DNS Error? What It Means and How to Fix It

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DNS Error? What It Means and How to Fix It

If you try to open a website and see a DNS error like “Site can’t be reached” or “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN,” your device can’t translate the website name into an IP address.

This guide explains what DNS errors mean, why they happen, and what you can safely do to fix them.

Common Symptoms

You may be dealing with a DNS error if:

  • The browser says “This site can’t be reached”

  • You see DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

  • The website works on mobile data but not Wi-Fi

  • Other websites load normally

  • Restarting the browser doesn’t help

DNS errors are common and usually temporary.

What a DNS Error Means

DNS (Domain Name System) acts like the internet’s phonebook.

A DNS error means:

  • The website name exists

  • But your device can’t find the server address for it

This does not always mean the website is down.

If you want to understand what DNS is and why resolution issues happen, see What Is DNS and Why It Breaks Internet and Websites.

Common Causes of DNS Errors

DNS issues often happen due to:

  • Cached DNS information becoming outdated

  • Router or modem problems

  • ISP DNS servers having issues

  • Incorrect network settings

  • VPN or security software interference

Step-by-Step Fixes

Step 1: Refresh the Page and Try Another Browser

Start simple:

  • Reload the page

  • Try a different browser

  • Open the site in a private/incognito window

If it loads elsewhere, the issue may be browser-related.

Step 2: Restart Your Router and Device

This clears temporary DNS issues.

  • Unplug the router for 30–60 seconds

  • Restart your computer or phone

  • Reconnect and test again

Step 3: Clear the DNS Cache

Clearing the DNS cache forces your device to request fresh website information.

If this sounds technical, don’t worry — it’s safe and reversible.

  • On Windows, flush the DNS cache

  • On macOS, restart the network connection

After clearing, reload the site.

Step 4: Try a Different Network

This helps identify whether the issue is local.

  • Switch to mobile data

  • Try another Wi-Fi network if available

If the site loads elsewhere, your network is likely the cause.

Step 5: Disable VPN or Security Software Temporarily

Some VPNs and firewalls intercept DNS requests.

  • Turn off VPN temporarily

  • Pause security software briefly

  • Test the site again

Re-enable protection after testing.

Step 6: Change DNS Servers (Optional)

If DNS issues persist, switching DNS servers can help.

Common alternatives:

  • Public DNS providers

  • ISP-recommended DNS servers

This step improves reliability but isn’t required for most users.

When a DNS Error Is Not Your Fault

Sometimes DNS errors are caused by:

  • Website DNS misconfiguration

  • Domain expiration

  • ISP-wide DNS outages

If multiple networks fail to load the site, the issue may be external.

When This Isn’t a DIY Fix

If this issue continues across multiple devices or networks, the problem is likely outside your local setup. At that point, contacting your hosting provider, ISP, or a website support service is the next step.

Final Tip

DNS errors feel serious, but they’re often quick to fix. Start with restarts and cache clearing before changing advanced settings. Most DNS issues resolve within minutes.

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