How to fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN in Chrome

What the error means

Every website name, such as example.com, has to be turned into a number (an IP address) before your browser can connect. That lookup is called DNS. DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN means the lookup finished and the answer was “this name does not exist”.

That can be true (a typo, or a website that has shut down) or it can be a problem on your side (a stuck cache, VPN, or a DNS server having trouble).

Step 1: Rule out the simple causes

1. Check the address for typos, such as .con instead of .com.
2. Open another website. If nothing loads, see our fix for Wi-Fi connected but no internet.
3. Try the site on your phone using mobile data, not Wi-Fi. If it fails there too, the website itself is down or its domain has expired, and only the site owner can fix it.

Step 2: Clear Chrome’s DNS cache

1. Type chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar and press Enter.
2. Select Clear host cache.
3. Go to chrome://net-internals/#sockets and select Flush socket pools.
4. Reload the website.

Step 3: Flush your computer’s DNS cache

Windows: Right-click Start, open Terminal (Admin) and run:

ipconfig /flushdns

Mac: Open Terminal and run (enter your Mac password when asked; nothing appears as you type):

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Step 4: Turn off VPN, ad-blocking DNS and extensions

• Disconnect your VPN and try again.
• If you use a privacy or ad-blocking DNS service (or a Pi-hole at home), it may be blocking the domain. Pause it to test.
• Open the site in an Incognito window (extensions are usually off there). If it works, turn off extensions one by one to find the culprit.

Step 5: Switch to a public DNS server

Your internet provider’s DNS might be failing. Switch to a free public DNS:

Windows 11: Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) > your network > Hardware properties > DNS server assignment > Edit > Manual > IPv4 on. Enter 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8, then Save.

Mac: System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details next to your network > DNS. Select + and add 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8, then OK.

Chrome only: Settings > Privacy and security > Security > Use secure DNS, then choose a provider such as Cloudflare or Google.

Step 6: Check your hosts file (advanced)

Some apps add entries to the hosts file that send website names to the wrong place.

• Windows: open Notepad as administrator and open C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.
• Mac: run sudo nano /etc/hosts in Terminal.

Lines that do not start with # are active. If you see the website you are trying to visit, put # at the start of that line, save and try again. Only change lines you understand.

Step 7: Restart your router

Your router may also cache DNS. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in and wait two minutes.

How to prevent it

• Use a reliable DNS provider.
• Remove VPN or “speed booster” apps you no longer use, since some change DNS or hosts settings.
• Keep Chrome updated.