How to fix the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error in Google Chrome

When you enter the address of a website into your browser, the domain name (that you typed) has to be converted into an IP address. This is the job of Domain Name Resolution (DNS) servers. These servers are connected to each other in a network and help you access websites worldwide.

What does the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error mean?

The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error appears in Google Chrome when the domain name cannot be resolved into an IP address, therefore the browser cannot access the page you are trying to visit. The heading of the error message screen will either say “This site can’t be reached” or “This webpage is not available”.

In some cases Google Chrome also provides additional background information about the problem in the form of an error description like “server IP address could not be found“.

Possible causes of the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error include:

• The website is down
• The DNS server is malfunctioning
• Your computer or browser is misconfigured

Proven methods to fix the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Google Chrome error

Fortunately, there are a number of simple ways to clear the error.

1. Restart your router

Unplug your router’s power cord. Wait 30 seconds before replugging it. Check if the error has cleared.

2. Clear browsing data and cache

1. Click on the Menu button, then select More tools> Clear browser data. From the drop-down menu, select All time. Check all 3 checkboxes, then click on Clear data.

If this did not clear the error, there is probably something wrong with the settings. Try the following options.

3. Run the Network Connection Troubleshooter

Windows’ own troubleshooter might be the easiest way to solve the problem. Here is how you run it:

1. Click on Start>Settings, then choose Network & Internet.

2. Choose Network Troubleshooter.

3. Wait while the troubleshooter diagnoses your computer.

4. If prompted, choose I’m trying to reach a specific website or folder.

5. Follow the instructions of the troubleshooter. Check if this fixed the issue.

4. Clear the DNS cache

Besides your browser, your operating system also has a cache, where it stores the domains and IP addresses of sites you have visited. One of these entries might be incorrect or outdated, causing the err_name_not_resolved error.

Clearing these cached data can help clear the error.

Chrome has an easy way to clear the cache. Just type in the URL bar: chrome://net-internals/#dns , press Enter, then click Clear host cache.

Winsock (Windows Sockets) is an application that uses TCP/IP to communicate, and also saves entries for every connection. These entries might also become corrupted, preventing your from accessing a website. Therefore it is advisable to also reset the Winsock settings.

Here is how you can reset the Winsock catalog:

1. Type “cmd” in the Search bar. Choose Run as administrator. This opens Command Prompt.

2. In the Command Prompt window, type “netsh winsock reset” and hit Enter.

3. Winsock has been reset. You have to restart your computer to apply the settings.

Check if the website is accessible now. If the error remains, you can try changing your DNS server.

5. Change DNS servers

Your Internet provider probably assigned a DNS server to you automatically. However, this server may be temporarily down, or it may be overloaded, causing the error ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED. If this is the case, you can fix the issue by switching to a more reliable DNS server.

Here’s how you can change your DNS server:

1. Click Start>Settings>Network & Internet.

2. Select the type of connection you have (if you are not sure, check the Status menu).

3. Click „Change adapter options”.

You might see several connections.

4. Right-click the one you are using, then choose Properties.

5. Choose the Internet Protocol Version you have (IPv4 or IPv6). After you made your choice, click Properties.

6. Change the radio button selection to „Use the following DNS server addresses” then insert the address of your chosen DNS server and press OK.

Some good and free DNS options include Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220) and Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). If you have been using one of these and you still got this error, try reverting to your internet provider’s default server, as sometimes that might fix the issue.

You have changed your DNS server. Try accessing the desired website now. If it still doesn’t load, you can change some Chrome settings.

6. Disable Google Chrome’s prediction service

The prediction (or pre-rendering) function in Chrome automatically caches information from all the links on the website you are accessing. This is supposed to make those sites load faster the next time. As usual, however, a helpful function can cause problems like the err_name_not_resolved error.

Follow these steps to disable the prediction service:

1. Click on Menu>Settings.

2. Choose Privacy and Security.

3. Under More, uncheck the option Preload pages for faster browsing and searching.

Check if the error persists. If it still does, you can try disabling your antivirus, as that might be the reason preventing you from accessing the site.

7. Disable antivirus software temporarily

Firewall and antivirus software will protect you, but sometimes they fuss unnecessarily over content they find dangerous. If you trust the website, you can try disabling this protection temporarily. Here is how to do it in Windows 10:

1. Type “firewall” in the search bar and click Open.

2. Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.

3. Uncheck Block all incoming connections under Windows Defender Firewall.

4. Click OK. Check if you can access the website now. If this is not the case, repeat the steps, but instead of unblocking connections, disable the firewall entirely.

If you are using a third party antivirus, disable that too, then check if you can now access the desired website.

Conclusion

The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED is a common error in Chrome. Often it clears on its own. We hope that one of the listed methods work for you and you are happily surfing on your desired site.