"This site can't be reached" or DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN means your browser asked DNS for the website's address and got no usable answer. NXDOMAIN literally means "domain does not exist". Here is how to find out why.
If you are the website owner
- Check that the domain is registered and active. Run a WHOIS lookup. If it expired, renew it immediately.
- Check the nameservers. Use the nameserver checker. They should be the ones from your host, and each should respond.
- Check the records. Use the DNS lookup. There should be an A record for the domain and for www (or a CNAME).
- Check that the domain exists on the hosting account. Add it in cPanel if not.
- Look for recent changes. If you changed nameservers within the last 48 hours, wait for propagation.
- Look for typos in nameservers and IP addresses.
If you are a visitor
- Check the spelling of the address.
- Try on mobile data. If it works there, the problem is with your Wi-Fi or ISP DNS.
- Flush your DNS cache and restart your router.
- Switch to a public DNS resolver in your network settings.
- Disable VPN or security software temporarily to test.
Other DNS errors
| Error | Likely meaning |
|---|---|
| NXDOMAIN | Domain does not exist in DNS (expired, unregistered or wrong spelling). |
| SERVFAIL | The nameservers failed to answer correctly. |
| Timeout | Nameservers are unreachable. |
| Wrong website | The A record points to the wrong server. |
Prevent it
- Keep auto-renew on for domains.
- Use at least two working nameservers.
- Back up your DNS records before changes.
Clearing your own DNS cache
If the problem is only on your device, clearing local caches often solves it. On Windows open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /flushdns. On macOS, run sudo dscacheutil -flushcache and restart mDNSResponder. Also clear your browser's cache, because browsers keep their own DNS cache. Restarting the router refreshes its cache as well.
Changing your DNS resolver
Your internet provider's DNS can be slow or outdated. Switching to a well-known public resolver in your network settings often fixes "server not found" errors that appear only on one network. If a site works after switching, the original resolver was the problem.
When a brand-new domain gives NXDOMAIN
New registrations can take from minutes to a few hours to appear in DNS. If it has been more than a day, check that the domain has nameservers assigned and that the zone exists at the DNS host. A domain with no nameservers, or with nameservers that have no zone for it, will return NXDOMAIN or SERVFAIL.
FAQ
Does NXDOMAIN always mean the domain is expired?
No. It can also be a typo, missing delegation, or nameservers that do not have a zone for the domain.
Is this a hosting problem?
Usually not. DNS errors occur before the browser reaches the server. See also the website troubleshooting checklist.
Try it now: use our free WHOIS lookup, DNS lookup, nameserver checker, SSL checker and IP & hosting lookup. All free, no signup.