How to Resolve ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error?

Introduction

Do you know that when browsing through the web occasionally come across the ‘ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED’ error? This is a fairly typical problem that may interfere with your usage of the Internet and make you think about what has gone wrong.

Never mind – we’re here to assist you. As you will learn in this detailed tutorial, there are multiple ways of addressing this issue and getting back to your regular Internet browsing swiftly.

Also Read: How to Fix the NET::ERR CERT DATE INVALID Error?

The “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED” error message pops up when your browser does not have the ability to translate the website’s domain name into an IP address.

This may be a result of DNS server errors, network complications, or browser setting problems among others. Now let me explain the potential steps that will help to fix this problem and bring the comfortable browsing back.

What Does the “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED” Error Entail?

The most well-known error is “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED” which encompasses a situation when the browser fails to translate the domain name of a site to the corresponding IP address. This process, called the DNS name resolution, plays a great role in accessing the websites. Sometimes it just does not work, and the message displayed replaces the website you wanted to visit.

Common Causes of the Error

1. DNS server issues
2. Network connection problems
3. Incorrect DNS settings
4. Browser Cache and Sookies
5. Firewall or antivirus interference
6. Outdated browser or operating system

Now, let’s dive into the solutions to fix this error.

Various Methods to Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error

Method 1: Check Your Internet Connection

Before trying more complex solutions, ensure your internet connection is working properly.

Steps:

1. Open a new browser tab and try accessing a different website.
2. If other sites don’t load, restart your modem and router.
3. Unplug both devices from the power source.
4. Wait for 30 seconds.
5. Plug them back in, starting with the modem.
6. Wait for all lights to stabilize before testing your connection again.
7. If you’re using Wi-Fi, try connecting via Ethernet cable to rule out wireless issues.

Method 2: Flush Your DNS Cache

Clearing your DNS cache can often resolve the “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED” error.

For Windows:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type “cmd” and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
3. Type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter.
4. You should see a message confirming the DNS cache was flushed.

For macOS:

1. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal).
2. Type “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and press Enter.
3. Enter your admin password when prompted.

Method 3: Change DNS Servers

Sometimes, your ISP’s DNS servers may be slow or unreliable. Switching to public DNS servers can help.

For Windows:

1. Right-click the network icon in the taskbar and select “Open Network & Internet settings“
2. Click on “Change adapter options“
3. Right-click your active network connection and select “Properties“
4. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties“.
5. Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses“
6. Enter these Google DNS servers:
7. Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
8. Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
9. Click “OK” to save changes.

For macOS:

1. Go to System Preferences > Network.
2. Select your active network connection and click “Advanced“.
3. Go to the DNS tab and click the “+” button to add new DNS servers.
4. Enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google’s DNS servers).
5. Click “OK” and then “Apply“.

Method 4: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Outdated or corrupted browser data can cause the “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED” error.

For Google Chrome:

1. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
2. Go to More Tools> Clear browsing data.
3. Set the time range to “All time“.
4. Check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files“
5. Click “Clear data“.

For Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click the menu button and select “Options“.
2. Go to Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data.
3. Click “Clear Data“.
4. Ensure both “Cookies and Site Data” and “Cached Web Content” are checked.
5. Click “Clear“.

For Microsoft Edge:

1. Click the three-dot menu and select “Settings”.
2. Go to Privacy, search, and services.
3. Under Clear browsing data, click “Choose what to clear“.
4. Select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files“.
5. Click “Clear now“.

Method 5: Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, security software can interfere with your internet connection.

For Windows Firewall:

1. Type “Windows Defender Firewall” in the Start menu search bar.
2. Click “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off“.
3. Select “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall” for both private and public networks.
4. Click “OK” to save changes.

For third-party Antivirus:

1. Locate the antivirus icon in your system tray.
2. Right-click and look for an option to disable or turn off protection temporarily.
3. Choose to disable it for a short period (e.g., 15 minutes).
4. Remember to re-enable your security software after testing!

Method 6: Update Your Browser and Operating System

Outdated software can cause various errors, including “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED.”

Updating your Browser:

1. Chrome: Click the three-dot menu > Help > About Google Chrome.
2. Firefox: Click the menu button > Help > About Firefox.
3. Edge: Click the three-dot menu > Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge.

Updating your Operating System:

1. Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. macOS: Click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.

Method 7: Check for Malware

Malware can interfere with your network settings and cause errors.

For Windows:

1. Use Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender):
2. Type “Windows Security” in the Start menu search bar.
3. Click on “Virus & threat protection“.
4. Click “Quick scan” to start a malware scan.

For macOS:

1. Use built-in security features:
2. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
3. Ensure that Gatekeeper and XProtect are enabled.
4. Consider using a reputable third-party antivirus for Mac for additional protection.

Method 8: Reset TCP/IP and Winsock (Windows Only)

If you’re still experiencing issues on Windows, try resetting your network stack.

Open Command Prompt as administrator.

Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:

netsh win
sock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

Restart your computer.

Method 9: Check Your Hosts File

Sometimes, the Hosts file can be modified to block certain websites.

For Windows:

1. Open Notepad as administrator.
2. Go to File > Open and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
3. Change the file type to “All Files” and open the “hosts” file.
4. Look for any suspicious entries or blocked websites.
5. Remove any problematic lines (leave localhost entries intact).
6. Save the file and restart your browser.

For macOS:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type “sudo nano /etc/hosts” and press Enter.
3. Enter your admin password when prompted.
4. Review the file for any suspicious entries.
5. Remove problematic lines using the arrow keys and delete key.
6. Press Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter to save and exit.

Method 10: Contact Your Internet Service Provider

If none of these solutions prove to be effective or no longer work for you, then, the troubleshooting problem might lie with the internet service provider.

1. Approach your Internet Service Provider and they will be able to help you out.
2. Describe this error and the measures that have been taken so far.
3. Just ask if there are any rumors of any problem or if is there now a problem in the described area.
4. Ask for help in solving the connection problem.

Conclusion

The “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED” is quite annoying, but with the help of the provided solutions, you should be able to work around the problem and continue using the internet without hassle.

Also Read: How to Fix ERR_BAD_SSL_CLIENT_AUTH_CERT Error Chrome? [7 Ways]

As usual, the first steps like ensuring that your internet connection is working well, and clearing your DNS cache, ought to be taken before jumping to the complicated solutions.