DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is one of the most common DNS-related errors users encounter when trying to access a website. It means your browser could not locate the domain’s corresponding IP address — essentially reporting that the domain does not exist (“NXDOMAIN”).
The good news:
👉 This issue is usually local and easy to fix.
This guide covers 7 proven solutions to fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN on Windows, macOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and mobile devices.
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN occurs when your browser fails to connect a domain name to its IP address, usually due to corrupted DNS cache, incorrect DNS configuration, or network issues. You can fix it by checking if the website is online, flushing DNS cache, renewing your IP address, switching to Google DNS (8.8.8.8), or resetting your browser settings.
## 1. Check If the Website Is Actually Online (Fastest Fix)
Before changing settings on your device, confirm whether the website is down globally or only on your connection.
✔ The fastest way:
Use a domain-specific uptime checker:
👉 Is Your Website Down Right Now?
Enter the URL → instantly see:
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HTTP status code
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DNS resolution status
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SSL certificate validity
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Response time
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Whether the website is UP or DOWN
If the site is UP:
The issue is local — continue with the fixes below.
If the site is DOWN:
The problem is on the website's server, not your device.
## 2. Release and Renew Your IP Address
Refreshing your local IP configuration resolves many DNS glitches.
Windows
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Open Command Prompt (Admin)
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Run the following commands:
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Restart the browser and test again.
macOS
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Go to System Preferences → Network
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Select your active connection
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Click Advanced → TCP/IP
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Click Renew DHCP Lease
## 3. Flush Your DNS Cache
A corrupted DNS cache can block correct resolution of domain names.
Windows Command
You should see:
“Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”
macOS Command
## 4. Switch to Reliable DNS Servers (Google or Cloudflare)
Your ISP’s DNS may be slow, unstable, or temporarily offline.
Switch to:
🔹 Google Public DNS
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Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
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Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
🔹 Cloudflare DNS
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Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
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Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1
Windows Setup
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Go to Network Connections
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Right-click your network → Properties
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Select TCP/IPv4 → Properties
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Choose Use the following DNS server addresses
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Enter the DNS values above
macOS Setup
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System Preferences → Network
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Select connection → Advanced → DNS
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Add new DNS entries with +
## 5. Check Your Local hosts File
Your hosts file overrides DNS results.
If the domain you are trying to access is listed incorrectly, your browser will fail to load it.
Look for lines like:
Delete or comment out problematic entries.
## 6. Reset Chrome Flags (Chrome-Only Fix)
Chrome flags are experimental features that can interfere with DNS resolution.
Steps:
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Open Chrome
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Navigate to:
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Click Reset all
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Restart Chrome
## 7. Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Firewall Software
Some firewalls incorrectly block DNS requests.
Try disabling:
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Windows Defender
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Avast
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Bitdefender
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Kaspersky
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Norton
If the website loads afterward → add a firewall exception.
