Understanding the Problem: “A User is Unable to Reach Google.com by Typing the URL but is Able to Reach it by Typing In”

At first glance, it may seem odd that a user can’t access Google by simply typing “google.com” into their browser, but can successfully reach the site when entering it via an IP address. This problem can leave many people frustrated, especially since Google is one of the most frequently used websites globally. But why would this happen, and what are the possible causes?

What Causes the Problem?

Several underlying issues can lead to this strange phenomenon. Let’s explore some possible causes:

1. DNS (Domain Name System) Issues: The most common reason for this problem is a DNS issue. DNS servers are responsible for converting domain names like “google.com” into IP addresses. If there’s a problem with your DNS server, the URL may not resolve properly.
2. Browser Cache or Cookies: Sometimes, corrupted or outdated browser cache and cookies can prevent a user from reaching a particular website, like Google, when typing the URL. However, typing in the IP address might bypass this issue.
3. Incorrect DNS Settings: Incorrect DNS settings on your device could cause problems when trying to reach websites through URLs but not through their IP addresses.
4. Firewall or Security Software: Overly restrictive firewalls or security software can block certain URLs but still allow access when using the IP address. This may happen due to misconfiguration or aggressive blocking rules.
5. ISP-Level Block or DNS Redirection: Some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) may have DNS issues or apply filters that interfere with domain name resolution, which could be another reason why a user is unable to reach google.com by typing the URL but is able to reach it by typing in.

How the Problem Manifests

The issue typically presents itself in a specific way: when users type “google.com” into their browser’s address bar, they either receive an error message (e.g., “This site can’t be reached”) or the page simply fails to load. However, if they enter the IP address for Google (for example, 172.217.0.0), the website loads without issue. This makes the problem even more confusing because it suggests that the user’s internet connection is fine and that the website is accessible — but only through the IP address.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

If you are facing this issue, there are multiple troubleshooting methods you can try to resolve it. Below is a step-by-step guide that will help you identify and fix the root cause.

1. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Before diving into more technical solutions, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. This can often solve issues related to incorrect site loading.

Steps:

1. Open your browser settings.
2. Find the option for “Clear browsing data” or “Clear cache and cookies.”
3. Select the time range (it’s best to choose “All time”).
4. Click “Clear data” and restart your browser.

Once completed, try accessing “google.com” again and see if the problem persists.

2. Use a Different Browser

Sometimes, the problem may be browser-specific. If clearing the cache doesn’t work, try accessing the URL in a different browser. For example, if you’re using Chrome, switch to Firefox or Edge. If the issue only occurs in one browser, it indicates that the problem lies with the browser itself.

3. Flush Your DNS Cache

If clearing the browser cache doesn’t resolve the issue, flushing your DNS cache might help. A DNS cache stores information about IP addresses for visited websites, and flushing it can eliminate outdated or corrupted entries.

Windows:

1. Press Windows + R and type “cmd” to open Command Prompt.
2. Type the following command: ipconfig /flushdns.
3. Press Enter.

MacOS:

1. Open the “Terminal” app.
2. Type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.

After doing this, try accessing Google again to see if it resolves the issue.

4. Change Your DNS Settings

If flushing the DNS cache doesn’t work, the issue could be with your DNS server itself. Changing your DNS settings to use a public DNS service like Google’s DNS or Cloudflare’s DNS might solve the problem.

Steps:

1. Go to your network settings.
2. Look for “DNS server” settings.
3. Change your DNS server to Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s DNS (1.1.1.1).
4. Save changes and restart your browser.

By using a more reliable DNS server, you might be able to fix the issue where a user is unable to reach google.com by typing the URL but is able to reach it by typing in.

5. Disable Firewalls and Security Software Temporarily

In some cases, a firewall or antivirus program may be blocking certain websites based on their domain name, but allowing traffic through the IP address. Temporarily disabling your security software can help you identify if it’s causing the problem.

Steps:

1. Open your firewall or antivirus settings.
2. Temporarily disable the software.
3. Try accessing “google.com” and see if the problem is resolved.

If you can access the site after disabling the software, you may need to configure it to allow access to specific websites.

6. Restart Your Router and Computer

Sometimes, the simplest solution is to restart your router and computer. Doing this resets your network connection and can resolve temporary network issues.

7. Check for ISP-Level Issues

In rare cases, your ISP could be blocking or rerouting DNS requests, leading to the problem. You can contact your ISP for support or try accessing the site using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN bypasses your ISP’s DNS, which could resolve the issue where a user is unable to reach google.com by typing the URL but is able to reach it by typing in.

8. Use the IP Address Temporarily

If all else fails, you can continue to access Google using its IP address temporarily while investigating further. Although not ideal, it’s a quick workaround.

Preventing Similar Issues in the Future

While fixing the issue is important, you also want to prevent it from happening again. Here are some tips:

• Regularly Clear Cache and Cookies: This will help ensure that old or corrupted files don’t interfere with your browsing experience.
• Use Reliable DNS Servers: Consider using a trusted DNS service like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS, as these tend to be more reliable than ISP-provided DNS servers.
• Update Browser and Operating System: Keeping your browser and OS updated ensures that you have the latest security patches and bug fixes, which can prevent issues from cropping up.
• Monitor Firewall and Security Software: Make sure your security software is properly configured to allow trusted websites to function normally.

By following these tips, you can minimize the chances of encountering a similar issue in the future.