Google Chrome ERR_DNS_MALFORMED_RESPONSE: How to Fix It

Easy 10-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
ERR_DNS_MALFORMED_RESPONSE
Brand
Google Chrome
Product Type
browser
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-30 minutes
The ERR_DNS_MALFORMED_RESPONSE error in Google Chrome means that Chrome received a DNS (Domain Name System) reply it could not understand or parse correctly. This typically happens when your DNS server sends back a corrupted, incomplete, or non-standard response — often caused by a misconfigured DNS server, a faulty router, overly aggressive firewall or antivirus software, or a stale local DNS cache. The good news is that this is almost always fixable with software-level steps and does not indicate any permanent damage to your device or browser.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code ERR_DNS_MALFORMED_RESPONSE

  1. Reload the Page and Check Your Internet Connection

  2. Flush Your DNS Cache in Chrome

  3. Flush the Operating System DNS Cache

    On Windows, always run Command Prompt as Administrator. On macOS/Linux, you will be prompted for your system password — this is expected.

  4. Change Your DNS Server to a Public DNS

  5. Restart Your Router and Modem

    Restarting your router will temporarily disconnect all devices on your network. Let others in your household know before doing this.

  6. Disable VPN, Proxy, or Firewall Temporarily

    Only disable your firewall or antivirus temporarily for testing. Re-enable it immediately after your test, even if the page loads successfully.

  7. Release and Renew Your IP Address

  8. Reset Chrome's Network Settings

    A settings reset will disable all your Chrome extensions and clear cookies. You may need to log back into websites and reconfigure some preferences.

  9. Update Chrome and Your Operating System

  10. Test in Another Browser and Reinstall Chrome if Needed

    Before uninstalling Chrome, ensure your bookmarks are synced to your Google account (Settings > You and Google > Sync) so you don't lose them.
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When to Call a Professional

If you have completed all steps above and ERR_DNS_MALFORMED_RESPONSE persists on multiple browsers and devices connected to the same network, the problem likely lies with your ISP's DNS infrastructure or your modem/router hardware. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and describe the error — they can check for DNS server issues on their end or replace faulty equipment. If the error only appears on a specific website and other DNS fixes have been tried, that website's DNS configuration may be the problem, which is outside your control. In a corporate or school network environment, contact your IT administrator, as DNS may be managed by internal servers with custom settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes ERR_DNS_MALFORMED_RESPONSE in Chrome?
This error occurs when Chrome receives a DNS response it cannot parse correctly. Common causes include a corrupted local DNS cache, a misconfigured or overloaded DNS server (from your ISP or network), interference from a VPN, proxy, or overly aggressive antivirus software, or a buggy router firmware that corrupts DNS packets in transit.
Does ERR_DNS_MALFORMED_RESPONSE mean the website is down?
Not necessarily. The error is about the DNS lookup process, not the website itself. The site may be perfectly online, but your device or network is failing to correctly resolve its domain name to an IP address. Try accessing the site on a different network (such as mobile data) or using another browser to see if the site itself is accessible.
Will changing my DNS to Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) fix this error?
In many cases, yes. If your ISP's DNS server is sending malformed responses, switching to a stable public DNS like Google (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1) will bypass the faulty server entirely and usually resolves the error immediately.
Can a VPN cause ERR_DNS_MALFORMED_RESPONSE?
Yes. Some VPN clients redirect or intercept DNS queries and, if misconfigured, may return malformed responses to Chrome. Try disconnecting your VPN and reloading the page. If it works without the VPN, check your VPN app's DNS settings or contact the VPN provider's support team.
Is ERR_DNS_MALFORMED_RESPONSE a security threat?
Generally, no — it is a connectivity error, not a sign of a cyberattack or malware. However, in rare cases, DNS hijacking malware can interfere with DNS responses. If you see this error alongside other suspicious behavior (unexpected redirects, altered search results, unfamiliar programs), run a full malware scan using a trusted security tool such as Malwarebytes or Windows Defender.

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