How To Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED: A Quick Guide

We’ve all experienced that pesky error message when accessing a website. It can be extremely annoying and disrupt our workflow. 

Err_name_not_resolved is one of many such browser error messages. It can be frustrating, especially if you need to access the website urgently. 

But what does Err_name_not_resolved mean, and how can you fix it?

The err_name_not_resolved error shows up due to DNS resolution issues and can be fixed with some quick troubleshooting. 

In this article, I will walk you through the err_name_not_resolved error message and share a quick guide on how to fix it.

What Does The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVE Error Code Mean?

The err_name_not_resolved error is a DNS resolution issue. It appears when the DNS server fails to translate a website’s URL into an IP address.

What is DNS, exactly? 

DNS (Domain Name System) is often called the phone book for the Internet. DNS translates a website’s IP address. This allows users’ browsers to connect with any website’s server. 

Without DNS, we’d need to remember the IP addresses of all the websites we’d like to visit. 

Imagine typing in 142.251.214.142 instead of Google.com (and having a separate, long IP address to remember for every website!)

If there is a problem with the DNS server or the domain name cannot be translated into an IP address, the browser will display the error message “err_name_not_resolved.” 

Possible Causes Behind The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error Message

There can be many reasons why you’re seeing the err_name_not_resolved error message. Some reasons that typically cause this error message are: 

#1. Network Connectivity Issues

Poor Internet connectivity can result in DNS issues and the err_name_not_resolved error message. 

#2. DNS Cache Issues 

If the DNS cache of your device is corrupt or outdated, it can lead to DNS resolution errors.

#3. Firewall and Antivirus

Your firewall or antivirus sometimes blocks DNS requests, leading to DNS issues.

#4. Browser Issues 

Conflicts with the browser’s settings or outdated browser could also cause err_name_not_resolved errors. Sometimes, The Google Chrome browser cache data can also cause conflicts and result in this error message. 

#5. DNS Configuration or Server Issues

 The server’s DNS configurations may also cause the err_name_not_resolved error message.

How To Fix The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Message: Six Ways

#1. Check Your Internet Connection

The first step is to make sure your device is connected to the Internet.

Run a quick check by heading to a website like IsMyInternetWorking to know if your internet is down. 

Next, run an internet speed test to check for a weak or poor connection.  If your download speed is much slower than usual, switch to a different network (like your mobile hotspot) if necessary.

Note: If the err_name_not_resolved error message resolves once you switch to a mobile hotspot, your internet connection is definitely the issue. 

#2. Clear Your Browser Cache & Cookies

Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies is a simple fix. Once you clear browsing data, it typically helps resolve the err_name_not_resolved error message the fastest. 

Follow the instructions below to clear the cache in your Google Chrome browser.

• Click the three vertical dots on the top right of your browser.
• Next, click “more tools” from the drop-down menu and select “clear browsing data.”
• Select two options: “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached files and images.”
• Finally, choose “All time” in the time range and click the “Clear data” button. 

  

#3. Flush DNS Cache 

If your device’s DNS cache is outdated or corrupt, you must clear it. Here are two methods to flush DNS cache for your device: 

For Windows users:

Reset the DNS cache on your computer by opening the Command Prompt. Type “ipconfig/flushdns” and press Enter. 

For MAC users: 

Reset the DNS cache by opening the Terminal window. 

Type “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and press enter. It will ask for your password and clear the cache. 

Check if the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error still persists. If it has disappeared, this was the fix that you needed.

#4. Reset/Reboot Your Router 

Restarting or rebooting your router can help fix DNS issues that can arise due to poor network connectivity. Verify your network settings and ensure your internet connection is steady. 

To restart your router, unplug it, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in and restart it. Some router manufacturers include a reset button to bring back default settings.

Take a look at the image below from Verizon’s site, explaining how to reboot their router:

#5. Disable Your Antivirus and Firewall (Temporarily)

Firewalls and antivirus may restrict DNS requests, so check and adjust your settings accordingly. Turning off your security software could reveal if it’s the source of the error.

Antivirus software usually offers simple steps for temporarily disabling them. Check out the screenshot below from McAfee’s website, with instructions on how to switch off their real-time scanning feature

Note: Consider turning off your antivirus and firewall settings only as a temporary fix. I suggest that you find more secure long-term solutions. After all, your antivirus and firewalls are security software for your device from malicious attacks.

#6. Contact Your Internet Service Provider 

If none of the above methods have worked for you, contact your ISP to see if there are issues. If they are facing a network connectivity issue, they will help you to resolve the err_name_not_resolved error.

Note: Check out this quick step-by-step guide to resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN ERROR message. 

Conclusion: Final Thoughts

ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED might sound like a complicated error message, but it’s really not. It is a common DNS resolution error. Most of the solutions mentioned above can resolve the issue quickly and with little technical knowledge. 

I hope this quick guide helped you understand the error message better. Remember to clear your browser cache, reset your DNS cache, or restart your router before moving on to contacting support. Happy Browsing!