How to Fix Chrome Net Internals DNS Error? A Complete Guide

Google Chrome is one of the most widely used web browsers, but users often encounter various issues while browsing. One of the most frustrating problems is the “DNS Error”, which prevents Chrome from resolving domain names properly. Fortunately, this issue can be fixed using Chrome’s built-in chrome://net-internals tool.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into what causes DNS errors in Chrome, how to clear the Net Internals DNS cache, and additional troubleshooting methods to resolve the problem.

What is a DNS Error in Chrome?

DNS (Domain Name System) acts as the internet’s phonebook, translating domain names like www.google.com into IP addresses. When a DNS error occurs, Chrome fails to retrieve the IP address of a website, resulting in error messages such as:

• “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN”
• “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED”
• “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG”

These errors can be caused by:

• Outdated or corrupted DNS cache.
• ISP-related DNS server issues.
• Incorrect network settings.
• Firewall or antivirus blocking DNS requests.
• Browser-related issues in Google Chrome.

How to Fix DNS Errors Using Chrome Net Internals?

Google Chrome provides an advanced debugging tool known as Net Internals, which allows users to monitor network events, clear DNS cache, and flush sockets. Here’s how you can use it to fix DNS errors:

Step 1: Open Net Internals in Chrome

• Open Google Chrome.
• In the address bar, type:bashCopyEditchrome://net-internals/#dns
• Press Enter.

This will take you to the Net Internals DNS page, where you can view cached DNS entries and manage network settings.

Step 2: Clear Chrome’s DNS Cache

• Once you’re on the Net Internals page, locate the “Clear host cache” button.
• Click on it to remove all stored DNS records.

Why is this important?
Clearing the DNS cache ensures that Chrome fetches fresh DNS data from the server instead of using outdated or incorrect records.

Step 3: Flush Chrome’s Socket Pools

• Go to:bashCopyEditchrome://net-internals/#sockets
• Click on “Flush socket pools” to close all active connections.

Why do this?
Some websites may still use old socket connections even after clearing the DNS cache. Flushing socket pools forces Chrome to establish new, error-free connections.

Step 4: Restart Chrome and Reconnect

• Close Google Chrome completely.
• Reopen Chrome and try accessing the problematic website.

If the issue persists, proceed with the additional troubleshooting methods below.

Additional Fixes for Chrome DNS Errors

If clearing the Net Internals DNS cache doesn’t solve the issue, try these alternative solutions:

1. Flush System DNS Cache

Besides Chrome, your operating system also maintains a DNS cache. Flushing it can resolve lingering DNS issues.

For Windows Users:

Open Command Prompt (Run as Administrator).
Type the following command:

bashCopyEditipconfig /flushdns

Press Enter. You should see a message confirming the DNS cache was cleared.

For macOS Users:

Open Terminal.
Enter the command:

CopyEditsudo dscacheutil -flushcache

Enter your password when prompted.

For Linux Users:

Open Terminal.
Type:

arduinoCopyEditsudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches

Press Enter.

2. Change DNS Servers

Your ISP’s DNS servers might be slow or unreliable. Switching to a public DNS can improve browsing performance.

Recommended DNS Servers:

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

Steps to Change DNS on Windows:
Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections.
Right-click your active network and select Properties.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
Choose Use the following DNS server addresses, then enter the preferred DNS servers.
Click OK and restart your connection.

3. Restart Your Router & Modem

A simple yet effective fix is restarting your router.

Turn off your router and modem.
Wait for 2-3 minutes.
Turn them back on and check if the DNS error is gone.

4. Disable Proxy & VPN

If you use a VPN or proxy, it might be interfering with DNS resolution. Try disabling them:

• On Windows:
  Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
  Disable any active proxies.
• On macOS:
  Open System Preferences > Network.
  Select your network, go to Advanced > Proxies, and disable them.

5. Disable Firewall & Antivirus Temporarily

Some firewall or antivirus software blocks DNS requests, causing errors. Temporarily disable them and check if the problem persists.

• If disabling your firewall/antivirus resolves the issue, add Chrome to the whitelist/exceptions list.

6. Reset Chrome to Default Settings

If all else fails, resetting Chrome might help:

Go to chrome://settings/reset.
Click Restore settings to their original defaults.
Confirm the reset and restart Chrome.

Preventing DNS Errors in the Future

To avoid running into DNS issues frequently, follow these best practices:

• Keep Chrome Updated: Always use the latest version of Chrome to avoid bugs.
• Use Reliable DNS Servers: Stick to Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS for better stability.
• Clear DNS Cache Regularly: Flush the DNS cache once in a while to prevent outdated entries.
• Check Your Network: Ensure your router and modem are functioning correctly.

Final Thoughts

Chrome’s Net Internals tool is an easy and effective way to fix DNS errors. By clearing the DNS cache, flushing socket pools, and trying additional troubleshooting methods, you can quickly resolve most DNS-related issues in Chrome.

If the problem persists, it could be due to ISP issues, server downtime, or network misconfigurations. In such cases, contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for support is recommended.

Have you encountered a DNS error before? Let us know in the comments how you fixed it!