When a user is unable to reach Google.com by typing the URL but is able to reach it by typing in 172
When a user is unable to reach Google com by typing the URL but is able to reach it by typing in 172, they are encountering a frustrating but not uncommon problem related to domain name resolution. This issue occurs when a browser fails to resolve the human-readable domain name (like “google.com”) into its corresponding IP address (172.x.x.x in this case). Instead of using the domain name, typing the IP address directly works because it bypasses the Domain Name System (DNS) that translates the URL into an IP address.
Let’s dive into the potential causes of this issue, how it manifests, and how to resolve it.
What Causes This Problem?
Several factors can cause a user to be unable to reach a website via its domain name but still access it through its IP address:
- DNS Issues: The most common cause is a DNS problem. The DNS system might not be working correctly on the user’s end, preventing the URL from being translated into the correct IP address. This could be due to the DNS server being down, misconfigured, or facing delays.
- Browser Cache or Cookies: Sometimes, cached data or cookies within the browser may become corrupt or outdated, resulting in improper DNS resolutions. In such cases, clearing the cache often fixes the problem.
- Local Hosts File Misconfigurations: Some users may have modified the local hosts file (which stores static IP addresses) on their computers. If a wrong or outdated entry exists for Google.com, it could prevent the browser from resolving the domain properly.
- Network Configuration Issues: Network settings, including proxy settings or firewalls, can interfere with the DNS resolution. Misconfigured proxies or restrictive firewalls could be blocking the request to resolve Google.com, while direct IP connections remain unaffected.
- ISP-related Problems: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) sometimes experience DNS failures. In rare cases, they may block specific domain names, while allowing direct IP access.
Real-World Manifestation of the Issue
On various tech forums, users have reported this issue in different ways. For instance, one user shared their experience where typing “google.com” would result in a “Server Not Found” error in their browser. However, entering the IP address directly (172.217.164.110) loaded Google’s homepage without issue.
Similarly, another user reported inconsistent behavior where the problem only occurred in one browser but worked fine in another. These variations in the problem can make it confusing to diagnose without going through several troubleshooting steps.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resolving the Issue
If a user is unable to reach Google.com by typing the URL but is able to reach it by typing in 172, they can try several troubleshooting methods. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
- Open your browser’s settings menu.
- Find the “Clear Browsing Data” option (usually under “Privacy”).
- Select “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and site data,” then clear them.
- Restart the browser and try to access Google.com again.
Why this works: Sometimes, old or corrupt cache files can prevent proper DNS resolution. By clearing the cache, you’re forcing the browser to fetch fresh data.
2. Flush Your DNS Cache
- For Windows:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type:
ipconfig /flushdns - Press Enter.
- For macOS:
- Open Terminal.
- Type:
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder - Press Enter and provide your admin password if prompted.
Why this works: Flushing the DNS cache removes old or incorrect DNS entries that might be causing the issue.
3. Change Your DNS Server
- Go to your network settings.
- Locate the DNS settings option (this can differ by operating system).
- Change the DNS server to a public one, such as Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s DNS (1.1.1.1).
- Save your changes and restart your connection.
Why this works: If the issue is with your current DNS provider, switching to a reliable public DNS server can resolve the problem.
4. Check Your Hosts File
- For Windows:
- Navigate to
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. - Open the hosts file with a text editor (like Notepad).
- Look for any entries related to Google.com, and remove or comment them out by adding
#at the beginning of the line.
- Navigate to
- For macOS:
- Open Terminal.
- Type:
sudo nano /etc/hosts. - Look for any Google.com entries and remove them.
Why this works: Sometimes, an entry in the hosts file can override DNS resolution, leading to the issue. Removing or updating incorrect entries can fix it.
5. Disable Proxy Settings
- Open your browser’s settings and go to the network or proxy settings section.
- If a proxy is enabled, disable it.
- Try accessing Google.com again.
Why this works: Proxies can interfere with DNS requests, especially if the proxy server is down or misconfigured.
6. Test on Another Network
- Connect your device to a different Wi-Fi or mobile network.
- Try to access Google.com from this new network.
Why this works: If the issue resolves on a different network, the problem likely lies with your router or ISP settings. Contact your ISP or reset your router to factory settings if needed.
Real-World Example of DNS Resolution Problems
A user from an online forum shared that they were repeatedly encountering this issue when attempting to access Google from a public Wi-Fi network. The problem persisted until they switched to their mobile data network, after which the issue disappeared. This case points to either a misconfigured router or a DNS problem on the public Wi-Fi network.
Another example from a user on Reddit showed that after they changed their DNS to Google’s public DNS, they were able to reach Google.com normally again. This solution is widely recommended for DNS-related issues.
How to Prevent Similar Issues in the Future
Now that you’ve resolved the issue, here are some tips to avoid running into the same problem again:
- Use Reliable DNS Servers: Switch to a well-known and reliable DNS provider like Google or Cloudflare to minimize the chances of DNS-related problems.
- Clear Cache Regularly: Periodically clearing your browser cache and cookies can prevent old or corrupt files from interfering with your browsing experience.
- Keep Systems Updated: Ensure that your operating system, browser, and network drivers are always up to date. Updates often include fixes for known issues, including those affecting network and DNS settings.
- Avoid Modifying Hosts File: Unless absolutely necessary, avoid making manual changes to your hosts file, as it can create conflicts that are difficult to diagnose.
- Use a VPN: Sometimes, the issue may be related to your geographic location or ISP. A VPN can bypass these restrictions and ensure smoother access to websites.
