DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN: What It Means and How to Fix It
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is a browser error indicating that DNS reported the requested name does not exist. NXDOMAIN is different from a timeout: the resolver returned a negative answer instead of remaining silent.
The cause may be a typing error, missing DNS record, wrong nameserver delegation, local override, stale negative cache or an expired domain.
Check NXDOMAIN results from multiple DNS servers.
How to Diagnose NXDOMAIN
Check whether the name fails on one device, one network or everywhere. Query the exact hostname and compare the response from the default resolver, a public resolver and the authoritative nameservers.
Step-by-Step Process
- Check the spelling of the domain.
- Try the root domain and the exact subdomain separately.
- Run nslookup for the hostname.
- Query another public resolver.
- Check the domain globally.
- Review NS and A or CNAME records.
- Check registration status when the entire domain fails.
Important Concepts
NXDOMAIN
The queried DNS name does not exist according to the returned answer.
Negative caching
Resolvers may cache a previous NXDOMAIN response.
Subdomain error
The root domain can work while a specific subdomain is missing.
Search suffix
Corporate devices may append local suffixes to incomplete names.
Common Problems and Mistakes
- Misspelled domain
- Missing A, AAAA or CNAME record
- Record created under the wrong hostname
- Wrong nameservers at the registrar
- Expired or suspended domain
- Hosts file or security software redirecting the name
Troubleshooting Checklist
- Use the complete hostname.
- Flush local DNS.
- Check another resolver.
- Verify authoritative NS records.
- Review the DNS zone.
- Confirm the domain is registered and active.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NXDOMAIN a server outage?
Not usually. It means DNS says the name does not exist, although a misconfiguration can create that answer.
Can clearing cache fix NXDOMAIN?
Yes, when a stale negative response is cached locally, but not when the authoritative configuration is missing.
Why does the website work on mobile data?
The mobile resolver may have different cached data or use a different DNS path.
Conclusion
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is an important topic for anyone managing websites, networks or online services. Use the diagnostic steps above to separate local-device, resolver, authoritative DNS and application problems.