How to Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED in WordPress

How to Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED in WordPress

A Friendly Guide for Beginners on How to Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED in WordPress.

We’ve all been there—trying to load your WordPress site only to be greeted by an error message that makes no sense. One of the more common ones you might come across is the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. It’s frustrating, especially when you don’t know what it means or how to fix it. But don’t worry! This guide is here to help you understand what’s going on and how to resolve it step by step, without needing a computer science degree.

Table of Contents

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What Does ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Mean?

When you see ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED, it’s basically your browser’s way of saying, “I can’t find the website you’re looking for.” It’s like typing an address into your GPS, but the GPS can’t find it on the map. This usually happens because your browser can’t connect to the DNS server, which is responsible for translating your website’s domain name into an IP address that your computer can understand.

What Does ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Mean

Why Does ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Happen?

There are several reasons why you might be seeing this error. Here are some of the most common culprits:

  • DNS Issues: The server responsible for translating your domain name into an IP address is having problems.
  • Typos: Sometimes it’s as simple as a typo in the URL.
  • Cache Problems: Your computer or browser might have stored outdated or incorrect information.
  • Network Issues: There could be something funky going on with your internet connection or router.
  • Browser Extensions: Occasionally, a browser extension might be interfering with your connection.
  • Expired Domain: If your domain registration has expired, your site won’t be reachable.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED

Let’s get into the practical steps you can take to fix How to Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED in WordPress. Try these methods one at a time, and hopefully, one will do the trick!

1. Double-Check the URL

First things first—make sure you’ve typed the correct URL. We all make mistakes, and a simple typo can throw everything off. If your domain recently expired or was transferred, it might just be a matter of waiting a little longer for the changes to fully take effect.

2. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

Your browser stores data to help load websites faster, but sometimes this data can get out of sync and cause issues. Clearing your cache and cookies can often resolve the problem.

  • For Google Chrome:
    • Click the three dots in the top-right corner and go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data.
    • Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, then click Clear data.
  • For Firefox:
    • Click the three lines in the top-right corner, go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
    • Scroll down to Cookies and Site Data and click Clear Data.

Give it another shot and see if your site loads.

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3. Flush Your DNS Cache

Your computer also stores DNS data, which can sometimes get outdated. Flushing the DNS cache can clear up this problem.

  • On Windows:
    • Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter to open Command Prompt.
    • Type: ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter. You should see a confirmation message.
  • On Mac:
    • Open Terminal from your Applications > Utilities folder.
    • Type: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and hit Enter. Enter your password if prompted.

Check if your website is back up after flushing the cache.

4. Change Your DNS Server

If the above steps didn’t help, your ISP’s DNS server might be the issue. You can change your DNS server to a public one like Google’s or Cloudflare’s, which are often faster and more reliable.

  • Google DNS:
    • Primary: 8.8.8.8
    • Secondary: 8.8.4.4
  • Cloudflare DNS:
    • Primary: 1.1.1.1
    • Secondary: 1.0.0.1

Here’s how to change your DNS settings:

  • On Windows:
    • Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center and click Change adapter settings.
    • Right-click your connection, select Properties, then select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
    • Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the new addresses.
  • On Mac:
    • Open System Preferences and click on Network.
    • Select your connection and click Advanced.
    • Go to the DNS tab, click the + button, and add the new DNS addresses.

Restart your computer to apply the changes, then try accessing your site again.

5. Disable Browser Extensions

Disable Browser Extensions

Sometimes, a browser extension might be causing the issue. Temporarily disable your extensions to see if that fixes the problem.

  • In Chrome:
    • Click the three dots, go to More tools > Extensions.
    • Toggle off all extensions, restart your browser, and check if the site loads.
  • In Firefox:
    • Click the three lines, go to Add-ons and themes.
    • Disable each extension, restart Firefox, and see if your site works.

If your site loads after disabling extensions, try enabling them one by one to find the troublemaker.

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6. Check Your Hosts File

Your computer’s hosts file can override DNS settings, which can lead to connection issues. You might need to edit this file if something’s not right.

  • On Windows:
    • Open Notepad as an administrator (right-click Notepad and select Run as administrator).
    • Go to File > Open and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
    • Open the hosts file and check for any entries related to your domain. If something looks off, delete the lines and save the file.
  • On Mac:
    • Open Terminal and type: sudo nano /etc/hosts.
    • Enter your password if prompted.
    • Look for anything related to your site, delete it if necessary, then press Control + O to save and Control + X to exit.

7. Restart Your Router

It might sound simple, but restarting your router can often fix DNS-related problems. Unplug your router, wait about 30 seconds, then plug it back in and try to access your site again.

8. Check Your Domain’s DNS Settings

If you’ve tried everything and still see the error, the issue might lie with your domain’s DNS settings. Log into your domain registrar’s dashboard (like GoDaddy or Namecheap) and check if the domain is pointing to the correct nameservers. If your site’s DNS settings look wrong, correct them and allow some time for the changes to take effect.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What if ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED only happens on one device?

If you’re only seeing this error on one device, it’s likely an issue with that device’s settings or cache. Try clearing the DNS cache, restarting your router, or changing the DNS server on that device.

2. How do I know if my domain has expired?

Log in to your domain registrar’s account to check the status of your domain. Alternatively, you can use a WHOIS lookup tool to see if your domain is still active.

3. Can a VPN cause ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED?

Yes, VPNs can sometimes cause DNS errors. Try disconnecting your VPN and see if the error disappears. If it does, the VPN’s DNS settings might be causing the issue.

4. How often should I clear my DNS cache?

There’s no need to clear your DNS cache regularly unless you’re experiencing issues like this. It’s a good troubleshooting step if you’re having trouble reaching a site.

5. Can antivirus software cause ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED?

Yes, some antivirus programs or firewalls can interfere with DNS settings. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus to see if the site loads, then adjust its settings to avoid blocking your DNS.

Read Also: How to Fix WordPress Plugin Conflicts.

Conclusion on How to Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED in WordPress

Getting hit with an ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error can be a real headache, but with a bit of patience and these easy-to-follow steps, you can usually fix it without too much trouble. Start with the simple stuff—like checking the URL or clearing your browser cache—and work your way through the list. By understanding what causes this error and knowing how to troubleshoot it, you’ll be able to keep your WordPress site accessible and running smoothly. Good luck, and happy fixing!

If you have more specific questions on How to Fix ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED in WordPress or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

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