To understand the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error, you need to know how DNS works. When you enter a website like hostinger.com, your computer requests the website’s IP address.
If the IP is already saved in the browser or internet provider’s cache, the process is fast. But if not, it will look for the IP through the DNS system.
Sometimes, the website moves to a new IP, but the old one is still stored in the cache. This causes the browser to use the outdated address, leading to the error. Other reasons include network settings, browser issues, or DNSSEC.
Possible Causes of the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error
There are several reasons for seeing the err_name_not_resolved error:
Network Connectivity Issues: Poor internet connection can cause DNS problems and lead to this error.
DNS Cache Issues: If your device's DNS cache is outdated or corrupted, it can cause DNS resolution errors.
Firewall and Antivirus: Sometimes, your firewall or antivirus blocks DNS requests, causing issues.
Browser Issues: Conflicts with browser settings, outdated browsers, or cache data can trigger this error.
DNS Configuration or Server Issues: Incorrect DNS configurations on the server may also cause this error.
7 Ways to Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED
There are several ways to fix the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. We’ll cover simple methods like clearing browser cache and data and more advanced solutions like editing the host file or disabling DNSSEC.
1. Clear the DNS Cache on your system
Clearing the DNS cache on your computer is like resetting your memory when you forget something. The DNS cache is a temporary database that saves information about recent website visits. Sometimes, it holds outdated or wrong data, which can cause connection problems like the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. To fix it, clear the DNS cache.
On Windows, open Command Prompt (press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter). Then, run this command:
ipconfig /flushdns
You should see a message saying the DNS cache has been cleared.
After clearing the cache, try visiting the website again. If it doesn't work, proceed to the next step.
2. Check Your Browser Settings
If you still can’t access the website, the issue might be with your browser. For example, Google Chrome has its own DNS cache that you need to clear.
To clear Chrome's DNS cache, open Chrome and type the following in the address bar:
chrome://net-internals/#dns
Then click the Clear host cache button.
Also, check the page preloading setting in Chrome. This feature preloads websites you’ve visited before, including DNS data, which could be outdated. To turn it off:
Step 1: Click the three dots in the top-right corner and go to Settings.
Step 2: Go to Privacy and Security.
Step 3: Click Cookies and other site data.
Step 4: Find Preload pages for faster browsing and searching and turn it off.
Step 5: You can also clear your browser cache. In the Privacy and Security section, click Clear browsing data, set the time range to All time, check all the boxes, and click Clear data.
3. Reset Your Firewall Settings
If the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error persists after clearing the DNS and cache, try resetting your firewall settings. Sometimes, security programs mistakenly block safe websites.
In Windows, open the Settings app and go to Privacy & Security. Then, select Windows Security. Next, click on Firewall & network protection, and at the bottom, choose Restore firewalls to default.
Finally, click Restore defaults.
Now, try accessing the website again. If the error continues, move on to the next step.
4. Configure the DNS Server on Your Computer
If the DNS server isn't working properly, it can cause the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. To fix this, you can switch to Google's public DNS servers.
For Windows:
Step 1: Right-click the PC icon on the taskbar and open the Network and Sharing Center.
Step 2: Click Change adapter settings.
Step 3: Right-click your current network and select Properties.
Step 4: Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) in the Properties window.
Step 5: Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter these:
For IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
For macOS:
Step 1: Open System Preferences and go to Network.
Step 2: Click Advanced and open the DNS tab.
Step 3: Press the + button to add Google’s DNS addresses.
Step 4: Click OK and Apply when done.
5. Disable DNSSEC for Your Domain
If the previous methods didn’t work, the issue might be with the website’s DNS records. If the site isn’t yours, there’s nothing you can do.
But if it’s your website, you can try disabling DNSSEC, a security feature that protects DNS records. Sometimes, DNSSEC can prevent proper domain propagation, especially after switching web hosts.
To check if DNSSEC is enabled, run a WHOIS search and look for the DNSSEC field. If it says “signed,” you’ll need to disable it. You can do this through your domain registrar or hosting account.
6. Try Editing Your Hosts File
Your computer has a host file that lists domain names and their IP addresses. When you visit a website, your system checks this file first to find the address. It only sends a DNS request if it doesn’t find the address there.
Adding the website’s IP address in the host file can fix browsing problems caused by DNS issues. It also helps identify where the problem is coming from. If you can browse the website after adding it to the host file, the issue is on your end.
To edit the host file:
On Windows, find the file (C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts) in the system folder and open it with Notepad.
On Linux and macOS, use the terminal and a text editor to open and edit the file.
7. Test with a Different Internet Connection
Your internet connection or WiFi router might be causing the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error.
To check this, try two tests:
1. Use a Different Connection: Connect your computer to a different, stable internet source, like a mobile hotspot from your phone. Try accessing the website again. If it works, your previous internet connection might be the issue.
2. Test with Multiple Devices: Connect other devices to the same internet connection and try to access the same website. If all devices show the error, the internet connection is likely the problem.
Also, try restarting your router:
1. Turn off the router and unplug it.
2. Wait at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in and turning it on.
3. Wait for the internet light to turn green before reconnecting your computer and testing the website again.
Conclusion:
The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error happens when the DNS can’t find a website’s IP address. This is often due to an outdated cache, a strict firewall, or DNS server issues on your computer. To fix it, try checking your internet connection, clearing your computer’s DNS cache, and adjusting your browser settings. Also, clear your browser cache and reset your firewall settings. If the issue might be on the server side, contact your web host for help.
