Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: Error resolving “nmcheck.gnome.org”: Name or service not known

Error resolving nmcheck.gnome.org: Name or service not known on Ubuntu 18.04, unable to connect to university wifi with authentication.

Quick Answer: Try resetting the Network Manager settings by running "sudo nmcli dev reset" and then reconnecting to your university wifi network.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 🔍 Why This Happens
  2. 🚀 How to Resolve This Issue
  3. 💡 Conclusion

The 'Error resolving “nmcheck.gnome.org”: Name or service not known' error occurs when your Ubuntu system is unable to resolve the hostname 'nmcheck.gnome.org'. This error affects users who are trying to connect to public open Wi-Fi networks, such as those found at universities. It can be frustrating because it prevents you from accessing important services and features that rely on this hostname.

This issue persists even after attempting various solutions, including reinstalling Gnome. A thorough troubleshooting process is necessary to resolve the problem and regain access to these essential services.

🔍 Why This Happens

  • The primary reason for this error is a misconfigured DNS resolver or an incorrect network configuration. When your system is unable to resolve 'nmcheck.gnome.org', it fails to establish a connection, resulting in the error message.
  • Alternatively, if you have recently changed your network settings or installed new software that interferes with DNS resolution, it could be causing this issue.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Update and Configure DNS Resolver

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Update the DNS resolver by running the command 'sudo apt update' in your terminal. This will ensure you have access to the latest package lists.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: Install the 'gnome-dns-prefered' package, which is required for resolving hostnames like 'nmcheck.gnome.org'. Run the command 'sudo apt install gnome-dns-preferred' in your terminal.
  3. Step 3: Step 3: Configure the DNS resolver to use a public DNS service. You can do this by running the command 'sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf' and adding the following lines at the end of the file: nameserver 8.8.8.8 nameserver 8.8.4.4'. Replace these with your preferred public DNS server IP addresses if needed.

Reset Network Manager Settings

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Open the Network Manager settings by clicking on the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner of your screen or running the command 'nmcli d wifi connect' in your terminal.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: Click on the gear icon next to your network connection and select 'Edit'. In the Network Connections window, click on the 'Advanced' tab and then click on the 'DNS' button. Select 'Use system DNS' or 'Use a custom DNS server' depending on your preference.

💡 Conclusion

To resolve the 'Error resolving “nmcheck.gnome.org”: Name or service not known' error, try updating and configuring your DNS resolver by following the steps outlined in Method 1. If this method does not work, you can attempt to reset Network Manager settings using Method 2. By completing these steps, you should be able to regain access to important services and features that rely on hostname resolution.

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