How to fix?

Is one of the most famous messages for Google Chrome users. It appears when the browser cannot access certain web pages. Thus, the bug is reminiscent of other errors like.

However, it stands out by the causes and, therefore, the possible solutions.

How to fix ?

Is an error message specific to Google Chrome. However, the problem does not only concern this web browser. It only appears in other forms in competing software.

On identical situations, Brave displays for example DNS_PROBE_POSSIBLE. It is the same for most alternative browsers based on Chromium (Falkon, Opera, Vivaldi, Iridium…).

Mozilla Firefox reports that it can't connect to the target site's server. In addition, the screen includes a few solutions to remedy the problem. Microsoft Edge also displays a similar error page. This time, the software will prompt you to refresh the page or check the web address used.

In case of doubt about the URL, it is recommended to use a search engine to find the right address.

Today, many companies offer DNS servers open to the general public. You can, for example, use Google servers in IPv4 (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and IPv6 (2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844). Cloudflare is also very popular in this area with its IPv4 servers (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) and IPv6 (2606:4700:4700::1111 and 2606:4700:4700::1001). To change DNS servers on macOS:

• Go to the System Preferences ;
• Press the network icon, then Advanced ;
• Select the DNS tab between TCP/IP and WINS ;
• Fill in your new IPv4 or IPv6 DNS servers;
• Confirm the change and restart the browser.

If the technique works, your usual DNS servers are unreachable and causing connection problems. You can eventually use them again after the services are back to normal.

Use a VPN

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN can sometimes be caused by geo-blocking, censorship or domain name banning by the ISP. In this case, the request cannot be completed because the network prevents communication with the DNS server. You can nevertheless bypass these different types of blocking by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

As a reminder, the VPN allows you to ensure your security on the Internet by masking your real IP and encrypting your communication. Your personal data will then be protected against indiscretions, hacking, possible abuses by web actors… Indeed, the VPN lends you the IP address of one of its remote servers when you browse the web.

In practice, this technology allows to avoid any kind of blocking linked to your IP address and your geolocation. You will be effectively assimilated to the virtual private network server. You just have to choose a VPN server based abroad to avoid the local blocking.

Moreover, the technique works even against restrictions set up by your ISP (Internet Service Provider).

See the anti-virus side ?

If you use a VPN, it is best to disable it to find the origin of the DNS errors reported by the browser. This tool is particularly appreciated for securing internet connections. That said, the service can sometimes cause compatibility problems with other programs installed on your computer.

This type of problem can also be caused by the antivirus or the firewall.

momentarily disable your VPN, antivirus and firewall, to check if your security system is blocking your connection. If the page is displayed, these programs are responsible for the error message. Then you just have to proceed by elimination by reactivating the services one by one.

Once the problematic element has been identified, you will need to check its settings to avoid further inconvenience.

Attention ! This technique should only be used on trusted sites. Otherwise, you expose yourself to viruses and malicious codes. Some antivirus programs tend to block suspicious platforms and addresses without consulting you.

Therefore, manual disabling will create a security hole in your system. So you risk a virus infection or a cyber attack.

Turn on the computer

Restarting is a simple and surprisingly effective solution in many cases. Why ? It allows you to erase various temporary files and restart malfunctioning programs. This option is sometimes difficult to consider, especially when you have several tabs, documents and applications open.

However, this method gets your system back to optimal conditions.

On the other hand, the computer always reports services or software preventing restart. These are usually the processes that cause software or hardware problems. Then you have an interesting lead for the further diagnosis, if the restart did not solve your problem.

However, remember to save your work before turning your machine off and on. In addition, it is best to avoid forced restarts using the power button as much as possible.

Restart the box

Restarting is also an effective technique for problems related to the Internet box. This method also allows to quickly solve an error like DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN. To turn off the device, you only need to hold down the power button on the back of the device.

A few seconds are enough for most models available on the market. Then press the same button to turn the equipment back on.

After delays in payment, some subscribers have experienced connection problems in their browsers. Google Chrome is often susceptible to this type of disruption. Therefore, it does not allow access to web addresses, systematically or randomly.

However, the problem can be solved by restarting the device. Do not hesitate to test this solution first, if you suspect the box. In addition, there are many anomalies that can be remedied with this technique.