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How to Fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

This guide helps you fix the error that says a website cannot be found. You will try simple fixes, one at a time.

Domains and DNS2 min read14 steps

What does this error mean?

DNS is like a phone book for the internet. It turns a website name into a number that computers understand. NXDOMAIN means "this name does not exist in the phone book."

Your browser, such as Chrome, shows this error when it cannot find the number for a name. The cause can be on your computer, your network, or the domain itself.

Check the basics first

  1. Look at the web address. Make sure there are no spelling mistakes.
  2. Try another website. If none open, your internet is down. Restart your router and try again.
  3. Try the site on your phone using mobile data. If it opens there, the problem is on your home network or computer.
  4. If it fails everywhere, check that the domain is active and that its DNS records point to your hosting. Your welcome email lists the details you need. New domains and recent changes can take some hours to spread.

Fix it on your computer (Windows)

Your computer keeps a small memory of past lookups. This memory is called the DNS cache. An old entry can cause this error. Clearing it is safe.

  1. Click the Start button and type cmd.
  2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  3. Type this command and press Enter: 
    ipconfig /flushdns
    This clears the DNS cache.
  4. Type this command and press Enter: 
    ipconfig /renew
    This asks your router for a fresh connection setting.
  5. Close the window and reload the website.

Fix it on a Mac

  1. Open the Terminal app.
  2. Type this command and press Enter: 
    sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
    This clears the DNS cache. Enter your Mac password if it asks.

Clear the browser's own memory

  1. In Chrome, open a new tab and type chrome://net-internals/#dns.
  2. Click Clear host cache.
  3. Reload the site.

Try a different DNS server

Your internet provider runs a DNS server by default. It may be slow or broken. You can switch to a public one, such as Google at 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Change this in your network settings, under the DNS server fields for your connection.

Tip: Turn off any VPN or proxy for a minute and test again. They can also block lookups.

Still stuck? Open a support ticket and tell us the domain name.

Quick recap

  • NXDOMAIN means the domain name was not found.
  • Check spelling and test on another network first.
  • Clear the DNS cache on your computer and in Chrome.
  • Try a public DNS server.
  • If the domain is new, wait for DNS to spread.