Fix: “We’re having trouble finding that site” Error in Firefox

Published On - November 14, 2025

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You’re all set to Google something important, open a funny meme, or finally start that work assignment, and then… bam! Firefox gives you the dreaded message: “We’re having trouble finding that site.” Ugh. We’ve all been there.

TLDR:

That Firefox error usually means there’s a problem with connecting to the internet or resolving a website’s address. It might be your internet, DNS settings, or just a mistyped URL. Try restarting your modem or switching DNS servers. Scroll down for the fun, step-by-step guide to fixing it like a pro (or at least a pretend IT wizard).

What Is This Error Anyway?

This message usually pops up when Firefox can’t find the server that hosts the website you’re trying to visit. It’s like trying to call someone, but your phone can’t find their number in the directory.

Here’s what usually causes it:

  • A bad internet connection
  • DNS server issues
  • Typos in the URL (yep, it happens!)
  • Browser or firewall settings blocking the site

Step-by-Step Fixes

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Before you go full tech detective, make sure your Wi-Fi or ethernet is actually connected.

  • Open any other site — like example.com. Does it load?
  • Try using another device — if it works there, the issue is with your machine.

If nothing loads, restart your router. That fixes more problems than you’d think!

2. Double Check the URL

This might sound silly, but it’s easy to mistype a web address. Make sure:

  • You spelled everything right
  • You’re using the right .com, .net, etc.
  • There’s no weird characters or spaces

If you copied and pasted the link, hit backspace afterward. Sometimes URLs get an invisible space at the end.

3. Clear Firefox’s Cache and Cookies

Junk in your browser can sometimes block websites from loading.

Here’s how to clean up:

  1. Click the menu button (☰) in the top-right corner
  2. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security
  3. Scroll to Cookies and Site Data
  4. Click Clear Data and check both boxes
  5. Hit Clear and restart Firefox

Give the site another try!

4. Try a Different Browser

Open Chrome, Edge, or whatever browser you have and try the site there.

  • If it loads, then the problem is in Firefox.
  • If it doesn’t, then it’s probably your internet or DNS.

5. Try a Different DNS Server

DNS is like the phone book of the internet. When it doesn’t work, you can’t call websites. Changing your DNS server can often make things faster and more reliable.

Google has a great DNS you can use. Here’s how to change it:

  1. Open your computer’s network settings
  2. Go to your Wi-Fi or ethernet connection
  3. Look for something like “DNS” or “IP settings”
  4. Change the DNS to these numbers:
    • 8.8.8.8
    • 8.8.4.4

Save the changes and restart your browser.

6. Disable Add-ons and Extensions

Sometimes, add-ons or privacy extensions can go rogue and block certain websites.

To test this:

  1. Click the menu (☰)
  2. Go to Add-ons and Themes
  3. Disable anything you don’t recognize or that might block content (like ad blockers or VPNs)

Try visiting the site again after turning them off.

7. Turn Off DNS-over-HTTPS

This is a fancy privacy feature in Firefox that can sometimes cause issues.

To turn it off:

  1. Type about:preferences in the address bar and hit enter
  2. Scroll to Network Settings at the bottom
  3. Click Settings…
  4. Uncheck the box for “Enable DNS over HTTPS”
  5. Click OK

Try the site again. If it loads now, you found the problem!

8. Temporarily Disable Your Firewall or Antivirus

Some security software blocks websites it thinks are bad. But sometimes, it blocks good ones too!

To test this:

  • Open your firewall or antivirus app
  • Temporarily turn it off (don’t forget to turn it back on later!)
  • See if the site loads while it’s disabled

If yes, you may need to add an exception in your antivirus for Firefox or the website.

9. Reset Your Firefox Settings

If nothing else works, try resetting Firefox. It’ll keep your bookmarks but remove custom settings and extensions that might be causing problems.

Here’s how:

  1. Type about:support in the address bar
  2. Click the “Refresh Firefox” button on the right

Let Firefox do its thing. When it’s done, try the site again.

Still Not Working? 🤯

If you’ve tried all these steps and the site still won’t load, it might be a server problem on the website’s end. Or it could be down for maintenance (yes, even websites need naps).

You can test the site with a service like DownForEveryoneOrJustMe.

Final Tips to Keep Things Smooth

  • Update Firefox regularly from the settings menu
  • Keep your operating system up to date
  • Avoid sketchy extensions and themes
  • Clear cache every now and then

Wrap-Up

“We’re having trouble finding that site” might sound scary at first, but usually, it’s a simple fix. Whether it’s your DNS turning into a drama queen or just a typo, now you know all the tricks to bring Firefox back to life!

So next time the internet gives you sass, you know just what to do!