How to Fix the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error in WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)
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How to Fix the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error in WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)

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What Does “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED” Mean?

When you try to open a website in your browser, the first step your device takes is to look up the website’s address using something called the Domain Name System (DNS). DNS works like the Internet’s phonebook. It helps match the website name you type (like mywebsite.com) with the actual IP address of the server where the website is hosted (like 192.168.1.2). Without this process, your browser wouldn’t know where to go. But when something breaks in this lookup process, you’ll see an ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error on your screen.

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The WordPress ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error simply means that your browser couldn’t find the IP address for the domain you entered. In technical terms, the DNS server was unable to resolve the domain name. Think of it like searching for someone’s number in a phonebook and finding that the name isn’t listed. If the DNS lookup fails, the browser doesn’t know where to go, and it shows the error.

This issue can happen for various reasons. It could be that the DNS server is down or misconfigured. It may also be due to a poor internet connection, outdated DNS cache on your device, or incorrect settings on the website or your local network. Sometimes, this error is caused by a DNS error WordPress site setting that hasn’t been updated correctly, especially if the site was recently moved to a new host.

You might also see different versions of this message depending on the browser. For example, in Chrome, it usually says “This site can’t be reached” and mentions that the server’s IP address could not be found. Firefox might display “Hmm… we’re having trouble finding that site,” and Microsoft Edge may say “Hmmm… can’t reach this page.” No matter how it appears, it all means the same thing: your browser can’t find the domain’s IP address because the DNS resolution failed.

It’s important to note that the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error in WordPress is not caused by the browser itself. Instead, it happens during the domain resolution step before the website can load. This can happen across all browsers and devices. Whether you’re using Chrome on a PC, Safari on a Mac, or Edge on a tablet, the website shows the err_name_not_resolved WordPress issue will appear if DNS fails.

In many cases, the website not opening ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED problem is temporary. But if it keeps showing up, there may be a deeper issue such as a misconfigured domain, expired registration, or an issue with your WordPress site settings. That’s when a proper ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED WordPress fix is needed.

What Are the Causes of ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED in WordPress?

Encountering the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error in WordPress can be frustrating. This issue typically arises when your browser cannot resolve the domain name to its corresponding IP address. Understanding the common causes can help in effectively troubleshooting and resolving the problem.

  1. DNS Cache Issues

Your device stores DNS information to expedite website access. However, if this cache becomes outdated or corrupted, it can lead to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. Flushing the DNS cache forces your system to retrieve updated DNS information, potentially resolving the issue.

  1. Incorrect DNS Settings

Misconfigured DNS settings at your domain registrar or hosting provider can prevent proper domain resolution. Ensuring that your DNS records are correctly set up is crucial to avoid the WordPress DNS error err_name_not_resolved.

  1. Expired Domain

An expired domain name leads to DNS resolution failure because the domain is no longer active. Regularly monitoring your domain’s expiration date can prevent the domain not found WordPress error

  1. Network Issues

Problems with your local network, such as router or modem malfunctions, can block DNS access. Restarting your network devices can often restore connectivity and fix the website not opening ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED issue.

  1. ISP DNS Problems

Sometimes, your Internet Service Provider’s DNS servers may fail to resolve certain domain names due to technical issues. Switching to a public DNS service like Google DNS or Cloudflare can be a helpful workaround to fix the DNS error on WordPress sites problem.

  1. Firewall or Security Software

Firewalls or antivirus programs may mistakenly block DNS server access, leading to resolution errors. Temporarily disabling these programs can help identify if they’re causing the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error in WordPress.

  1. Browser Cache and Cookies

DNS resolution may encounter issues due to outdated or corrupted browser cache and cookies. Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can often resolve access issues related to the website shows the err_name_not_resolved WordPress error.

  1. Device Configuration Issues

Incorrect network settings on your device can lead to DNS errors. Verifying and correcting these settings can restore proper functionality and fix the fix err_name_not_resolved in WordPress issue.

  1. Malware or DNS Hijacking

Malicious software can alter your DNS settings or redirect your requests to harmful servers. By detecting and eliminating such threats, a thorough malware scan can resolve the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED WordPress fix.

  1. Server-Side Problems

If the website’s DNS records are misconfigured or the server is down, DNS resolution will fail. In such cases, the issue lies with the website’s hosting provider, leading to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error.

Variations of the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error

The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error can appear in different forms across various browsers and platforms. While the core issue remains the same—a failure to resolve the domain name—the error messages may vary. Understanding these variations can help in diagnosing and resolving the problem effectively.

  1. “This site can’t be reached”

This message commonly appears in Google Chrome when it cannot connect to the website’s server. It indicates that the browser couldn’t resolve the domain name to an IP address, leading to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. This issue often stems from DNS configuration problems or network connectivity issues.

  1. “Server not found”

Mozilla Firefox displays this error when it fails to locate the server associated with the entered domain name. This variation of the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error suggests that the DNS lookup was unsuccessful, possibly due to incorrect DNS settings or an unresponsive DNS server.

  1. “Hmmm… can’t reach this page”

Microsoft Edge uses this message to indicate that it cannot access the requested website. Similar to other browsers, this version of the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error points to issues with DNS resolution, such as misconfigured DNS settings or problems with the network connection.

  1. “The server’s DNS address could not be found”

This error message, often seen in Chrome, explicitly states that the DNS address for the server is unavailable. It directly relates to the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error, highlighting that the browser couldn’t retrieve the IP address due to DNS issues, which may be caused by outdated DNS cache or incorrect DNS server settings.

  1. “This webpage is not available”

A generic error message that can appear across various browsers, indicating that the webpage cannot be loaded. In the context of the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error, this suggests that the browser failed to resolve the domain name, potentially due to DNS misconfigurations or connectivity problems.

  1. “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN”

This specific error code in Chrome denotes that the DNS probe concluded without finding the domain, meaning the domain name does not exist or cannot be resolved. It’s a direct variation of the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error, often resulting from incorrect DNS settings or a non-existent domain.

What Is the Impact of the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error?

When a website shows the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error, it means the domain name could not be resolved to an IP address. This simple technical issue can have a serious effect on your website’s performance, user trust, business reputation, and even SEO. Below are some key impacts explained clearly and point by point.

  1. Loss of Website Traffic

When a website shows err_name_not_resolved WordPress, visitors cannot access your pages. This stops both new and returning users from browsing your content. Most users will not try again later. This directly causes a drop in daily traffic and may harm future engagement.

  1. Poor User Experience

User trust is key for any website. A website not opening ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error creates confusion and frustration. Visitors may quit visiting your website altogether if they repeatedly notice this issue. This damages your credibility and hurts your user base.

  1. Drop in Sales and Leads

If your site is used for eCommerce or lead generation, this error can affect your income. A potential customer cannot buy from a broken link. When the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error appears, your shop or contact page becomes unreachable. This leads to missed sales and fewer sign-ups.

  1. Negative SEO Impact

Google and other search engines watch for site health and uptime. A repeated DNS error WordPress site can be seen as poor site maintenance. This can lower your site’s SEO ranking. Less visibility on search engines means fewer clicks and lower organic traffic.

  1. Damaged Brand Reputation

The ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error in WordPress might seem small, but it reflects badly on your brand. People may believe your site is hacked or unsafe. Trust takes time to build, and such errors can shake customer confidence fast.

  1. Increased Support Costs

Visitors who face a domain not found WordPress error often contact support for help. This increases your support team’s workload. It also adds extra cost and time spent fixing an issue that could be prevented with proper DNS management.

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  1. Delay in Website Maintenance

If you’re the site admin and see the WordPress ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error, you can’t log in to your dashboard. This means no updates, no content changes, and no backend access. It delays your regular maintenance and publishing schedule.

  1. Lower Ad Performance

If you’re running paid ads, this error can waste money. Users clicking your ad will land on an unreachable page. This raises your cost-per-click and may hurt your ad quality score. If the WordPress DNS error err_name_not_resolved continues, ad platforms might pause your campaigns.

How to Fix the “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED” Error in WordPress

  1. Verify Your Internet Connection

Begin by checking your internet connection. Attempt to access other websites to determine if the issue is isolated to your WordPress site. If other sites also fail to load, restart your router or modem. Unplug the device, wait for about 60 seconds, and then plug it back in. Once reconnected, try accessing your site again. Try connecting to a different network to rule out local network problems if the issue continues.

  1. Clear Your Browser Cache

Browsers store cached data to speed up loading times. However, outdated or corrupted cache can lead to DNS errors. To clear the cache in Google Chrome:

  • Click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
  • Navigate to “More tools” > “Clear browsing data.”
  • Select “All time” as the time range.
  • Check the boxes for “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data.”
  • Click “Clear data.”

After clearing the cache, restart your browser and attempt to access your WordPress site again.

  1. Flush Your DNS Cache

Your operating system maintains a DNS cache, which can become outdated. Flushing this cache can resolve DNS-related issues.

  • Windows:
    • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
    • Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
  • macOS:
    • Open Terminal.
    • Type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache and press Enter.
  • Linux:
    • Depending on your distribution, use commands like sudo systemd-resolve –flush-caches or sudo /etc/init.d/dns-clean restart.

After flushing the DNS cache, try accessing your site again.

  1. Reset Your Firewall Settings

Firewalls can sometimes block legitimate network traffic, leading to DNS errors. To reset your firewall settings on Windows:

  • Open the Control Panel.
  • Navigate to “System and Security” > “Windows Defender Firewall.”
  • Click on “Restore defaults” in the left pane.
  • Click the “Restore defaults” button and confirm your choice.

After resetting, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

  1. Change Your DNS Server

If your ISP’s DNS server is unreliable, switching to a public DNS server like Google’s can help.

  • Windows:
    • Open the Control Panel.
    • Go to “Network and Sharing Center” > “Change adapter settings.”
    • Right-click your active network connection and select “Properties.”
    • Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.”
    • Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter:
      • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
      • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
  • macOS:
    • Open “System Preferences” > “Network.”
    • Select your active network connection and click “Advanced.”
    • Navigate to the “DNS” tab.
    • Click the “+” button and add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

After changing the DNS settings, flush your DNS cache again and try accessing your site.

  1. Disable DNSSEC for Your Domain

DNSSEC adds security to your domain but can cause resolution issues if misconfigured. To disable DNSSEC:

  • Log in to your domain registrar’s control panel.
  • Navigate to the DNS management section.
  • Locate the DNSSEC settings and disable them.

Note that DNS changes can take time to propagate. Wait for a few hours and then check if your site is accessible.

  1. Contact Your Hosting Provider

It’s best to get in touch with your hosting company if none of the aforementioned fixes fix the problem. They can check for server-side issues, DNS misconfigurations, or other problems that might be causing the error. Provide them with detailed information about the steps you’ve already taken to expedite the troubleshooting process.

Preventive Measures and Best Practices to Avoid the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error in WordPress

To prevent the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error on your WordPress site, follow these practical tips:

  1. Keep Your DNS Records Up to Date

Ensure your domain’s DNS records are current with your hosting provider. Outdated or incorrect records often cause domain not found WordPress error messages. Log in to your domain registrar, check DNS settings, and match them with your hosting account. This helps fix DNS error in WordPress before it starts.

  1. Use a Reliable DNS Provider

Choose a stable public DNS provider like Google or Cloudflare. These are more reliable than default ISP servers. They help avoid WordPress DNS error err_name_not_resolved issues. Update your DNS in the computer’s network settings. A reliable DNS service improves site loading and reduces common name resolution errors.

  1. Monitor Domain Expiry Dates

Expired domains are a common reason for WordPress ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error. Always track your domain renewal date. Set up renewal alerts or enable auto-renew. This simple habit helps keep your website live and accessible to users without interruptions or DNS resolution issues.

  1. Avoid Too Many Redirects

Excessive or broken redirects can confuse DNS lookup paths. This may lead to ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error in WordPress.To look for redirect loops, use tools like Screaming Frog or browser dev tools. Fix or reduce unnecessary redirects to maintain clean DNS resolution paths.

  1. Clear DNS Cache Regularly

Outdated or inaccurate data may be stored in cached DNS records. Flushing this cache can prevent the website not opening ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED problem. Use the command prompt on Windows (ipconfig /flushdns) or Terminal on macOS/Linux. Do this every few weeks, especially after DNS changes.

  1. Keep Plugins and Themes Updated

Outdated themes or plugins may conflict with DNS or firewall settings. Always update your plugins and themes to their latest versions. This helps avoid the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED WordPress fix needs later on. Security updates also prevent hidden DNS hijacking issues.

  1. Disable Unnecessary Chrome Extensions

Some Chrome extensions interfere with DNS prefetch or host cache. Disable unknown or unused extensions. This may solve or prevent the website from showing err_name_not_resolved WordPress error. Always test the site in Incognito mode if you suspect a browser issue.

  1. Use SSL and HTTPS Properly

An incorrect HTTPS setup can cause name resolution issues.Make use of a reliable supplier’s SSL certificate. Make sure the URLs for your WordPress and site are HTTPS. Improper HTTPS redirects may cause ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error on secure connections. Always test your SSL configuration using free tools.

  1. Configure Firewall and Security Plugins Correctly

Overly strict security settings may block DNS queries. Misconfigured firewalls can lead to the DNS error WordPress site issue. Review firewall rules and plugin settings to ensure your domain isn’t blocked. Whitelist your own domain when needed.

  1. Regularly Check Site Availability

Make use of uptime monitoring tools such as Pingdom or UptimeRobot. These tools alert you if the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Error appears on your site. Early alerts mean you can fix issues quickly before visitors are affected. Prevention is always better than recovery.

Conclusion

Seeing the ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED error can be frustrating, but it’s usually fixable. This issue happens when your browser can’t connect to your website due to DNS or network problems.

Try the steps we shared above to solve it. Usually, it’s a minor cache or setting problem that can be resolved fast.

If you still need help, feel free to visit www.woohelpdesk.com or call us at +1 800-556-3577. Our WordPress support team is here to assist you anytime.

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