If you’re experiencing the error message ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED while browsing the internet, it can be frustrating and disruptive. This error typically indicates that your web browser is unable to find the IP address associated with the domain name you are trying to visit. As a result, the website cannot load. Fortunately, this issue is often fixable with some straightforward troubleshooting steps. In this guide, we will explore the common causes of this error and provide effective solutions to resolve it quickly.
How to Fix Err_name_not_resolved
Understanding the Causes of ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED
Before diving into the solutions, it’s helpful to understand what causes the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error:
- DNS issues: Domain Name System (DNS) servers translate domain names into IP addresses. If these servers are down or misconfigured, the browser cannot resolve domain names.
- Incorrect network settings: Wrong network configurations, such as DNS settings on your device or router, can prevent name resolution.
- Firewall or antivirus interference: Security software may block DNS requests, leading to resolution failures.
- Browser cache problems: Corrupted cache or cookies can sometimes cause resolution issues.
- Problems with the website itself: The website’s DNS records may be misconfigured or the domain may have expired.
Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Ensure that your device is properly connected to the internet. Try visiting other websites to confirm connectivity. If other sites also fail to load, restart your router or modem and reconnect.
2. Flush DNS Cache
Clearing your DNS cache can resolve outdated or corrupted DNS information stored on your device.
-
On Windows: Open Command Prompt and run:
ipconfig /flushdns -
On macOS: Open Terminal and run:
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder -
On Linux: Depending on your distribution, use:
sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches
After flushing DNS, restart your browser and try again.
3. Change Your DNS Server Settings
If your current DNS servers are experiencing issues, switching to a public DNS service can help.
- Open your network settings.
- Locate DNS settings.
- Replace your current DNS addresses with one of these popular options:
- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
Save the changes and restart your browser. Check if the error persists.
4. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Corrupted cache or cookies can interfere with website loading. Clearing them may resolve the problem.
- Open your browser settings.
- Navigate to Privacy or History settings.
- Select the option to clear browsing data.
- Ensure you select cookies and cached images/files.
- Clear data and restart your browser.
5. Disable Proxy Settings and VPN
If you are using a proxy server or VPN, these can sometimes cause DNS resolution issues. Disable them temporarily to test if they are the cause:
- Go to your system or browser network settings.
- Turn off proxy settings or disconnect from VPN services.
- Retry accessing the website.
6. Reset Network Settings
Resetting your network configurations can fix underlying issues.
-
On Windows: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
netsh int ip reset
followed by
netsh winsock reset - On macOS: Reset network preferences or renew DHCP lease.
- Restart your device after resetting.
7. Check the Website’s Status
If the error persists across multiple devices and networks, the problem may be with the website itself. Use online tools like Down For Everyone Or Just Me to verify if the website is down.
8. Update Your Browser and Operating System
Outdated browsers or OS versions can cause compatibility issues. Ensure your browser and system are up to date:
- Update your browser to the latest version.
- Install any pending operating system updates.
9. Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus Software
Security programs can sometimes block DNS requests. Disable them briefly to test if they are causing the issue:
- Turn off your firewall or antivirus software temporarily.
- Attempt to access the website again.
- If successful, re-enable security software and adjust settings accordingly.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways to Resolve ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED
The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error is commonly caused by DNS or network configuration issues but can often be fixed with simple troubleshooting steps. Start by verifying your internet connection, flushing DNS cache, and switching to reliable DNS servers like Google or Cloudflare. Clearing your browser cache, resetting network settings, and updating your browser and OS can also resolve persistent issues. If the problem continues, check the website’s status, disable security software temporarily, and ensure your network configurations are correct. By following these steps, you can typically resolve this error and restore access to your favorite websites quickly and easily.
