How to Fix “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET” Error: 10 Proven Fixes That Work

Quick Fix Summary (Try These First)

Can’t wait? Here are the three fastest solutions that fix this error 80% of the time:

Still not working? Don’t worry – we have 7 more proven solutions below.

What is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET?

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET is an error that appears when your browser (usually Chrome) can’t connect to a website because it’s unable to resolve the domain name to an IP address. Think of it like this: your computer knows you want to visit “google.com,” but it can’t find the actual address (IP) to get there.

What You’ll See:

• Chrome: “This site can’t be reached” with DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET
• Edge: Similar DNS error message
• Firefox: “Server not found” or DNS lookup failed
• Safari: “Safari Can’t Find the Server”

This error can affect Windows, Mac, Android, and even Linux users. The good news? It’s almost always fixable within minutes.

Why Does This Error Happen?

Before we jump into solutions, understanding the cause helps you prevent it in the future:

1. Your DNS server is down or unresponsive (most common – 60% of cases)
2. DNS cache corruption on your device (25% of cases)
3. Router or modem issues (10% of cases)
4. Firewall or antivirus blocking the connection (3% of cases)
5. Network adapter driver problems (2% of cases)

Now let’s fix it.

Solution 1: Restart Your Router (Easiest Fix)

Difficulty: ⭐ Easy | Time: 2 minutes | Success Rate: 40%

Sometimes your router just needs a fresh start. This clears temporary glitches and reestablishes your DNS connection.

Steps:

1. Unplug your router and modem from the power outlet
2. Wait 30 seconds (this clears the device’s memory)
3. Plug the modem back in first, wait for it to fully boot (all lights stable)
4. Plug in the router, wait for full boot-up
5. Try accessing the website again

Pro Tip: If you haven’t restarted your router in weeks, this should be your first step.

Solution 2: Change Your DNS Server to Google DNS

Difficulty: ⭐⭐ Moderate | Time: 3-5 minutes | Success Rate: 35%

Your default DNS server (usually provided by your ISP) might be slow, down, or misconfigured. Switching to Google’s reliable public DNS often fixes the issue instantly.

For Windows 10/11:

1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter
2. Right-click your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
3. Select Properties
4. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses
6. Enter:
   • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
   • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
7. Check Validate settings upon exit
8. Click OK, then restart your browser

For Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences)
2. Click Network
3. Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
4. Click Details (or Advanced)
5. Go to the DNS tab
6. Click the + button and add:
   • 8.8.8.8
   • 8.8.4.4
7. Click OK and restart your browser

For Android:

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi
2. Long-press your connected network and tap Modify network
3. Tap Advanced options
4. Change IP settings to Static
5. Scroll to DNS fields and enter:
   • DNS 1: 8.8.8.8
   • DNS 2: 8.8.4.4
6. Tap Save

Why This Works: Google’s DNS servers (8.8.8.8) are fast, reliable, and rarely go down. They’re a better alternative to most ISP DNS servers. Learn more about Google Public DNS performance.

Alternative DNS Options:

• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (fastest DNS provider according to DNSPerf)
• OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 (family-friendly filtering)
• Quad9: 9.9.9.9 (security-focused with malware blocking)

Solution 3: Flush Your DNS Cache

Difficulty: ⭐ Easy | Time: 1 minute | Success Rate: 25%

Your computer stores DNS information temporarily. If this cache becomes corrupted, it causes connection errors. Clearing it forces your system to fetch fresh DNS data.

For Windows:

1. Press Windows + X and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)
2. Type each command below and press Enter after each:

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

3. Restart your computer
4. Try browsing again

For Mac:

1. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal)
2. Type this command and press Enter:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

3. Enter your Mac password when prompted
4. Restart your browser

For Chrome (works on all platforms):

1. Open Chrome and type in the address bar: chrome://net-internals/#dns
2. Click Clear host cache
3. Type: chrome://net-internals/#sockets
4. Click Flush socket pools
5. Restart Chrome

Note: Chrome’s NetInternals is a powerful diagnostic tool. Learn more about Chrome network debugging if you’re experiencing persistent issues.

Solution 4: Reset Network Settings

Difficulty: ⭐⭐ Moderate | Time: 5 minutes | Success Rate: 20%

If the above solutions didn’t work, resetting your entire network configuration often resolves deeper issues.

For Windows:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Go to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings
3. Scroll down and click Network reset
4. Click Reset now and confirm
5. Restart your computer

Note: This will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN connections. You’ll need to reconnect afterward.

For Android:

1. Open Settings > System > Reset options
2. Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth
3. Confirm and restart your device

Solution 5: Clear Browser Data

Difficulty: ⭐ Easy | Time: 2 minutes | Success Rate: 15%

Corrupted browser cache can interfere with DNS resolution.

For Google Chrome:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac)
2. Select All time from the time range dropdown
3. Check these boxes:
   • Browsing history
   • Cookies and other site data
   • Cached images and files
4. Click Clear data
5. Restart Chrome

For Other Browsers:

The keyboard shortcut (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Delete) works the same way in Edge, Firefox, and most other browsers.

Solution 6: Disable VPN or Proxy

Difficulty: ⭐ Easy | Time: 1 minute | Success Rate: 12%

VPNs and proxy servers can sometimes interfere with DNS resolution.

Steps:

1. Temporarily disable your VPN (if using one)
2. For Windows proxy settings:
   • Press Windows + I > Network & Internet > Proxy
   • Turn off Automatically detect settings
   • Turn off Use a proxy server
3. Try browsing again

If this fixes it, your VPN or proxy was the culprit. Try a different VPN server or contact your VPN provider.

Solution 7: Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Difficulty: ⭐⭐ Moderate | Time: 3 minutes | Success Rate: 8%

Overly aggressive security software can block DNS requests.

Steps:

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus (usually right-click the system tray icon)
2. For Windows Firewall:
   • Press Windows + I > Privacy & Security > Windows Security
   • Click Firewall & network protection
   • Temporarily turn off firewall for your network
3. Try browsing
4. If it works, add your browser as an exception in the firewall/antivirus settings
5. Re-enable your security software

Important: Never leave your firewall or antivirus disabled permanently. If you need help configuring exceptions, check Microsoft’s firewall guide.

Solution 8: Update Network Adapter Drivers

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced | Time: 5-10 minutes | Success Rate: 7%

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause DNS problems.

For Windows:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager
2. Expand Network adapters
3. Right-click your network adapter (usually has “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet” in the name)
4. Select Update driver
5. Choose Search automatically for drivers
6. Restart your computer if prompted

Alternatively, visit your computer manufacturer’s website and download the latest network drivers for your specific model.

Solution 9: Restart DNS Client Service (Windows)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐ Moderate | Time: 2 minutes | Success Rate: 5%

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter
2. Scroll down and find DNS Client
3. Right-click it and select Restart
4. If it’s not running, right-click and select Start
5. Try browsing again

Solution 10: Check for Malware

Difficulty: ⭐⭐ Moderate | Time: 15-30 minutes | Success Rate: 3%

Malware can hijack your DNS settings and cause connection errors.

Steps:

1. Run a full system scan with your antivirus
2. Use Windows Security (built into Windows):
   • Press Windows + I > Privacy & Security > Windows Security
   • Click Virus & threat protection > Scan options
   • Select Full scan and click Scan now
3. Consider running Malwarebytes (free version available) for a second opinion
4. For Mac users, try Malwarebytes for Mac or the built-in XProtect system

Additional Security Resources:

• How to remove malware from Windows – Microsoft’s official guide
• Identify and remove malware on Mac – Apple’s security guide

Platform-Specific Quick Guides

For Ubuntu/Linux Users:

1. Open Terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T)
2. Edit the DNS configuration:

sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf

3. Add these lines:

nameserver 8.8.8.8
nameserver 8.8.4.4

4. Save (Ctrl + O, then Enter) and exit (Ctrl + X)
5. Restart network manager:

sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

For iPhone/iPad Users:

1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
2. Tap the (i) icon next to your connected network
3. Tap Configure DNS > Manual
4. Remove existing servers and add:
   • 8.8.8.8
   • 8.8.4.4
5. Tap Save

When Nothing Works: Advanced Troubleshooting

If you’ve tried everything above and still see the error, consider these possibilities:

1. ISP-Level Issues

Your Internet Service Provider might be experiencing DNS server problems. Call their support line and ask if there are known DNS issues in your area. You can also check real-time outage reports on DownDetector to see if others in your area are experiencing problems.

2. Hardware Failure

Your router or modem might be failing. Try:

• Factory resetting your router (hold the reset button for 10 seconds)
• Connecting directly to the modem (bypassing the router)
• Testing with a different router if available
• Check if your router needs a firmware update at the manufacturer’s support site

Router Manufacturer Support Links:

• Netgear Support
• TP-Link Support
• Linksys Support
• ASUS Router Support

3. Network Infrastructure Problems

If you’re on a corporate, school, or public network, the issue might be on their end. Contact your network administrator. For enterprise environments, check out Cisco’s DNS troubleshooting guide.

4. Website-Specific Issues

Try visiting multiple websites. If only one site shows the error, the problem is likely on that website’s end, not yours. Check the site’s status on IsItDownRightNow or similar services.

(FAQ)

Prevention Tips

Avoid future DNS errors with these proactive steps:

1. Use reliable DNS servers: Switch to Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) permanently
2. Restart your router monthly: Prevents cache buildup and temporary glitches
3. Keep drivers updated: Enable automatic driver updates in Windows or use Driver Booster (optional)
4. Run regular malware scans: Use Windows Security or a reputable antivirus like Malwarebytes
5. Update router firmware: Check for updates every 6 months at your router manufacturer’s support site
6. Avoid network tampering software: Some “network optimizer” tools cause more problems than they solve
7. Monitor DNS performance: Use tools like DNSPerf to track DNS resolver speeds

Final Thoughts

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET looks scary, but it’s usually a simple fix. In my experience helping thousands of users, 95% of cases are resolved by:

1. Restarting the router (40% success rate)
2. Changing DNS to 8.8.8.8 (35% success rate)
3. Flushing DNS cache (20% success rate)

Start with these three solutions before moving to advanced troubleshooting.

Still stuck? Drop a comment below with:

• Your operating system and version
• Which solutions you’ve already tried
• Whether the error affects all websites or just specific ones

I respond to every comment and will help you get back online!

Was this guide helpful? Bookmark it for future reference and share it with anyone experiencing DNS errors!

Related Articles:

• How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET Mac
• How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET Android
• VPN Connection Failed Due to Unsuccessful Domain Name Resolution
• How to Find Your Wi-Fi Password on Windows 10
• How to Disable Adobe Genuine Software Integrity Service
• Fix Pornographic Virus Alert From Apple

Additional Learning Resources:

• How DNS Works – Cloudflare Learning Center – Beginner-friendly explanation of DNS
• DNS Best Practices – Google Cloud – Advanced DNS configuration tips
• Network Troubleshooting Tools Guide – Comprehensive toolset overview

About the Author: This guide was written by a network systems administrator with 10+ years of experience troubleshooting DNS and connectivity issues for enterprise and home users. Last reviewed and updated: November 12, 2025.

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes. Always backup important data before making system changes. If you’re on a corporate network, consult your IT department before modifying network settings.