Before you start
- A computer with Chrome or Edge
Method 1 Quick checks
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Step 1: Check the spelling
A single wrong letter in a domain causes this error.
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Step 2: Is the domain real?
The site may have closed or the domain expired. Search for it to confirm.
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Step 3: Try another network
If it works on mobile data, your network’s DNS is the issue.
Method 2 Clear DNS caches
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Step 1: Windows DNS
Run ipconfig /flushdns in Terminal.
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Step 2: Chrome host cache
Go to chrome://net-internals/#dns and click Clear host cache. Then chrome://net-internals/#sockets > Flush socket pools.
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Step 3: Mac
In Terminal run sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.
Method 3 Change DNS and check settings
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Step 1: Use public DNS
Set DNS to 1.1.1.1/1.0.0.1 or 8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4.
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Step 2: Chrome secure DNS
In Settings > Privacy and security > Security > Use secure DNS, try switching provider or turning it off to test.
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Step 3: Hosts file
Open C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts in Notepad (as admin) and remove lines that point the domain somewhere else.
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Step 4: VPN
Disconnect your VPN; its DNS may be failing.
ipconfig /flushdns (Windows)
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder (Mac)Troubleshooting
Only one site shows NXDOMAIN on my network
Your provider or network filter may block it via DNS. Changing DNS usually confirms this.
It happens on my own new website
DNS changes can take hours to spread. Check your domain’s DNS records and nameservers.
Frequently asked questions
What does NXDOMAIN stand for?
“Non-Existent Domain”: the DNS server found no record for that name.
Is it a virus?
Usually not, though malware can edit the hosts file. Scan if you find unexpected hosts entries.
Summary
Check the address, then flush DNS, clear Chrome’s host cache, and switch to 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8. Check the hosts file and VPN if the error continues.
