servers are common culprits behind ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED. Resetting your firewall settings to their defaults and changing your DNS servers to public ones (like Google’s 8.8.8.8 or Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1) can help resolve this error. Follow these steps to reset your firewall settings on a Windows computer:

1. Right-click on the Windows icon, then select Search.
2. Type Control Panel and click the result to open it.

3. Select System and Security.

4. Click on Windows Defender Firewall.

5. Select Restore defaults.

6. Click on the Restore defaults button.

If you’re using macOS, here is what to do:

1. Open System Preferences and select Network.
2. Click Advanced and open the DNS tab.

3. Click the + button to add a new DNS server.
4. Type in one of the public DNS servers.
5. Click OK. A prompt message will appear – click Apply.

4. Modifying Your Hosts File

Your computer maintains a hosts file that maps IP addresses to hostnames. This file is checked before a DNS lookup occurs. If your hosts file contains outdated or incorrect entries, it can lead to ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED.

5. Trying a Different Internet Connection

Internet and WiFi router issues can trigger the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. To check, try these two tests:

1. Use a different stable internet connection, like a mobile hotspot. If the website loads fine, your previous connection may be the issue.
2. Connect multiple devices to the same internet and check if they all show the error. If they do, your internet connection may be the problem.

If you suspect the router, turn it off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Wait for the internet light to turn green before testing your connection.

6. Disabling DNSSEC for Your Domain

Finally, if your domain uses DNSSEC (a security measure that verifies DNS responses), it could be causing this error. Disabling DNSSEC can help resolve the issue.

FAQs About ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED

Is ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED a Common Issue?

Yes, ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED is a common DNS error. It typically results from issues with DNS resolution, which can stem from a variety of sources, including outdated cache, misconfigured network settings, and more.

Can ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Be Prevented?

Preventing ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED involves ensuring your DNS settings are correctly configured, your cache is regularly updated, and your network is stable and reliable.

Wrapping Up

While ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED can be pesky, it’s usually easy to resolve. By following these steps, you can get back to browsing the web without interruption. And remember, if you’re still experiencing issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to your hosting provider or network administrator for assistance.

Related errors you may come across:

• How to fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error
• How to fix the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error
• How to fix the ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED error
• How to fix the ERR_CACHE_MISS error
• How to fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error