Seeing the message “Server IP address could not be found” can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to access a website you’ve used many times before. This error usually appears in Google Chrome, but it can also occur in other browsers or across different devices. In most cases, it points to a temporary network issue or a misconfigured system setting rather than a serious technical failure.
This guide explains how to fix the “Server IP address could not be found” error using a few simple troubleshooting steps so you can restore your internet connection and get back online quickly.
What Does “Server IP Address Could Not Be Found” Mean?
Every website on the internet is connected to an IP address, which allows your browser to locate and communicate with the server hosting the site. When you enter a web address, your system uses a DNS (Domain Name System) service to translate the domain name into its corresponding IP address.
The error “Server IP address could not be found” appears when this translation process fails. This can happen due to problems with your internet connection, browser cache, DNS configuration, VPN, or system network settings. When the browser cannot determine where the website is hosted, it simply cannot load the page.
How to Fix the “Server IP Address Could Not Be Found” Error
Below are several proven solutions you can follow to resolve the issue. Try them in order, as simpler fixes often work without requiring deeper system changes.
Check Your Internet Connection
Start with the basics. Make sure your device is properly connected to the internet. Try opening other websites or reconnecting to your network. If you’re using Wi‑Fi, move closer to the router or restart it to refresh the connection.
If other devices on the same network are also offline, the issue may be with your internet service rather than your computer.
Clear Your Browsing Data and Cache
Over time, your browser stores cached files and data that may become outdated or corrupted. This can interfere with DNS lookups.
Clearing your cache removes stored site information and forces the browser to request fresh data from the server. After clearing the browsing data, close the browser completely and relaunch it before trying again.
Restart Google Chrome
A simple browser restart can resolve background glitches that affect DNS resolution. Closing all Chrome windows and reopening the browser resets its internal processes and extensions that may be blocking the connection.
If the issue persists, try opening the site in an incognito window or temporarily disabling extensions to rule out browser‑related conflicts.
Check Your Proxy Settings
Incorrect proxy settings can stop your browser from resolving server addresses correctly. When Chrome enables a proxy by mistake, it may send traffic through an unavailable server or set up incorrectly.
Check your system or browser proxy settings and either configure them properly or turn them off if you don’t intentionally use a proxy connection.
Check Your Network Adapter Settings
Your network adapter controls how your device communicates with the network. Incorrect DNS or IP configurations at this level can cause persistent connection errors.
Confirm that your adapter is set to obtain IP addresses and DNS settings automatically, unless you are using custom network configurations provided by your organization or ISP.
Restart Your VPN
While VPNs improve privacy and security, they can sometimes interfere with DNS resolution. A disconnected server, an outdated VPN app, or a conflict with local DNS settings may trigger the error.
Disconnect the VPN and try accessing the site again. If that works, reconnect to a different VPN server or restart the VPN application.
Refresh the DNS Client Service
Windows systems include a built-in DNS Client service that manages DNS caching and IP address lookups. Restarting this service can help resolve the issue. Follow the steps below:
- To access the Run dialog box, use Win + R on your keyboard.
- Type services.msc in the field and press Enter.
- In the Services window, locate and select DNS Client.
- Right-click the DNS Client service and select Stop.
- Once stopped, right-click the service again and select Start to restart it.
Reset IPv4 Settings
Resetting IPv4 settings can resolve underlying configuration issues that prevent DNS communication.
On Windows
If you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11, you can reset your IPv4 connection by following these steps:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type ipconfig /release and press Enter.
- To clear the DNS cache, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
- To renew your IP address, type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.
- Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter to reset the IP stack.
- Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter to reset Winsock settings.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
On macOS
If you’re using macOS, you can reset your IPv4 connection by following these steps:
- Select the Apple menu located in the upper-left corner of the screen.
- Select System Settings (or System Preferences) and go to Network.
- Choose your active internet connection and click Advanced.
- Open the TCP/IP tab and click Renew DHCP Lease.
- Click OK (or Apply) to save the changes and complete the process.
Use Windows Network Diagnostics
You can also let Windows automatically diagnose and fix the network issue by following these steps:
- To launch the Run dialog box, press Win + R on your keyboard.
- Type Control Panel and press Enter.
- Navigate to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Troubleshoot problems.
- Click Internet Connections and follow the on-screen instructions while Windows detects and resolves the issue.
Is the “Server IP Address Could Not Be Found” Error Still Occurring?
If none of the above solutions work, the issue may be related to your ISP, a misconfigured DNS server, or a problem on the website’s end. You can try switching to public DNS services or check whether the site is temporarily unavailable for everyone.
In persistent cases, contacting your internet service provider or a network administrator can help identify deeper connectivity problems that require professional support.
Learn more tutorials on how to find your server’s IP address in cPanel step by step.