How to Fix the "Server IP Address Could Not Be Found" Error

Published on June 2, 2026

Understand the "Server IP Address Could Not Be Found" Error

We have all been there: you click a link or type in a website address, only to be greeted by a blank screen and the frustrating message: "Server IP Address Could Not Be Found" (sometimes labeled as the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error). This happens when your computer's digital phonebook (the Domain Name System, or DNS) fails to translate a website's human-friendly name (like google.com) into its computer-friendly numerical IP address.

Fortunately, you do not need to be an IT expert to fix this. Here is how to get back online in under 5 minutes using four simple, highly effective troubleshooting steps.

Step 1: Flush Your DNS Cache

Your operating system stores a temporary directory of recently visited websites to help them load faster. If this directory becomes corrupted, your browser will fail to find the correct IP address. Clearing (or "flushing") this cache forces your computer to request fresh, accurate routing data.

For Windows Users:

Press the Windows Key, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator.
Type this exact command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
You should see a success message: "Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache."

For Mac Users:

Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight, type Terminal, and press Enter.
Copy and paste this command, then press Enter: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Enter your Mac's administrator password when prompted (no characters will show on the screen as you type for security) and press Enter.

Step 2: Switch to Public DNS Servers

By default, your computer uses the DNS servers provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). These servers are notorious for going offline, running slowly, or glitching out. Switching to ultra-fast, ultra-reliable public DNS servers from Google or Cloudflare usually resolves the issue permanently.

How to change DNS on Windows:

Open the Start menu, type Control Panel, and open it. Click on Network and Internet, then Network and Sharing Center.
On the left sidebar, click Change adapter settings.
Right-click your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Select the bubble for Use the following DNS server addresses and type:
Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4 (Google) or 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare)
Click OK to save your changes.

How to change DNS on Mac:

Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and select System Settings.
Click Network on the left side, select your active connection (Wi-Fi), and click Details.
Navigate to the DNS tab. Click the + icon under the "DNS Servers" box.
Add 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1, then click OK and Apply.

Step 3: Release and Renew Your IP Address

If your router assigned your computer a temporary network configuration that has expired or glitched, releasing and renewing your local IP address will force a clean handshake with your home network.

On Windows: Open Command Prompt as Administrator again. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter. Once the process completes, type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.
On Mac: Go to System Settings, click Network, select Wi-Fi, click Details, and navigate to the TCP/IP tab. Click the button that says Renew DHCP Lease.

Step 4: Restart Your Router and Modem

If software fixes do not resolve the issue, the glitch likely lies in your local network hardware. Routers are mini-computers, and over time, their memory caches can fill up and freeze DNS requests.

Unplug both your modem and your router from their wall outlets.
Wait a full 30 seconds to allow the internal capacitors to drain completely.
Plug the modem back in first and wait for all the status lights to stabilize (usually 1 to 2 minutes).
Plug the router back in and wait for its Wi-Fi light to turn solid. Restart your web browser and try accessing the website again.