How to Fix the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error: 6 Proven Methods

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The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error can be frustrating when you’re trying to access a website. It occurs when your browser is unable to find the IP address associated with the domain name you’re trying to reach. This can happen due to various reasons, such as outdated DNS cache, network settings, or misconfigured firewall. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore six proven methods to fix the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error and regain access to the websites you want to visit.

1. Understanding ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED

Before we dive into the methods to fix the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error, let’s first understand what it means. The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error occurs when your browser is unable to resolve the domain name into an IP address. The Domain Name System (DNS) is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, allowing your browser to locate the website you want to visit. When the DNS fails to find the IP address associated with the domain name, you encounter the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.

2. Common Causes of ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED

There are several common causes for the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot and fix the issue more effectively. Here are the most common causes:

Cached Data:

Sometimes, your browser may have outdated cached data, which can cause the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. Clearing the DNS cache can help resolve this issue.

Network Settings:

Network settings on your device or router can also cause the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. Checking your network configuration and making necessary adjustments can help fix the problem.

Enabled DNSSEC:

DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) is a security feature that can sometimes cause conflicts and result in the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. Disabling DNSSEC for your domain can resolve this issue.

Firewall or Antivirus Software Misconfiguration:

Firewall or antivirus software misconfiguration can block your browser’s access to certain websites, leading to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. Adjusting your firewall settings or disabling certain security features can help fix the problem.

Browser Settings:

Incorrect browser settings, such as DNS caching or page preloading, can also contribute to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. Checking and adjusting these settings can resolve the issue.

Now that we have a better understanding of the causes of the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error, let’s explore the six proven methods to fix it.

3. Method 1: Flush DNS Cache on Your Device

One of the simplest and most effective ways to fix the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error is to flush the DNS cache on your device. The DNS cache stores information about previously visited websites, including their IP addresses. Flushing the cache clears this stored data and forces your device to obtain fresh DNS information. Here’s how you can flush the DNS cache on different operating systems:

Windows:

1. Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, then type cmd and press Enter.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
3. You should see a message confirming that the DNS resolver cache has been successfully flushed.

macOS:

1. Open the Terminal by navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
3. You may be prompted to enter your administrator password. Enter the password and press Enter.
4. You should see a message confirming that the DNS cache has been successfully flushed.

Linux:

1. Open the Terminal.
2. Depending on your Linux distribution, use one of the following commands to flush the DNS cache:
   • For systems using systemd: sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches
   • For systems using nscd: sudo /etc/init.d/nscd restart
3. You should see a message confirming that the DNS cache has been successfully flushed.

Flushing the DNS cache on your device can often resolve the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. If the issue persists, proceed to the next method.

4. Method 2: Check Browser Settings

Incorrect browser settings can sometimes cause the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. It’s worth checking your browser settings to ensure they are configured correctly. Here are the steps to check browser settings in Google Chrome:

1. Open Google Chrome and enter chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar.
2. Click on the Clear host cache button to clear the DNS cache in Chrome.
3. Additionally, you can disable page preloading in Chrome to prevent outdated DNS information from being used. To do this, go to Chrome settings, navigate to Privacy and security, select Cookies and other site data, and disable the Preload pages for faster browsing and searching option.

If you’re using a different browser, refer to your browser’s documentation for instructions on clearing the DNS cache and adjusting relevant settings.

5. Method 3: Reset Your Firewall and DNS Server Addresses

Misconfigured firewall or DNS server addresses can sometimes cause the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. Resetting your firewall and DNS server addresses can help resolve this issue. Here’s how to do it:

Reset Firewall Settings:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Navigate to Privacy & Security or Windows Security (depending on your operating system).
3. Click on Firewall & network protection or similar options.
4. Look for the option to Restore firewalls to default or Restore defaults and click on it.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the firewall settings to be reset.

Reset DNS Server Addresses:

1. Open the Control Panel on your device.
2. Go to Network and Sharing Centre or similar options.
3. Click on Change adapter settings.
4. Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties.
5. Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
6. Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the IP addresses of reliable DNS servers, such as Google’s public DNS servers: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
7. Click OK to save the changes.

Resetting your firewall and DNS server addresses can help resolve any misconfigurations that may be causing the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.

6. Method 4: Try Amending Your Hosts File

The hosts file on your device can sometimes interfere with DNS resolution and cause the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. Modifying the hosts file can help resolve this issue. Here’s how:

Windows:

1. Open the File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
2. Right-click on the hosts file and select Open with > Notepad.
3. Add a new line at the end of the file with the IP address and domain name of the website you’re trying to access. For example: 192.168.0.1 example.com
4. Save the changes and close the hosts file.

macOS and Linux:

1. Open the Terminal.
2. Enter the following command to open the hosts file in a text editor: sudo nano /etc/hosts
3. Add a new line at the end of the file with the IP address and domain name of the website you’re trying to access. For example: 192.168.0.1 example.com
4. Press Ctrl + X to exit the text editor, then press Y to save the changes.

Modifying the hosts file can redirect the DNS resolution for specific domain names and help resolve the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.

7. Method 5: Test Using a Different Internet Connection

Sometimes, the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error can be specific to your current internet connection. Testing the website on a different internet connection can help determine if the problem is related to your network. You can try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network or use your mobile data to access the website. If the website loads successfully on a different connection, it indicates an issue with your current network configuration.

8. Method 6: Disable DNSSEC for Your Domain

If you own the domain experiencing the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error, DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) might be causing the issue. DNSSEC is a security feature that adds an extra layer of verification to DNS records. However, it can sometimes cause conflicts and result in DNS resolution errors. Disabling DNSSEC for your domain can help resolve the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. Contact your domain registrar or DNS provider for instructions on disabling DNSSEC for your domain.

9. Frequently Asked Questions about ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED

Is the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error a Common Problem?

Yes, the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error is a common problem that many internet users encounter. It can occur due to various reasons, including DNS cache issues, network settings, firewall misconfigurations, or DNSSEC conflicts.

Is There a Way to Prevent the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error?

While it’s difficult to prevent the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error entirely, you can take certain steps to minimize the chances of encountering it. Regularly flushing your DNS cache, keeping your network settings up to date, and ensuring proper firewall configurations can help prevent the error from occurring frequently.

10. Conclusion

The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error can be frustrating when you’re trying to access a website. However, with the methods outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot and fix the error effectively. Whether it’s flushing the DNS cache, adjusting browser settings, resetting firewall configurations, modifying the hosts file, testing different internet connections, or disabling DNSSEC, there are multiple approaches to resolving the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. By following these methods, you can regain access to the websites you want to visit and enhance your browsing experience.