When we’re browsing the internet, we type in a website’s name to access it. We know this name is unique and will always take us to this specific website. In the background, the URL maps to an IP address which is a series of numbers representing the website’s address on a server. If you’re encountering trouble accessing a website, you may be suffering from Google Chrome Net Internals DNS Error.
Until this error is resolved, you’ll be left wondering what’s keeping you from using a website. Read on to learn how to fix this issue.
How to Know You Are Facing Google Chrome Net Internals DNS Error
If you’ve made sure your internet connection is active, and you’re entering a website URL but you’re encountering an error message like “This site can’t be reached”, the Chrome Net Internals DNS Error might be responsible.
Another hint pointing toward this specific type of error is that a few websites are not loading, yet other websites are working fine on the same browser and internet connection.
This error manifests not only by blocking access to a website completely but also by slowing down the loading of a WordPress website or frequently interrupting your connection to that website.
What is the Google Chrome Net Internals DNS Error?
The Domain Name System (DNS) is the foundation of the world wide web. It translates the website domain names, such as example.com, into an IP address such as 96.7.128.175, which enables Google Chrome to establish a TCP connection with the server.
In most instances, a cached version of the static or dynamic content is served to you via a Content Delivery Network, simplifying the process and improving performance.
A DNS error occurs in Google Chrome when you can’t access a website due to:
- Outdated cache entries
- Corrupted cache entries
- Cache entries clashing with system-level DNS settings
You will get the following error messages associated with this problem:
“DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” – The domain name does not exist or cannot be resolved.
“ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED” – Chrome could not find the server’s IP address.
“ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” – The DNS lookup took too long to respond.
“ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE” – The requested address is unreachable.
“DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG” – Incorrect DNS configuration.
“ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR” – Sometimes occurs if DNS settings affect secure connections.
How to Solve DNS Error in Chrome
First off, we’ll utilize an in-built tool within Google Chrome that provides network information access and can debug settings.
Clear Cache in Chrome
The Google Chrome browser stores its cache entries in a folder on your local device.
- In the URL bar, type chrome://net-internals/#dns and hit enter
- Click the “Clear host cache” button
Try to reload the website by pressing ctrl + F5 on Windows PC or ⌘+ ⌥ + R on a Mac.
Flush DNS System Cache
This is the next step in ensuring you clear the DNS error on Google Chrome, or any Chromium-based browser. Let’s clear the operating system cache.
Windows PC:
- Type “cmd” in the Windows search bar
- Run the Command Prompt as administrator
- Type ipconfig /flushdns and press enter
MacBook:
- Press ⌘ + space
- Type “Terminal” and click its icon to launch it
- Type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache and enter your password
Linux PC:
- Press ctrl + alt + T
- Type sudo systemd-resolve –flush-caches and hit enter
Alternative Methods to Clear DNS Cache
The aforementioned steps are highly likely to resolve your issues through Google Chrome Net Internals. However, if the problem still persists, try these options.
Restart Chrome
Let’s try the most simple solution. Close Google Chrome, and then reopen it. Did it work? If not, move on to the next option.
Restart Your Modem/Router
Maybe the cache of your router is clashing with Chrome browser’s cache. Shut down and restart your router after a minute.
Flush Socket Pools
Chrome keeps a pool of open connections with web servers for performance enhancement. Flushing this pool can clear out cookies and authentication tokens and solve the DNS error.
- Type chrome://net-internals/#sockets and hit enter in Chrome’s URL bar
- Click the Flush socket pools button.
Check Security Software Settings
Check your antivirus or firewall settings to ensure they are not interfering with your browsing. If you are using a third-party provider, contact tech support to rule it out as a cause.
Additional Steps to Prevent DNS Errors in the Future
You might be using your ISP’s default DNS. Changing it to a high-quality public DNS can often lead to a better experience. Let’s see how to make the switch.
Windows
- Search for Network settings and open it.
- Right-click on your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
- In the list, find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
- Choose Use the following DNS server addresses
- Select this option: Enter Preferred and Alternate DNS
- In Preferred DNS server enter the first DNS server address (e.g., 8.8.8.8 for Google Public DNS).
- In Alternate DNS server enter the second DNS server address (e.g., 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare DNS).
- Click OK to save the changes.
Linux PC
- Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open the terminal.
- Use a text editor like nano: sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf
- Replace the existing nameserver lines with your preferred DNS servers:
nameserver 8.8.8.8
nameserver 8.8.4.4
- Press Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter to save and exit.
MacOS
- Go to Apple menu > System Settings.
- Click on Network in the sidebar.
- Select the network connection you’re using (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc.).
- Click the Advanced button.
- Select the DNS tab.
- Click the + button and enter the desired DNS server addresses (e.g., 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 for Google Public DNS).
- Select an existing server and click the – button to remove it.
- Click OK in the Advanced window, then Apply in the Network settings to save the changes.
Skip the Hassle: Get Professional Help
It’s not worth it for business owners to spend time dealing with technical glitches on company computers or software. Whether you want your business WordPress website to work flawlessly, or your CRM systems to capture all leads, or general maintenance like removing Google Chrome Net Internals DNS error, contact us to get professional help.
Wrapping Up: Easily Solve Google Chrome Net Internals DNS error
Chrome Net Internals is a great in-built tool to handle this type of error. We hope this blog post has been illuminating and helped you solve the DNS errors you were facing. If the problem persists, contact your internet service provider’s technical support. Happy browsing!