How to Fix "ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED" Error
"ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED" happens when a DNS fails to map a domain name to an IP address. This can result from DNS settings, browser cache, local configurations, or internet issues. Troubleshooting steps include verifying the URL, checking internet connectivity, clearing cache, flushing DNS, and modifying DNS or hosts file settings. For persistent issues, advanced fixes like resetting Winsock or changing DNS servers might be required. Always try simple solutions first.
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Key Takeaways
- “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED” typically occurs when the DNS fails to translate a domain name to an IP address.
- Issues might relate to DNS settings, local computer configurations, browser cache, or even internet connection problems.
- Troubleshooting involves addressing DNS cache, router/Ethernet issues, incorrect DNS settings, or incorrect hosts file entries.
- Always perform these steps in order, as starting with the basic solutions can save you extra time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing the “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED” Error
1. Verify the Website Address
First, ensure that you are typing the website URL correctly. It might seem simple, but a typo like missing a period or typing “.com” instead of “.org” can generate errors like “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED.”
- Remove or Add “www”: Sometimes, typing the URL with or without the “www” prefix can resolve the issue. For instance, check if
www.example.comworks ifexample.comdoes not.
2. Check Your Internet Connectivity
A flaky or disconnected internet connection can often be the culprit. Here’s how to begin troubleshooting:
- Test on Different Networks: Try accessing the URL using another network, such as your mobile data or a different Wi-Fi connection. This helps narrow down whether your network is the problem.
- Restart Your Router/Modem: If the issue disappears on a different internet connection, attempt to power cycle your current router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in.
3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Your browser might be storing outdated DNS information on a specific website. Clearing these cached data often resolves the issue.
For Google Chrome:
- Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data.
- Uncheck “Browsing History” (unless you want to remove it as well).
- Check the options for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. To manage and remove cookies efficiently, consider using NordPass, which offers secure storage and cookie management features.
- Click Clear data.
💡 Expert Tip: Only clear cookies/cache if the DNS resolution works on other devices or networks but not your current browser.
4. Flush Your DNS Cache
Sometimes, your computer might have outdated or corrupted DNS records stored. Flushing the DNS cache is a quick way to reset these entries.
For Windows:
- Press Windows + R, type
cmd, and hit enter. - Inside the Command Prompt, type:
ipconfig /flushdns - After pressing Enter, you should see the message: “Successfully flushed the DNS resolver cache.”
For macOS:
- Open the Terminal application.
- In the terminal, run the following command:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
5. Disable the Preload Pages Feature (Chrome)
Browsers like Chrome save DNS lookups to “preload” pages for faster browsing. Sometimes this feature causes issues if the saved entry is outdated.
- In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data.
- Disable the option: Preload pages for faster browsing and searching.
6. Clear Chrome’s Host Cache
Chrome has an internal DNS cache separate from your operating system. You can clear it directly within the browser to avoid conflicts.
- Open Chrome, and in the address bar, type:
chrome://net-internals/#dns - Click the Clear host cache button to refresh this cache entirely.
7. Change DNS Server Settings
If everything else has failed, you may be dealing with DNS servers that aren’t responsive. Switching to public DNS services like Google DNS or Cloudflare could solve the issue. For a secure DNS experience, use NordVPN, which encrypts your DNS queries for added privacy and protection.
For Windows:
- Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on Change adapter settings.
- Right-click your active network and select Properties.
- Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Enter these DNS server addresses:
- Google DNS:
8.8.8.8(Preferred),8.8.4.4(Alternate) - Cloudflare DNS:
1.1.1.1(Preferred),1.0.0.1(Alternate)
- Google DNS:
💡 Expert Suggestion: Testing different DNS servers (Google, Cloudflare, OpenDNS) can instantly solve the issue if your ISP’s DNS servers are unresponsive or down.
8. Check Your Hosts File
DNS queries can be overridden by local entries in the “hosts” file on your computer. Check if the website you’re trying to visit has a corresponding entry.
For Windows:
- Navigate to
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. - Open this file with Notepad.
- Scroll through the file and ensure that there’s no incorrect entry for the website in question.
For macOS:
- Type
sudo nano /etc/hostsin the terminal. - Verify there are no unwanted entries.
9. Reset Your Firewall Settings
Sometimes, firewalls can block access to specific sites or interrupt DNS resolution.
- Open the Windows Defender Firewall (or your firewall program’s interface).
- Restore Defaults within the settings panel.
Resetting the firewall ensures that website access is not being restricted by pre-configured rules.
10. Test by Using a Different Internet Connection
Test the website using alternatives to your regular home network, such as a mobile hotspot:
- Enable your smartphone’s hotspot setting.
- Connect your PC to the hotspot.
- Access the website. If it opens, there well could be an issue with your current network setup.
11. Reset Winsock Catalog (Advanced)
If none of the earlier steps solve the issue, try resetting the Winsock catalog. This will reset all network-related services to their defaults.
- Open Command Prompt as an Admin.
- Type the following command:
netsh winsock reset catalog - After pressing Enter, restart your computer.
12. Option: Disable DNSSEC (Advanced)
Some advanced DNS configurations, like DNSSEC, could hinder DNS resolution.
- Check if DNSSEC is enabled on your DNS server or router.
- Disable DNSSEC from your DNS provider’s dashboard or router settings. Consult the DNSSEC Setup Guide for more information.
13. Perform a Full Malware Scan
Ensure no malware is interfering with DNS settings by performing a full malware scan using Malwarebytes Premium, a trusted antivirus and anti-malware solution.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What does ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED mean?
It means that the Domain Name System (DNS) failed to resolve the website’s domain name to an IP address. It could be due to browser cache, DNS problems, or internet connection issues.
2. What’s the fastest way to determine if the problem is my network?
Connecting to a different network (like a mobile hotspot), is an easy way to check if your home network is having DNS or connectivity issues.
3. Why does flushing DNS fix this error often?
Flushing DNS removes outdated or corrupted entries from your system’s cache, forcing it to retrieve fresh DNS data from live servers on the web.
4. Why is changing DNS servers necessary sometimes?
Some DNS servers might not be working properly or be overloaded. Switching to faster public DNS servers like Google’s can improve connectivity.
5. What if none of the mentioned fixes work?
If all methods fail, there could be server-side issues. Contact the site admin, or verify that the website isn’t down by using services like Down For Everyone Or Just Me. For additional DNS issue prevention, consider using EaseUS DriverHandy to keep your network drivers up-to-date.