9 Ways On How To Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

9 Ways on How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error – When you get the DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN error, you’ll get a notification saying that your web browser can’t discover the server IP address.

Also read: 27 Best Chrome Extension For Web Developers In 2025

This problem can be aggravating because it prohibits you from viewing the website. Fortunately, there are numerous simple solutions to this issue.

9 Ways on How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

This article will explain why the DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN issue occurs and how to check for it. In addition, we will discuss nine options for correcting this issue.

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Meaning

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN issue occurs when the domain name system is unable to resolve a website’s URL into an IP address, preventing the web browser from reaching it. The error code Nxdomain indicates that the domain does not exist.

• Error code: DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
• Error type: DNS error
• Error variations: This site can’t be reached (Google Chrome), Hmm. We’re having trouble finding that site (Mozilla Firefox). Hmm… can’t reach this page (Microsoft Edge). Safari Can’t Find the Server (Safari)
• Error causes: DNS misconfiguration. DNS not yet propagated. Internet connection error. Firewall blocks. Unresponsive server.

What Causes the DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN Error?

DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

• The target website cannot be found by a web browser because the domain is not registered or has expired.
• There is no IP address associated with the domain.
• Because of a misconfiguration in the user’s DNS settings, the domain cannot be resolved.
• A VPN or antivirus software conflicts with network configuration.
• The problem is caused by the internet service provider.

If you are facing the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN meaning problem, you will receive a warning that says This site cannot be visited in Google Chrome. Other browsers will display other messages, which we shall demonstrate at the end of this lesson.

Here are two approaches for determining the cause of DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN:

1. Check If The Domain Is Active

A problem with the website’s domain name is one of the causes of the DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN error. For example, if you misspell the URL, the browser will be unable to discover the right IP address in the domain name system (DNS).

If the URL spelling is correct but the issue persists, the domain is most likely expired or unregistered. The ICANN lookup tool can be used to determine whether a domain is active. Enter the URL of the site to see if it is active in the ICANN data.

As a website owner, you can avoid the DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN error by doing the following:

• Within 15 days of registering the name, verify your domain ownership details. Otherwise, ICANN may decide to suspend it. Look for the verification email in your mailbox and follow the instructions to unsuspend a domain.
• So that the domain points to the correct site, use the nameservers provided by the website’s hosting provider.
• Examine the DNS records for the domain. The A record in particular is in charge of mapping the domain name to the IP address.
• Renew the domain registration before it expires. A domain’s life cycle demonstrates: After expiration, your domain enters a grace period of 0 to 45 days. If you renew the domain during this time, you will not be charged any further fees. There is an additional cost to activate the domain again after you reach the redemption period, which can last up to 30 days.

If your domain is in the pending deletion stage, you must wait until it is ready for re-purchase.

2. Test the Website Through A Proxy Server

This method can help you determine whether the DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN problem affects all users or just your browser.

Open a proxy server site, such as hide.me or HMA, to test the website. Then, enter the URL of the website and select the server location.

If the website is available from other locations, the error is most likely caused by problems with your device or browser rather than the site itself. The sections that follow will look at various solutions to this challenge.

9 Ways on How to Fix DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN Error

Because the DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN error can occur as a result of problems with the website, the client’s machine, or the internet connection, the solution will inevitably be dependent on the underlying cause.

Let’s have a look at the 9 solutions to the DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN error message.

1. Flush the DNS Cache

One of the most common on how to fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN issue is to flush the DNS cache.

The DNS cache stores all of the IP addresses of websites that a client has previously visited while using the same machine. However, some IP addresses in the DNS cache may be out of date, preventing the computer from finding the correct website.

For Windows, macOS, and Google Chrome users, refreshing the DNS cache is a straightforward approach to resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN meaning problem.

Windows

Follow this step-by-step guide to flush the DNS cache on Windows:

• Look for Command Prompt under the Start menu. Then, right-click and choose Run as administrator.
• Once a new window appears, enter the commands listed below. Then press the Enter key.

  ipconfig /flushdns

• Check the browser to see if the DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN message is still present.

macOS

• Launch the Terminal program.
• Enter the commands below and press the Return key.

  sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

• Enter your password and hit Return one again.
• Open the browser and see if the error remains.

Google Chrome

Because Google Chrome has its own DNS cache distinct from the operating system, clearing it may resolve the DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN Chrome problem.

Enter chrome:/net-internals/#dns into the Chrome address bar to do so. Then click the Clear host cache button.

Check to see if the DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN issue has been resolved.

2. Renew and Release the IP Address

If the preceding technique fails, try this more detailed method of deleting the DNS cache. It can troubleshoot network connection problems by releasing your computer’s old IP address and requesting a new one.

On Windows and Mac, follow these steps to release and renew an IP address:

Windows

• Similarly to the last procedure, right-click the Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
• Enter the following commands one after the other:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

• To restore your former IP settings and the Winsock Catalog, run the procedures shown below. This can also help to avoid issues caused by malicious scripts in downloaded files.

netsh int ip set dns
netsh winsock reset

• Close the command prompt and restart the machine when finished. Then, open the browser to examine if the DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN notification is still present.

Restart the computer and check your web browser to see if the DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN message is still present.

macOS

In contrast to Windows, macOS users do not need to use a command-line interface to release and renew an IP address. Take the following steps:

• Select Network from the System Preferences menu.
• Choose your current internet connection and then select the Advanced… button.
• Go to the TCP/IP tab and select Renew DHCP Lease. Click OK.
• Restart the machine to see whether the error notice remains.

3. Change the DNS Servers

If clearing the cache does not resolve the issue, consider changing the DNS servers. These servers are in charge of transforming the domain name into the internet address during DNS lookups.

Your computer will use the DNS server addresses provided by your internet service provider by default. They may not be the fastest or most secure, however.

As a result, many consumers choose public DNS servers such as Google, OpenDNS, and Cloudflare, which typically have fewer technical concerns.

Switching between DNS servers can sometimes help to alleviate internet connection issues.

We’ll use Google’s DNS server addresses to demonstrate this method:

Windows

Here’s how to change DNS server addresses in Windows step by step:

• Select Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center from the Control Panel.
• Click Change adapter settings on the left side of the window.
• Select Properties from the context menu when you right-click on the current connection.
• Click the Properties button and select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
• Select Use the following DNS server addresses at the bottom of the window and enter the numbers below:

Preferred DNS Server.

Alternate DNS Server.

• When finished, click OK to save the changes. Restart your browser to determine if the technique fixed the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN meaning problem.

macOS

Here’s how to update DNS server addresses on macOS:

• Navigate to System Preferences -> Network.
• Select your current local area network connection. Select the Advanced option.
• Go to the DNS tab. Enter the new IPv4 or IPv6 DNS servers by pressing the Add button. Enter each address one by one, then click OK.
• Check the browser to see whether the problem code has vanished.

Google Chrome

To access the Chrome DNS settings, type chrome:/settings/security into the URL bar.

Scroll down to the Advanced section and click the With Custom checkbox. Users can alter it to one of Cloudflare’s, OpenDNS’, CleanBrowsing’s, or Google’s built-in DNS server addresses.

4. Restart the DNS Client Service

Restarting the DNS client service is another means for Windows users to modify their DNS settings. This application resolves and saves IP addresses in the DNS cache and help you to find you on how to fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

The DNS client service is designed to begin automatically when you start the computer. In case it doesn’t, it will render the browser unable to access any website.

There are three options for restarting the DNS client service on Windows 10 – Windows System Configuration, Windows Services Manager, and the Command Prompt.

Windows System Configuration

Follow these instructions to restart the DNS client service:

• Press the Windows + R keys on the keyboard and enter msconfig in the search bar.
• Select the Services tab, scroll down, and select the DNS Client option.
• Uncheck the box to disable it and click OK.
• Restart the computer.
• Repeat steps one and two. This time, however, recheck the box to enable DNS Client.
• Restart the computer again. Check if the DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN error has disappeared.

Windows Services Manager

• Open the Services application.
• Locate DNS Client by scrolling down.
• Below the navigation bar, click the Restart Service button. Then restart the computer.

Windows Command Prompt

• Open the Command Prompt window.
• To terminate the DNS service, enter the following command:

net stop dnscache

• Wait for the following output to appear once you’ve finished:

The DNS Client service is stopping.
The DNS Client service was stopped successfully.

• Restart the DNS service by typing:

net start dnscache

• Wait for the following output:

The DNS Client service is starting.
The DNS Client service was started successfully.

• Restart the computer.

For certain Windows versions, this method may not work and result in the following message:

The requested pause, continue, or stop is not valid for this service.

If this happens to you, consider trying the previous solutions for restarting the DNS client or the other methods in this guide.

5. Check the Local Hosts File

The local hosts file matches a domain name to its IP address. Computers refer to it every time you open a website so that they can fetch the correct page to display on the browser.

Sometimes, the hosts file can unknowingly mark a specific domain name or IP address as inaccessible. Checking and editing the file can potentially fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN meaning error.

Windows

Here’s how to check the hosts file on Windows:

• In the search box, type Notepad and select Run as administrator.
• Navigate to File -> Open. Change the file filter from Text Documents (*.txt) to All Files.
• Enter the path below in the File name bar:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\

• Select the hosts file and open it
• The file will show a list of blacklisted websites below the last line using the # symbol. If you see the target website’s domain name and IP address under ::1 localhost line, remove them and save changes.
• Visit the previously-blocked websites to check if the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN notification is still there.

macOS

macOS users can follow this step-by-step guide to modifying the hosts file:

• Open the Terminal application.
• Enter the command below. Then, insert your password.

sudo nano /private/etc/hosts

• You’ll be redirected to the hosts file. Delete the websites listed below the last ::1 line.
• Remove the inaccessible site’s information, and then press Command + O to overwrite the hosts file. Hit Return to confirm the changes.
• Press Command + X to close the hosts file.
• Open the formerly-blacklisted sites and see if the error has been resolved.

6. Reset Chrome Flags

Google Chrome Flags are experimental features that are not a part of the default browsing experience but have been made available for trial. Some may come with misconfigurations that cause the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Chrome error.

To disable Chrome Flags, enter chrome://flags in the address bar. You can view which new features are active on the application. Change the Enabled Chrome Flags to Disabled or click Reset all at the top to restore the default settings.

Once done, close and reopen the browser.

7. Disable Antivirus or VPN

An antivirus program or virtual private network (VPN) software can make web browsing a much more secure experience. However, these tools can unintentionally block some websites, even if they are completely secure.

Consider checking whether either program is causing the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error message.

Important! The steps to disable your antivirus program depend on the program itself. If you’re unsure how to do it, read the software’s knowledge base or contact the support team.

For deactivating a VPN connection, follow the instructions below:

Windows

• Open Settings -> Network & Internet -> VPN.
• Select the VPN service you’re using and click Disconnect.
• Restart the computer to complete the process. Open the website to see if the problem has disappeared.

macOS

• Open System Preferences -> Network.
• On the left side of the window, select the VPN connection you want to turn off.
• Click Disconnect and Apply to save changes.

8. Temporarily Turn Off Your CDN

For website owners, another way to confirm whether the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN originates on the site-side is by disabling the content delivery network (CDN). This is one of several ways on how to fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN problem.

This feature helps distribute web content faster to visitors by caching versions of the website in multiple, global servers. When users open the site, the CDN will deliver the cached content from the server closest to them.

Temporarily turning off your CDN will disable the cached versions of the website. All browsers will have to fetch the site from its origin server.

If the website is inaccessible without CDN, the cached content may be outdated, and there may be problems with the DNS settings.

Hostinger clients that use the Cloudflare CDN can deactivate the feature on hPanel:

• Open the Hosting Account dashboard and scroll down to the Domains section. Select Cloudflare.
• In the Cloudflare Control section, turn off Service status and click Save.

If your site points to Cloudflare’s nameservers, go to the Cloudflare dashboard and scroll down to click the Pause Cloudflare on Site button.

9. Reboot Internet Connection

If the methods above still don’t fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error, try restarting the internet router and modem. Here’s how to do it properly:

• Unplug both the modem and router. Leave them like this for around 30 seconds.
• Plug the modem back in and wait for at least one minute.
• Do the same with the router, but wait for two minutes before turning it back on.
• Open the browser to check whether the error code persists.

In addition, be sure to check the Windows or macOS step-by-step guide on troubleshooting network connections.

If everything else fails, contact your internet service provider. Ask if there are any issues on their side or if they can work out a solution for you.

Conclusion

In summary, the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN meaning error occurs when the browser cannot find the domain name’s corresponding IP address. The problem may originate from the server, the client’s browser, or the network connection.

While this error code can be frustrating, it’s not difficult to resolve. This guide has provided 9 ways to fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error for different scenarios.

If nothing has worked, make sure to contact your internet provider to find a solution. For website owners, check with your hosting provider or domain registrar to see whether they can look into the problem.