If you’ve ever tried to visit a website and got the message ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED, you know how frustrating it can be. This error can stop you from accessing the page you want, leaving you wondering what went wrong. The good news is, this problem is usually easy to fix once you understand what causes it.
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED: what it means, why it happens, and step-by-step ways to solve it. I’ll also share some personal tips and real-life examples to make things clear and easy to follow.
What Does ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Mean?
ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED is an error message you might see in Google Chrome or other browsers. It basically means that your browser could not find the IP address for the website you’re trying to visit.
In simple terms, when you type a website name like www.example.com, your computer asks a DNS (Domain Name System) server to translate that name into an IP address (like 192.0.2.1). If this process fails, your browser shows ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED.
Think of DNS like a phonebook. If the phonebook can’t find the number for the name you gave it, you won’t be able to make the call.
Common Causes of ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED
This error can be caused by many things, both on your side and on the website’s side. Here are the most common reasons:
1. Wrong URL or Typo
One of the simplest causes is a typo in the website address. Even a small mistake, like missing a letter, can cause the DNS lookup to fail.
2. DNS Server Problems
If the DNS server your device is using is down or slow, it can’t respond to the lookup request, leading to this error.
3. Network Issues
Problems with your Wi‑Fi, router, or internet connection can block your device from reaching the DNS server.
4. Browser Cache or Cookies
Sometimes old cached data or corrupted cookies in your browser interfere with the connection.
5. Firewall or Security Software
Antivirus programs or firewalls can mistakenly block access to certain websites.
6. Website’s DNS Not Configured
Sometimes the issue is not on your end but with the website itself. If their DNS records are missing or misconfigured, no one can reach the site.
How to Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED (Step-by-Step)
Let’s go through practical solutions you can try, starting from the simplest to the more advanced ones.
1. Double-Check the Website Address
Before anything else, make sure you typed the URL correctly. Try opening a well-known website (like Google.com) to see if your internet works at all.
2. Refresh the Page
Sometimes the error is temporary. Press Ctrl + R (Windows) or Cmd + R (Mac) to refresh.
3. Restart Your Device and Router
Turning things off and on really does work in many cases. Restart your computer, phone, and router. This refreshes the network connection.
4. Clear Your Browser Cache
Old cache files might cause conflicts. To clear cache in Chrome:
- Open Chrome
- Click the three dots in the top right > Settings
- Go to Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data
- Select “Cached images and files” and clear them
5. Flush DNS Cache
Flushing the DNS cache clears old or incorrect IP addresses your device may have stored.
On Windows:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator
- Type:
ipconfig /flushdnsand press Enter
On Mac:
- Open Terminal and type:
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Then try visiting the site again.
6. Change Your DNS Server
If your current DNS is down, switch to a public DNS like Google or Cloudflare.
Google DNS:
- Preferred DNS:
8.8.8.8 - Alternate DNS:
8.8.4.4
Cloudflare DNS:
- Preferred DNS:
1.1.1.1 - Alternate DNS:
1.0.0.1
You can change this in your device’s network settings.
7. Disable Security Software Temporarily
Turn off your firewall or antivirus for a few minutes and check if the website loads. If it does, adjust your security settings to allow the site.
8. Try a Different Browser or Device
This helps you figure out if the problem is specific to your browser or your whole network.
9. Check if the Website is Down
Visit DownForEveryoneOrJustMe.com and enter the website address. If it’s down for everyone, you just have to wait until the site owner fixes it.
10. Contact Your ISP
If none of the above works, your Internet Service Provider might have a DNS issue. Give them a call and ask if there are any known outages.
Advanced Troubleshooting
If you’ve tried everything above and still see ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED, here are some deeper steps:
- Check Hosts File: On your computer, make sure the website isn’t accidentally blocked in your hosts file.
- Disable VPN or Proxy: Sometimes VPNs interfere with DNS. Turn them off temporarily.
- Renew IP Address: On Windows, open Command Prompt and run:
ipconfig /releaseipconfig /renew
- Update Network Drivers: Outdated drivers can cause network errors.
My Personal Experience
I once faced this issue while trying to visit a client’s website right before a meeting. It turned out my DNS cache was storing an outdated IP address. A quick ipconfig /flushdns fixed everything. Since then, I always keep public DNS like Google’s configured on my laptop. It’s faster and more reliable.
Another time, I couldn’t access a website but my friend could. It ended up being a firewall rule on my work laptop blocking the site. This taught me to always check security software when troubleshooting.
How to Prevent ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED in the Future
While you can’t prevent all DNS errors (sometimes they’re on the website’s end), here are a few tips:
- Use a reliable DNS service like Google or Cloudflare.
- Restart your router regularly.
- Keep your browser and operating system updated.
- Clear your browser cache once in a while.
- Avoid using suspicious VPNs or proxy services.
Conclusion
ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED can be annoying, but it’s usually easy to fix with a few quick steps. Start by checking the URL and your internet connection, then try clearing your DNS and browser cache. If all else fails, switch DNS servers or contact your ISP.
The next time you see this error, don’t panic. Follow the steps above, and you’ll likely be back online in minutes.
My takeaway: the key is to be systematic. Fixing network issues is like solving a puzzle – try the simple solutions first, then move to advanced ones. Over time, you’ll get faster at spotting what’s wrong.
