How to Fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error Message


The dns_probe_finished_nxdomain is a feared error message appearing on some people’s browsers. It might be baffling for many people, mainly because it’s an issue with countless possible causes. From domains being taken down due to errors on the server IP address, even your computer’s settings.

What is it, and how can it be fixed, particularly if you’re the website owner facing the issue? We’ll illustrate more in this blog post.

Basics First: What Is DNS & How Does It Work?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is comparable to the internet’s phonebook. Each set of numbers corresponds to a specific website name online. It translates human-readable domain names like, for instance, www.example.com, into machine-readable IP addresses (for example, 127.0.0.1). The latter example is widely recognized as “localhost” in programming and web development and refers to software or servers running on the same computer.

The translation process happens on specific computers on the internet called DNS servers. The DNS servers translate the website’s IP addresses into domain names so that we can bookmark and remember them more easily. Example.com is far more simple to remember than 127.0.0.1, isn’t it?

Without DNS, you would have to remember numerical IP addresses when visiting websites. It’s quite a hurdle, especially when you’re already managing multiple things on your small business website.

In short, DNS is an inseparable part of today’s internet and contains many moving parts. In this blog, we’ll only concentrate specifically on the dns_probe_finished_nxdomain fix.

What Does the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error Message Mean?

Now you have a rudimentary knowledge of what DNS is, it’s time to figure out the dreaded error. This error signifies a failure to resolve the domain name into an IP address, resulting in a “non-existent domain” (NXDOMAIN) response from the DNS server. Basically, the web server can’t translate or append the domain name to any existing website address.

On a modern web browser, the message should look like this:

Message displayed on Google Chrome.

Common Causes of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

  • Wrong DNS server settings (on the client or server-side).
  • Misconfigured domain name or expired domain (domain no longer in use).
  • Typos in the URL (an issue with older browsers).
  • Cache issues (browser or DNS cache).
  • Local network problems (no internet or ISP-related issues).
  • A firewall, VPN, proxy, or antivirus blocks the connection.
  • Issues with the internet service provider can also cause the error. If other solutions fail, consider contacting your internet service provider to resolve possible connectivity problems.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps to Fix the Error

Before panicking, we have to make sure we do some simple steps to determine if the website or server we’re trying to access is really down and experiencing issues.

Refresh the Web Page

The quickest fix sometimes is to refresh the page. Sometimes, a temporary glitch or a cache-related issue can cause the error message to appear.

Inspect the URL for Typos

Make sure the domain name is correctly spelled. Even though this was a considerable problem with older browsers that didn’t have autocorrect/resolve built-in, a minor typo can cause DNS resolution issues if typed too fast or by adding an extra space.

Check if the Domain Name Exists & It’s Active on Whois or ICANN

The last thing you can do is examine the URL on domain name search engines like who.is as well as ICANN Lookup. Whois operates on a worldwide level, while ICANN might not have information in many European countries.

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Source: Envato

5 Advanced Solutions to the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error Message

Moving to more advanced user tips, we have to centre around specific things like your browser and computer settings to fully grasp the error and if it’s on our side.

1. Clear the Browser’s Cache

Old DNS information stored in your browser cache can lead to this error. Here’s how to clear the cache in popular browsers:

  • Google Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
  • Mozilla Firefox: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear Data.

Alternatively, you can bring the clear data dialogues by pressing CTL (or Command) + Shift + Delete on your keyboard once.

2. Clear DNS Cache (The Flush DNS Command)

Flushing the DNS cache can refresh the stored DNS data. Here’s how to flush DNS in Windows and macOS.

  • Windows: Open a Command Prompt window and type:
ipconfig /flushdns
  • macOS: Open the Terminal app and type:
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

3. Restart DNS Client Service (Client’s/Your Computer)

Restarting the DNS client can help resolve issues in the DNS resolution process if these stem from their side.

  • On Windows, open Command Prompt as administrator and type:
net stop dnscache net start dnscache

4. Reset TCP/IP Stack (Client’s/Your Computer)

Resetting the TCP/IP stack can fix internet connection issues and it never hurts to run them. Just remember to save your customized IP settings so you can reapply them afterwards easily.

  • Windows: Open Command Prompt as administrator and type:
netsh int ip reset

5. Change DNS Servers (Client’s/Your Computer)

Switching to reliable DNS server addresses can often resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. Most users keep their ISP DNS settings; however, there are numerous DNS providers online, such as Google and Cloudflare.

You can switch to Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS. In Windows, select the ‘Use the following DNS server addresses’ option in the IP properties to input preferred and alternate DNS server addresses.

Switch to Google Public DNS

Set your DNS servers to the following:

  • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
  • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

Use Cloudflare DNS

Alternatively, use Cloudflare’s DNS servers:

  • Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1
  • Alternate DNS server: 1.0.0.1

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Source: Envato

Browser-Specific Fixes

More often than not, DNS problems occur on a browser level, meaning that settings on your web browser might be to blame. According to StatCounter, 6 out of 10 users use the Google Chrome browser on a daily basis. We’ve also added Mozilla Firefox into the mix to help you troubleshoot DNS problems in both popular web browsers.

Google Chrome DNS Fixes

In Chrome, you can try disabling or clearing the host cache. To do this:

  1. Go to chrome://net-internals/#dns. Copy and paste the exact URL as you see it.
  2. Type the affected domain name to look it up.
  3. Click on Clear host cache.
  4. If the domain name doesn’t resolve to an IP address, the issue is likely on the server side.

Mozilla Firefox DNS Fixes

In Firefox, try disabling DNS over HTTPS (DoH):

  1. Go to Settings > and search for Enable DNS over HTTPS.
  2. Choose your preferred protection level or experiment with protection to Off.

Operating System-Specific Solutions to DNS Problems

Moving away from the browser-specific fixes, we can focus on the operating system. Whether you’re on Windows or macOS there are a few things to do in order to isolate any potential problems with your DNS settings.

Fixing the Error on Windows

Aside from the solutions mentioned earlier, you can also reset your network adapter and check your IP (Internet Protocol) version settings:

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
  2. Click on Advanced network settings (Windows 11) > Network reset. Select the ‘Use the following DNS server addresses’ option in the IP properties to input preferred and alternate DNS server addresses for both IPv4 and IPv6 configurations.

Fixing the Error on macOS

If you’re using macOS, try resetting your network preferences:

  1. Go to System Preferences > Network.
  2. Select your active network, then click Advanced and navigate to the DNS tab to input custom DNS server addresses.
  3. Remove old DNS servers and add the new ones.
  4. If you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, go to the System Settings > Wi-Fi, select the network’s name, and click Details > Forget This Network from the bottom to disconnect and forget the network connection password. Logging in again will provide your computer with a fresh IP, potentially resolving the issue.

Android & iOS Solutions

For mobile devices, changing the DNS settings under your network (Wi-Fi settings) can help as a last resort.

Fixing DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error on Routers

The last step in our article is ensuring that your router isn’t the obstacle preventing you from reaching the problematic website. Each router uses its own operating system to store network preferences. However, there are some things you can try that are common across different brands.

Restart Your Router

Simply rebooting your router can refresh your DNS settings and fix connectivity issues. That’s helpful, and you should do it first if these errors persist.

Update Your Router’s Firmware

Sometimes, an outdated router firmware can cause DNS resolution issues. Analyze your router’s admin panel for updates.

Vintage red brick with a fire.
Source: Envato

Firewall, Local Hosts File, or Antivirus Software Blocking Access

Sometimes, your computer’s antivirus software or firewall can cause trouble preventing you from accessing a website. To inspect your software, we recommend the following:

Disable Antivirus/Firewall Temporarily

Antivirus or firewall programs can sometimes block DNS requests. Try temporarily disabling them to see if that resolves the error. Most antivirus software can be controlled from the taskbar for these easy requests.

Add DNS Rules in Firewall Settings

If you find that your firewall is causing DNS issues, configure it to allow DNS requests.

The hosts file on your computer allows you to manually map domain names to IP addresses. The file is located in:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\

The operating system protects it, so your Notepad must be launched with administrator rights in order to access and write to it.

If a domain is incorrectly mapped in the hosts file, your computer may attempt to connect to the wrong IP address, leading to website access issues.

Here’s how to examine and correct any problems:

  • Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
  • Open the hosts file with a text editor (like Notepad) by first launching the program in administrator mode.
  • Look for any lines that map the problematic website’s domain to an incorrect IP address (for example, 127.0.0.1 example.com).
  • Remove or comment out the incorrect entries by adding a # symbol at the beginning of the line.
  • Save the file and restart your browser. If you or another software didn’t add any websites or IP addresses to this list, you should try another solution.

VPN & Proxy Settings

For more advanced users working with proxy software and VPN on their computers for work or other reasons, we’ve gathered some tips to give you a headstart in case you haven’t thought of them.

Disable Proxy Settings

If you are using a proxy, it may interfere with DNS resolution. Disable it from your browser, disable the specific program you’re using, or check your network settings.

Disable or Switch VPN Services

Some VPNs reroute DNS requests and may cause this error. Try switching to a different VPN server or temporarily disabling the VPN using the software’s settings.

Verify the Domain’s DNS Settings

Use online DNS lookup tools like dnschecker.org or a simple ICANN lookup to review if the domain’s DNS is correctly configured—and if it exists. If the problem is with the domain’s DNS, contact the domain registrar.

Resolving DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error on Mobile Devices

On mobile, clear the DNS cache or update the DNS settings to Google or Cloudflare DNS. The process is similar to what we did earlier on Windows.

How to Avoid DNS Errors in the Future

  • Regularly clear browser and DNS caches.
  • Update DNS settings to dependable servers like Google or Cloudflare.
  • Keep your operating system and router firmware up to date.

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Final Thoughts

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error can be annoying, but it’s usually easy to fix by clearing the cache, resetting DNS settings, or switching to a more consistent DNS provider. Most of the time, the issues are resolved automatically via the DNS server or on the ISP level, while other times, the issue resides within your computer’s settings.

If the domain name exists and is in use, you can use dnschecker.org or a simple ICANN lookup to check whether the website is live. If not, then the error message can’t be resolved, and the website is simply down and out of reach. If it’s your website, ensure your domain name is billed and operating.

All of these headaches can be eased by siding with a robust quality web hosting provider. HostPapa’s 100% service guarantee backs up more than 500,000 website owners who trust their businesses with us!

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Frequently Asked Questions about DNS Errors

What does NXDOMAIN mean in DNS?

NXDOMAIN stands for “Non-Existent Domain,” meaning the DNS server couldn’t find the domain you were trying to access. This can either be because the domain name doesn’t exist anymore or because of a setting conflict between the server and the visitor’s computer.

Why does DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN happen only on certain websites?

This may occur if the DNS settings for specific domains are misconfigured or cached incorrectly. Sometimes, these issues are automatically resolved on the server side, though there might be more complicated issues that prevent you from accessing a website.

How do I flush my DNS cache on my phone?

To flush DNS on mobile, switch your Wi-Fi off and on or reset network settings. The procedure varies depending on your computer’s operating system. Look further up in this article to find OS-specific guidance.

Is changing DNS servers safe for my computer or device?

Yes, changing to public DNS servers like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS is generally safe and can even improve internet speed and security. For increased privacy, you might have to look for a few alternatives, like encrypted DNS providers intended to protect your personal information when browsing online.

How often should I update my DNS settings?

There’s no fixed schedule, but updating DNS settings when you experience connectivity issues or DNS errors is recommended.

Loukas is a technology enthusiast. He enjoys writing content for numerous amount of topics. He's also a music fan who loves playing the guitar and occasionally shooting photos and videos professionally.

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