Fix Temporary Failure in Name Resolution on Linux (DNS Not Working Fix)

If you are seeing this error in Linux:

Temporary failure in name resolution

it means your system is unable to convert domain names (such as google.com) into IP addresses. This is a DNS (Domain Name System) issue—not necessarily an internet connectivity issue. Even if your network connection is working, a DNS failure can make it appear as though everything is offline.

Symptoms of This DNS Error

You may encounter this issue when:

• Running apt update
• Installing packages with apt or dnf
• Cloning repositories with Git
• Using curl or wget
• Accessing websites from the terminal

In these situations, Linux may be unable to resolve domain names such as google.com, github.com, or package repository servers. If IP addresses work but domain names do not, DNS resolution is likely the problem.

What Causes This Error?

This issue usually happens when:

• DNS servers are missing or misconfigured
• /etc/resolv.conf is broken or overwritten
• NetworkManager is not applying DNS settings correctly
• VPN or network changes have disrupted DNS routing
• A system reboot reset the DNS configuration

Quick Test (Confirm the Problem)

First, check if raw internet works:

ping 8.8.8.8

Then try domain resolution:

ping google.com

If this fails: If pinging an IP address works but pinging a domain name fails, you likely have a DNS resolution problem.

Fix 1: Repair DNS Using /etc/resolv.conf

Open the DNS configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf

Add the following DNS servers:

nameserver 8.8.8.8
nameserver 1.1.1.1

• 8.8.8.8 = Google DNS
• 1.1.1.1 = Cloudflare DNS

Save and exit.

Fix 2: Restart NetworkManager

Apply the new DNS settings:

sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

This forces Linux to reload network and DNS configuration.

Fix 3: Test DNS Again

Run:

ping google.com

If everything is correct, you should now see replies like:

Why This Happens (Simple Explanation)

Linux uses DNS configuration stored in:

/etc/resolv.conf

When this file is:

• empty ❌
• overwritten ❌
• or misconfigured ❌ your system loses the ability to resolve domain names.

Common Beginner Mistakes

1. Assuming it is a Wi-Fi issue

Even if Wi-Fi works, DNS can still fail.

2. ### 2. Only Testing Domain Names

Always test an IP address first:

ping 8.8.8.8

3. Forgetting NetworkManager restart

Changes in resolv.conf often don’t apply immediately.

Summary

To fix “Temporary failure in name resolution”:

• Check internet with IP ping
• Fix /etc/resolv.conf
• Restart NetworkManager
• Test DNS again

Once DNS is restored, Linux networking returns to normal immediately.

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