ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED Fix

Encountering the ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED error in Chrome can be frustrating, especially when you need to access important websites. This issue typically arises due to DNS server problems, conflicts in the Hosts file, or a need for a DNS cache flush. This guide will walk you through various solutions on Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms to resolve the Chrome DNS error.

Quick Fixes to Try First

1. Restart your router or modem to clear temporary network glitches.
2. Try accessing the website using another browser to see if the issue persists.
3. Disable any VPN or proxy settings temporarily to check connectivity.

How to Fix Chrome’s ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED on Windows

1. Change DNS Server Settings

1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Right-click on your active network adapter and select Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
4. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
   • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
5. Click OK and restart your computer.

2. Flush DNS Cache

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by searching cmd, right-clicking it, and choosing Run as administrator.
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
3. Restart Chrome and check if the issue persists.

3. Edit Hosts File

1. Open Notepad as an administrator by right-clicking it and selecting Run as administrator.
2. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc and open the hosts file.
3. Check for any entries related to the website you are trying to access and remove them.
4. Save the changes and restart your computer.

ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED Fix on macOS

1. Change DNS Settings

1. Go to System Settings > Network.
2. Click your active network service, then click Details.
3. Click DNS, then click the + button below the DNS Servers list (Apple’s steps).
4. Add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 to the DNS servers list.
5. Click OK.

2. Flush DNS Cache

1. Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities.
2. Type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.
3. Enter your password if prompted and check if the issue is resolved.

Resolving ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED on Linux

1. Update DNS Server

1. On most desktop distributions, set DNS in your connection’s network settings instead, because a network manager or DHCP client can rewrite /etc/resolv.conf (Google Public DNS setup). If your system uses a hand-edited file, open the terminal.
2. Edit the /etc/resolv.conf file using a text editor like nano:
3. Type sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf and press Enter.
4. Add the following lines:
   • nameserver 8.8.8.8
   • nameserver 8.8.4.4
5. Save the file and restart your network service with sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.

Check Chrome’s Secure DNS Setting

If you picked a custom secure DNS provider in Chrome, Chrome won’t fall back to your normal DNS when that provider has problems, and pages can fail to load. Google’s security settings help covers this setting.

1. Go to chrome://settings/security, or select More > Settings > Privacy and security > Security.
2. Under Advanced, find Use secure DNS.
3. Switch back to your current service provider, or turn secure DNS off to test.

Mobile Solutions for DNS Resolution Failed in Chrome

Android

1. Open Settings and tap Network & internet > Private DNS. If you can’t find it, search Settings for “Private DNS”.
2. Pick Automatic (the default), or Private DNS provider hostname and enter dns.google to use Google Public DNS.
3. Tap Save. If a custom provider was set and pages fail, switching back to Automatic can fix it (Android’s steps).

iOS

1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the i next to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Select Configure DNS and choose Manual.
4. Remove the current DNS entries and add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED error in Chrome?

This error is often caused by incorrect DNS settings, issues with the Hosts file, or problems with the DNS cache.

How can I reset my network adapter on Windows?

Open Settings > Network & internet. On Windows 11, select Advanced network settings > Network reset; on Windows 10, select Status > Network reset. Then select Reset now. Microsoft suggests it as the last step, because you may need to set up VPN software again afterwards.

Does flushing the DNS cache affect my browsing history?

No, flushing the DNS cache only clears the DNS resolver cache. It does not impact your browsing history or saved website data.

Can I use any DNS server other than Google’s?

Yes, you can use other DNS servers like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 or your ISP’s DNS servers.

Is it safe to edit the Hosts file?

Yes, but proceed with caution. Ensure you backup the original file before making changes and only remove entries you are sure are causing conflicts.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ERR_NAME_RESOLUTION_FAILED error in Chrome across various devices and platforms. Ensure your DNS settings are correctly configured and consider using Chrome’s built-in tools for advanced features. If issues persist, consult the official Google Chrome Help Center for more guidance.