How to Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED (2026 Guide)

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ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED means your browser couldn’t look up the IP address for a domain name. The DNS system failed to translate a hostname (like example.com) into an IP address your device could connect to. It’s different from a timeout — the server was never even found.

What Causes ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED

  • Your DNS server is unreachable or returning wrong results
  • Your DNS cache has a stale or corrupted entry
  • The domain name is misspelled or doesn’t exist
  • Your internet connection is down
  • A firewall or security tool is blocking the DNS request
  • The website’s DNS records have been changed and your cache hasn’t updated

Fix 1: Flush Your DNS Cache

A stale DNS cache is the most common cause. Clearing it forces your device to look up fresh records.

  • Windows: Open Command Prompt as administrator → type ipconfig /flushdns → press Enter
  • Mac: Open Terminal → type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
  • Chrome: Go to chrome://net-internals/#dns → click “Clear host cache”

Fix 2: Change Your DNS Server

If your ISP’s DNS server is slow or broken, switch to a public one. Go to your network adapter settings and set DNS to:

  • Google: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
  • Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

Fix 3: Check the URL

Make sure you haven’t mistyped the domain. Even a single extra character causes this error. Try visiting a known-working site like google.com to confirm your internet is working at all.

Fix 4: Disable VPN or Proxy

If you’re using a VPN or proxy, try disconnecting it. Some VPN configurations route DNS through their own servers, which can fail or block certain domains.

Fix 5: Reset Network Settings

Windows: Run these commands in an elevated Command Prompt:

  • netsh winsock reset
  • netsh int ip reset
  • ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew

Restart your computer after running these.

Fix 6: Restart Your Router

Power cycle your router — unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears the router’s DNS cache and renews your connection with your ISP.

Still happening on specific sites only? The domain may genuinely not exist, or its DNS may be misconfigured. Use our DNS Checker to look up the domain’s records and confirm whether it’s a problem on your end or theirs.

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