How To Fix The dns_probe_finished_nxdomain WordPress Error

When the dns_probe_finished_nxdomain WordPress error appears on your site, it means your site is having technical issues that stop people from accessing your content. 

This can be frustrating, especially when you need everything to work smoothly. It might cause you to lose visitors and add more tasks to your busy day. 

But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through some simple and reliable ways to fix this error.

TL;DR: The dns_probe_finished_nxdomain error occurs when your device can’t link a website name to its IP address, blocking users from reaching the site. To fix this, you’ll need to check your browser, network, device, and server settings to make sure everything is set up correctly.

What is the dns_probe_finished_nxdomain WordPress error?

The dns_probe_finished_nxdomain error on WordPress happens when the domain name system, or DNS, can’t link a website name to its IP address. 

Think of DNS as the internet’s address book. It helps computers find websites by turning easy-to-remember names, like example.com, into the numerical IP addresses that computers use.

When this error shows up, it means the DNS couldn’t find the domain name in its records. As a result, your browser displays an error message instead of the website you want. 

This can be frustrating because it stops you from accessing the site, as your computer can’t connect to the name you entered. But don’t worry—once you understand the issue, there are simple ways to fix it.

How to find and fix the dns_probe_finished_nxdomain WordPress error

If you’re facing the dns_probe_finished_nxdomain error, here’s how you can fix it and get back online quickly:

Browser issues:

1. Switch to a different browser: Try opening your site in another browser to see if the problem is with the current one you’re using.

2. Check for typos: Double-check the web address in the address bar. Even a small mistake can lead to your site not loading.

3. Clear your browser cache: Sometimes, stored data can cause issues. Clear your cache and cookies, then close and reopen your browser to see if the problem is fixed.

Network issues:

1. Restart your router: Turning off your router and unplugging it can reset network settings and clear any temporary glitches. Wait a minute, plug it back in, and try accessing your site again.

2. Change DNS servers to Google or Cloudflare: Switching DNS servers can help. 

• On Windows, navigate to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings.  Right-click your network, choose Properties, and select Internet Protocol Version 4 or 6. Next, add the following:   

Google (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1)

• On macOS, open System Settings, and search for DNS servers. Next, click on the + sign to add the following: 

Google (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1).

3. Disable firewall and antivirus temporarily: Sometimes, these can block access accidentally. Turn them off for a bit to see if that’s the issue, but remember to turn them back on afterward.

Device issues:

1. Flush DNS cache:  Clearing the DNS cache can help fix the issue.

• On Windows, use Command Prompt to type:

ipconfig /flushdns 

• On macOS, use Terminal and type:

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder 

Restart your device afterward.

2. Refresh your IP address: Change your device’s IP address. 

• On Windows, use Command Prompt to type:

ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew

• On macOS, go to System Settings > Network. From here, select your connection, click on Details, and then TCP/IP. Next, choose the option that says, Renew DHCP Lease.

3. Check your host file: Your host file might be blocking the site. 

• On Windows, locate it at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts 
• On macOS/Linux, it’s in /etc/hosts 

Use a text editor with admin rights to check for any suspicious lines mentioning your site’s name and IP address. Remove them if necessary, save them, restart your computer, and try again

Server or Domain issues:

1. Update nameservers: Make sure your domain uses the correct nameservers from your host provider. Update them if they’re outdated or incorrect.

2. Check server DNS settings: Ensure your server is properly set up to handle DNS requests and there are no internal conflicts.

3. Check your domain settings: Log into your domain registrar’s site and verify that all DNS records are accurate and complete.

2. Examine the .htaccess file: Use FTP to access your site’s root folder and find the .htaccess file. Look for any unusual rules and delete them. 

Edit this file carefully, as mistakes can cause a site crash.

Contact your web hosting provider:

If none of these steps work and your site is still down, contact your hosting provider’s support team. Provide them with details about the error to help them diagnose and fix the issue faster.

Best practices to prevent this error

To avoid the dns_probe_finished_nxdomain WordPress error and keep your site in great shape, here are some easy tips:

Keep your domain registration updated:

Make sure your domain registration doesn’t expire so your site stays accessible.

Ensure DNS records are updated:

Regularly check with your registrar and host to make sure your DNS records are correct and up-to-date.

Use reliable DNS servers:

Choose dependable DNS servers like Google or Cloudflare to keep your site reliable.

Monitor DNS records:

Watch your DNS records for any changes you didn’t make, so you can catch and fix problems early.

Employ a site monitoring tool:

Use a tool that alerts you to any issues, so you can fix them quickly if something goes wrong.

Backup your DNS settings:

Save a copy of your DNS settings to easily restore them if needed.

Regularly check firewall and security settings:

Make sure your WordPress firewall and security settings aren’t blocking DNS queries by mistake.

Parting thoughts

Dealing with the dns_probe_finished_nxdomain error can be a headache, but with the right steps, you can get things back on track and keep your site running. 

Whether it’s a quick browser fix or checking your network and server settings, there are plenty of ways to handle the problem. With WordPress maintenance and keeping an eye on things, you can avoid future issues.

FAQs

How to fix DNS in nxdomain?

To resolve this error, try restarting your router, switching your DNS servers to Google or Cloudflare, or clearing your browser’s cache. These steps can help you fix the issue quickly.

Why do I keep getting a dns_probe_finished_nxdomain error?

This error might be caused by incorrect DNS settings, an outdated browser cache, or network issues. Checking these areas can help you find and fix the problem.

What is the nxdomain IP address?

NXDOMAIN isn’t an IP address. It stands for “non-existent domain,” meaning the domain name can’t be reached because it isn’t found in the DNS records.

How do I fix my IP address on Chrome?

To adjust your IP address, you can use the command prompt on Windows or access network settings on macOS. This can help clear up any network issues that might be causing problems.

Does the dns_probe_finished_nxdomain error mean that my site is down?

No. This error indicates a DNS settings issue, but it doesn’t mean your whole site is down. With troubleshooting, you can usually get things back to normal without much hassle.