DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN means that your browser tried to look up a domain name using the DNS system, but no valid DNS record was found for that domain. In other words, the domain could not be resolved to an IP address, so the browser does not know where to connect. This usually happens due to missing or incorrect DNS records, misconfigured nameservers, issues within a
cloud DNS service, domain transfer or propagation delays, or local network and DNS issues on the visitor’s device.
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Meaning
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is a DNS-related error that appears when a browser cannot find any DNS record for the domain name being requested. In simple terms, the DNS system is saying that the domain does not exist or cannot be resolved to an IP address. This prevents the browser from connecting to the website.
This error can be caused by anything from a simple typo in the domain name to incorrect DNS records, nameserver misconfiguration, misuse of custom NS settings, or local network issues. While it often looks like a server-side problem, it can also occur entirely on the visitor’s device.
Common Causes of DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error can occur for several reasons, ranging from user-side issues to DNS misconfigurations at the domain or hosting level.
1. Incorrect Domain Name
- A typo in the URL
- Using the wrong domain extension (for example, .com instead of .net)
- Accessing a domain that has expired or was never registered
2. DNS Records Are Missing or Incorrect
- No A, AAAA, or CNAME record exists for the domain or subdomain
- DNS records point to an incorrect or inactive IP address
- DNS records were accidentally deleted or misconfigured
- Improper DNS load balancing service configuration causing records to resolve inconsistentl3. Nameserver Misconfiguration
- Domain nameservers are not set correctly at the registrar
- Nameservers do not match the DNS provider in use
- Recent nameserver changes have not fully propagated
- Missing or incorrect subdomain NS delegation
4. DNS Propagation Delays
- DNS changes can take time to propagate globally
- Some networks may still be using cached, outdated DNS data
5. Local DNS or Network Issues (Visitor-Side)
- ISP DNS servers are temporarily unavailable or outdated
- Corrupted DNS cache on the device
- VPN, firewall, or security software interfering with DNS resolution
6. Domain Transfer or Hosting Changes
- The domain is in the middle of a transfer between providers
- Hosting or CDN was changed, but DNS records were not updated accordingly
7. DNSSEC Configuration Errors
- DNSSEC enabled without correct DS records at the registrar
- Mismatched or expired DNSSEC keys causing validation failure, which may appear as NXDOMAIN
Troubleshooting Steps with Solutions
Below are general troubleshooting steps that apply to any website, followed by Verge Cloud–specific guidance for users managing their domains through the Verge Cloud panel.
1. Verify the Domain Exists and Is Active
General solution
- Double-check the domain spelling in the browser.
- Confirm the domain is registered and not expired.
- Use a DNS lookup or DNS checker tool to see if the domain resolves anywhere.
Verge Cloud–specific steps
- Ensure the domain has been successfully added to your Verge Cloud account.
- If the domain was recently transferred, wait up to 24 hours for the transfer and DNS propagation to complete.
- Use a DNS checker to confirm that Verge Cloud nameservers (NS records) are correctly set at your domain registrar.
2. Check Nameserver Configuration
General solution
- Confirm that the nameservers set at your domain registrar match your DNS provider.
- Avoid mixing nameservers from multiple providers.
- Allow time for propagation after any changes.
Verge Cloud–specific steps
- Verify that your domain is using Verge Cloud’s assigned nameservers.
- Ensure there are no extra or outdated nameservers still configured at the registrar.
- After updating nameservers, allow sufficient time for global DNS propagation.
3. Review and Fix DNS Records
General solution
- Ensure the domain has valid DNS records:
A record for IPv4
AAAA record for IPv6 (optional)
CNAME record for subdomains
- Make sure records point to the correct IP address or hostname.
- Avoid conflicting or duplicate records.
Verge Cloud–specific steps
- Log in to the Verge Cloud panel and open the DNS management section.
- Confirm that the root domain (example.com) or subdomain (www.example.com) has an active DNS record.
- Verify that A or CNAME records point to the correct source IP or hostname.
- Ensure the Cloud Icon (CDN acceleration) is enabled if required for your setup.
4. Check Subdomain Configuration
General solution
- Confirm that the specific subdomain you are trying to access actually exists in DNS.
- Remember that subdomains require their own DNS records.
- Do not assume www works automatically if it is not configured.
Verge Cloud–specific steps
- In the Verge Cloud panel, verify that a DNS record exists for each subdomain.
- If missing, create the appropriate A or CNAME record.
- Confirm the subdomain is properly linked to your application or origin server.
5. Clear DNS Cache and Try a Public DNS
General solution
- Clear the DNS cache on your device.
- Restart your router or modem.
- Switch to a public DNS resolver such as:
Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1
Verge Cloud–specific steps
- This step mainly applies to visitors, but Verge Cloud users can:
Test the domain from multiple networks or devices.
Use online DNS testing tools to confirm DNS resolution independently of local cache.
6. Check for Firewall, VPN, or Security Interference
General solution
- Temporarily disable VPNs or security software and test again.
- Ensure firewall rules are not blocking DNS queries.
- Test the site on a different network (for example, mobile data).
Verge Cloud–specific steps
- Confirm that Verge Cloud security or firewall settings are not blocking legitimate traffic.
- Review any access rules or restrictions that may affect DNS resolution or origin connectivity.
How Does “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” Show in Different Browsers?
Although the cause is the same, browsers display this error differently:
Google Chrome / Chromium-based browsers
Displays: DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
Mozilla Firefox
Shows a message like:
“Hmm. We’re having trouble finding that site.”
Microsoft Edge
Similar to Chrome, often showing:
“This site can’t be reached” with the NXDOMAIN note
Safari
Displays:
“Safari can’t find the server”
Despite the different wording, all of these messages indicate a DNS resolution failure.
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN in Mobile
On mobile devices, this error can appear slightly differently depending on the operating system and browser.
On Android
- Chrome and other browsers may show the same NXDOMAIN message as desktop.
- Mobile network DNS issues or private DNS settings can trigger the error.
- Safari typically shows “Cannot Open Page” or “Server Not Found.”
- DNS issues may be caused by Wi-Fi settings, VPNs, or mobile carrier DNS.
General mobile troubleshooting
- Toggle airplane mode on and off.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- Change DNS settings to a public DNS if supported.
- Restart the device.
Considerations
- DNS propagation takes time: Changes may take minutes to several hours to be visible everywhere.
- Nameservers must match your DNS provider: A mismatch is one of the most common causes of NXDOMAIN errors.
- Every domain and subdomain needs a DNS record: Missing records will always result in resolution failures.
- Test from multiple locations: This helps determine whether the issue is global or local.
By combining general DNS best practices with Verge Cloud–specific checks inside the Verge Cloud panel, you can quickly identify the root cause of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error and restore access to your website.
FAQ
1. Can NXDOMAIN errors affect email delivery?
Yes. If DNS or MX records are missing, emails may fail or bounce.
2. How long does it take for DNS changes to fix NXDOMAIN?
Usually minutes, but full propagation can take up to 24–48 hours.
3. Are there tools to check if my domain has NXDOMAIN issues?
Yes. DNS checker and lookup tools can quickly confirm NXDOMAIN errors.
4. Can browser extensions cause NXDOMAIN errors?
Yes. VPNs, ad blockers, or security extensions can interfere with DNS resolution.
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