The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error is one of the most common issues users encounter when trying to access a website. In most cases, the problem can be resolved on the user’s side, though it may occasionally be related to hosting configurations or the server where the website is hosted. Whether you’re browsing the internet or managing your own domain, seeing this error can be frustrating — but it’s usually easy to fix.

In this article, we’ll explain what causes the error and how to resolve it step by step.

What Does DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Mean?

DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names (like ava.hosting) into IP addresses that computers understand. If DNS cannot resolve the domain, the browser shows this error.
NXDOMAIN stands for “Non-Existent Domain” — it simply means the domain cannot be found by your DNS resolver.

 Common Causes of This Error:

  • Typing errors in the URL
  • Incorrect or missing DNS records
  • Expired domain name
  • Misconfigured or outdated DNS settings
  • DNS cache conflicts on your device
  • Firewall, VPN, or antivirus interference
  • Network issues or blocked DNS servers
  • Problems with the hosts file on your machine
  •  Proven Ways to Fix the Error

1.  Check the Domain Name

Make sure the domain is entered correctly — even a small typo will lead to this error.

2.  Restart Your Router and Device

Restart your router and computer or phone. A simple reboot can clear DNS conflicts on the local network.

3. Flush DNS Cache

On Windows:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator

  2. Run:

ipconfig /flushdns

On macOS:

Open Terminal and run:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

This forces your device to fetch fresh DNS info instead of using cached (possibly outdated) data.

4. Use Public DNS Servers

Try changing your DNS settings to:

Google DNS:

8.8.8.8


8.8.4.4

Cloudflare DNS:

1.1.1.1


1.0.0.1

How to change DNS:

  • On Windows: Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network Connections → IPv4 → Manually set DNS
  • On macOS: System Settings → Network → DNS → Add new servers

5.  Disable VPN, Antivirus, or Firewall Temporarily

Some security apps may block or reroute DNS queries. Try disabling them temporarily and refresh the page.

6. Check the hosts File

Make sure your system’s hosts file is not blocking the domain.

On Windows:

Check this file:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

On macOS/Linux:

Check:

/etc/hosts

If there are custom entries for the domain, remove or comment them out.

7. Check Domain Status and DNS Records

If you’re the domain owner:

-Make sure your domain is registered and active

-Confirm DNS records (A, CNAME) are correct

Final Thoughts

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error is usually easy to fix and often caused by local issues like DNS cache, network settings, or browser misconfigurations. However, it can sometimes point to problems with domain settings or hosting.

By following the steps in this guide, you can quickly diagnose and resolve the issue. And if your site is hosted with AVA.hosting, our support team is always ready to help you get back online.