Are you browsing online? Have you encountered a “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG” error message?
As frustrating as this is, try not to worry! This error message can pop up regardless of your device’s operating system and browser and we are here to help.
This error message is nothing sinister or malicious, it simply means that the Domain Name System (DNS) could not resolve the IP address properly and this can happen for a number of different reasons.
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These DNS-related issues are thankfully some of the most simple errors to fix and we are going to show you the best solutions you should use when you encounter this error message next.
What Is “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG”?
Domain Name System (DNS) has a significant role to play when users are browsing the internet as it translates and connects IP addresses, URLs, and nameservers with web servers.
For example, if you try to access an online store’s website using Chrome, DNS is the link between the website and Chrome.
When websites are created they are given a unique IP address, which is a variety of numbers in a sequence, such as 123.1.123.12.
Rather than having website users learn these unique codes, websites are given a more user-friendly domain name, which is often the name of the company, shop, or person’s website you are on.
If you are using your browser and you type a URL directly into the search bar, DNS takes over and looks up the URL that you have inputted and communicates with the search engine, and ultimately connects the URL on the server, meaning the web page loads.
If DNS cannot successfully complete this task, this is when the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG” error message is likely to appear on your screen.
This error message can appear on any type of device, be it a PC, iPad, or smartphone and it also occurs on any web browser, such as Windows, Google, or iOS.
Similar Error Messages
There are other DNS-related error messages that can be confused for the “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG” error.
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
This error message means that the domain is non-existent, or in other words, the domain name or website you are searching for does not exist.
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET
This error message is about your WiFi or internet connection. The connection may be lost while loading a webpage or the web browser may have trouble establishing a connection with your internet.
This error message can vary depending on the web browser that you are using and can include messages such as:
- Site can’t be reached
- No internet connection
- Web page is unavailable
- (Webbrowser) can’t find the server
They all have a similar message and that is why you can rectify this issue, regardless of the terminology, with the same fix.
What Causes A DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG Error?
There are a variety of reasons why you may get this error message on your screen, some of the most common causes of a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG error message are:
- Your network settings have been changed, possibly accidentally
- An unauthorized app has changed your router settings
- There are corrupted files on your device
- Your firewall or antivirus software may be causing the issue
- A VPN app, or other browser plugins, may be interfering with the DNS or IP address
- Website could be temporarily down
- Possible loose cables on your router box or computer
How To Fix A DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG Error
Below are a variety of solutions you can use to fix a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG error.
Step
Clear Browser Cache
Clearing your browsing data is a quick and easy solution that can help your computer to work faster.
You can do this within the settings on your web browser.
Step
Restart Your Wi-Fi Router
This is another quick fix that can rectify this error. Simply restart your Wi-Fi router.
How you do this will depend on the router you have, but in most cases you simply hold down the power button until your router turns off.
Leave it off for a moment and then turn it back on.
While your router is restarting, it can also be worthwhile restarting your computer.
Once both your device and router are powered on, try again to reload the website URL that triggered the error initially.
Step
Delete Temporary Files
A corrupt file can cause this error. The file is often hidden in the temporary file folder on your computer.
To find the temporary file folder on a Windows device, search %temp% in the search bar, open the folder and delete it.
To delete a temporary file folder on an iOS device, you will need to open Finder and select your username.
Next, hit the cmd and shift and . (period) keys, this will make your hidden files visible.
Delete files as necessary.
Step
Update Your Network Driver
System updates are required on some systems and when you delay an update it can affect the operations of your device.
Whether you have a Windows or an iOS device, ensure you are operating using the latest software system.
Step
Disable Firewalls And Antivirus Software
Firewalls and Antivirus software work similarly in that they protect your internal and external network and prevent any possibly malicious codes or viruses’ from making their way through your communications and onto your computer.
Every so often, the firewall or antivirus software operating on your device can misinterpret a website URL, IP address, or nameserver as malicious.
It is simple to disable both your firewall and antivirus software, which allows you to access this website without coming across the error message again.
However, you will need to remember to turn it back on to keep your device safe.
Below Are The Steps To Disable Windows Defender Firewall
1. Search defender in your home search tab, and open the program.
2. Once the program is open, click on Virus & Threat Protection from the menu on the left
3. On this new screen, click into Domain Network
4. Change the status of the Windows Defender Firewall to Off, you should now be able to access the website without the error coming up
Below Are The Steps To Disable An iOS Firewall
1. Open System Preferences on your iOS device
2. Select the Security & Privacy Pane
3. Select the Firewall tab
4. Next, you will need to unlock the page to make changes, you will be prompted to enter your administrator name and password
5. Choose to Turn Off Firewall, you should now be able to load the webpage
Step
Renew IP Address & Flush DNS Cache
This solution is slightly more complicated and it is very important that you enter the code as typed below to avoid any issues while working through this solution.
We explain how to complete this solution on Windows, iOS, and Android devices.
Windows
1. Open the Command Prompt app by searching cmd in the home search bar
2. Type the following commands and hit the Enter key after each one:
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
iOS – Flush DNS Cache
1. Click on the Apple icon at the top of your screen, then select Applications followed by Utilities, and then Terminal
2. Type the below commands into the Terminal interface, and ensure you use the command relevant to your macOS.
macOSv10.11 or later: sudo killall – HUP mDNSResponder
macOSv10.10 to v10.10.3: sudo discoveryutil mdnsflushcache
Mavericks/MountainLion/Lion: sudo killall – HUP mDNSResponder
Snow Leopard: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
iOS – Renew IP Address
1. Click on the Apple icon and navigate to System Preferences, Network, Advanced, Renew DHCP
2. This will renew your IP address and you should now be able to access the website.
Android
1. Simply open settings on your device, select Applications, and then click on App info.
2. Choose Chrome from the list of apps and click into Storage, finally click on the Clear Cache button.
Step
Manually Change The DNS Settings
This is the final solution that can resolve a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG error.
However, if you have a shared computer or using a device provided by your employer, it is best to have IT support, or a professional do this for you as you will need administrator rights which you may not have.
If the device is your personal device, we would recommend attempting the previous six solutions before trying this one. Below we explain how to complete this solution on a Windows, iOS, and Android device.
Windows
1. Open the Network Sharing Center and right-click on your WiFi, or network, connection. Select Properties from the drop-down menu
2. Select Networking from the pop-up screen and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” followed by the Properties button. The version could be different depending on the age of your device.
3. Underneath the selection “Use the following DNS server addresses” enter the below:
Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4
4. Click OK once you have completed this. Refresh the web browser and try to load the website again.
iOS
1. Click on the Apple icon and open System Preferences. Next, select Network.
2. Select your network and click on DNS which will be along the top row menu. You can add the new DNS addresses by clicking on the + icon
Android
1. Navigate to Settings then Wifi. Press and hold down on the network you are using and select Modify Network from the menu.
2. Next, select Advanced options. Under IP Settings select Static. You will now need to enter the IP addresses into the respective field and Save your changes. Reload the website and the issue should be resolved.
Final Thoughts
We hope that you will be able to find a solution to the error you are experiencing when opening specific web pages.
If you are still experiencing issues there may be another internal issue with your computer or your network connection and we recommend seeking help from a professional.