
DNS errors can be frustrating, but don't worry, we've got you covered. They can happen due to a variety of reasons, including incorrect DNS server settings, network issues, or even malware.
To fix DNS errors, start by checking your internet connection and restarting your router. This simple step can often resolve the issue.
A DNS cache can also cause problems, so clearing it may be necessary. This involves stopping the DNS client service and flushing the cache.
If you're using a browser, try clearing its cache and cookies, as well as checking for any updates. This can help resolve issues related to DNS lookups.
Understanding DNS Error
The DNS Server Not Responding error can be frustrating, but understanding what it means can help you deal with it effectively.
DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is a naming system that takes alphanumeric domain names and turns them into numeric IP addresses.
A DNS server acts as a translator, forwarding your web address to a DNS server from your router, where it's then dissolved and returned as an IP address.
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If the DNS server is unable to properly complete this name resolution process, the end result is usually a message indicating that the DNS server is not responding.
This error message means that the DNS of the domain you want to reach is unavailable or your browser cannot connect to the internet.
Typically, DNS errors are caused by problems on the user end, whether that's with a network or internet connection, misconfigured DNS settings, or an outdated browser.
In some cases, you might be able to resolve the problem simply by switching browsers.
The DNS Server Not Responding error can be attributed to a temporary server outage that renders the DNS unavailable.
You can try restarting your router or modem to see if that resolves the issue.
Checking for network issues and updating your browser are also possible fixes for the DNS Server Not Responding error.
It's possible that the problem is not with your DNS settings, but rather with the DNS server itself.
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Troubleshooting Steps
Try running a network troubleshooter to check for connectivity issues. If you get an error like "The DNS server is not responding", it's likely a problem with your DNS server.
Clearing your web browser's DNS cache can also resolve the issue. To do this, follow the steps for your specific browser, such as Chrome, Safari, or Edge.
If you're still experiencing issues, try connecting with a different device to the same Wi-Fi network. This will help you determine if the problem is with your device or the network.
If you're only getting a DNS error on one device, flushing the DNS cache on that device may fix the problem.
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What Is Responding
When a DNS server is functioning properly, it's translating domain names into IP addresses in a split second. This happens because the DNS system stores information about existing domains and their corresponding IP addresses in a decentralized network of DNS servers.
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The DNS server is essentially responding to your computer's request to connect to a website by providing the necessary IP address. This is how you're able to access your favorite websites and online services without any issues.
Think of it like a phonebook - you look up a name, and the phonebook gives you the corresponding phone number. In this case, the DNS server is like the phonebook, providing the IP address for the domain name you're trying to access.
The DNS service is an essential part of the internet, and online services can't function properly without it. This is why a "DNS Server Not Responding" error can be so frustrating!
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Connect with a Different Device
Connecting with a different device can be a simple yet effective way to troubleshoot DNS Server Not Responding errors. This method can help you determine if the issue is with your device or the network.
If you're getting a DNS error on your computer, try connecting with a different device, such as a phone or tablet, to the same Wi-Fi network. If the other device doesn't give you the same DNS error, you'll know your network is working fine.
Try accessing the website using mobile data on your phone or tablet. If you still can't access the site, the issue is likely on the site's end.
Here are some steps to follow when connecting with a different device:
- Connect to the same Wi-Fi network with a different device.
- Try accessing the website using mobile data on the other device.
- If the other device doesn't give you the same DNS error, restart your router and modem.
Remember, if you can connect another device to the same network without any issues, it's likely a problem with your device or browser.
Troubleshoot Network Issues
Try switching between different networks to check if your internet connection is the problem. If you encounter a DNS server error while connected to Wi-Fi, try using your mobile data instead.
Running network diagnostics on your computer can help detect and fix internet connection problems. For Windows users, go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center, and click Troubleshoot problems.
On a Mac, hold the Option key and click the Wi-Fi status icon at the top menu bar simultaneously, then choose Open Wireless Diagnostics.
If you're having trouble with a specific website, try accessing it using mobile data. If you still can't access the site, the issue is likely on the site's end.
Here are some steps to troubleshoot network issues:
- Run a network troubleshooter to check for connectivity issues.
- Clear your web browser's DNS cache.
- Try connecting with a different device.
- Flush the DNS cache.
- Power cycle your network.
- Restart your computer in Safe Mode.
- See if you can ping IP addresses directly.
Remember, network connectivity problems can be caused by a weak Wi-Fi signal, a faulty Ethernet cable, or misconfigured network settings.
Network Configuration
Network configuration is a crucial aspect of resolving DNS server errors. Issues with your network connection, such as a weak Wi-Fi signal or a faulty Ethernet cable, can disrupt the communication between your device and the DNS server.
Network adapters, the hardware that connects computers to ISP networks, can also be a culprit if their settings are wrong or the network adapter driver is corrupted. This can lead to a "DNS Server Not Responding" message.
To troubleshoot network problems, you can run network diagnostics on your system, which can test your connection and pinpoint the exact issue. Most major operating systems include tools that can do this.
Here are some common network configuration issues that can cause DNS server errors:
- Weak Wi-Fi signal
- Faulty Ethernet cable
- Misconfigured network settings
- Corrupted network adapter driver
Remember to restart your router, as this can flush the router's cache and potentially resolve the issue.
Set Default
Setting your default DNS server is a crucial step in troubleshooting network issues. You can change your default DNS server to a public one like Google's 8.8.8.8 or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1.
To manually assign a different DNS server address on Windows, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on the Properties button. You can then input the address of an alternative server, such as Google's DNS server, under Preferred DNS server.
Here are the steps to change your default DNS server on Windows:
By changing your DNS server address, you can troubleshoot network issues and resolve the "DNS server not responding" error.
Disable IPv6
Disabling IPv6 can resolve network connectivity issues, including DNS problems, that may arise from its occasional incompatibility with IPv4.
The latest Internet protocol, IPv6, is designed to replace IPv4, but it's yet to be fully adopted, which can lead to compatibility issues.
Occasional DNS issues can occur due to these compatibility problems, causing network connectivity problems.
Disabling IPv6 on your computer may fix the "DNS Server Not Responding" error, which is a common issue that can be frustrating to resolve.
To disable IPv6 on your computer, you'll need to follow the specific steps for your operating system, which can be found in the article.
Checking DNS Settings
Using the wrong or outdated DNS server addresses can prevent your device from connecting to a functional DNS server and resolving hostnames.
Misconfigured DNS settings on your device can cause the DNS server error, so it's essential to check your settings regularly.
To do this, go to your device's network settings and look for the DNS server address.
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Checking for Recursion
Recursive queries can fail for several reasons, including a server failing to respond, providing incorrect data, or a query timing out before it can be completed.
To troubleshoot recursion problems, start by examining the server that was used in your original query. Check whether this server forwards queries to another server by examining the Forwarders tab in the server properties in the DNS console. If the Enable forwarders check box is selected, and one or more servers are listed, this server forwards queries.
If the server that forwards queries is healthy and can forward queries, repeat the process and examine the server to which this server forwards queries. This is because recursive queries rely on a chain of servers being able to respond and forward correct data.
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If the server does not forward queries to another server, test whether this server can query a root server by running a specific command. This command will return the IP address of a root server if the resolver is functioning correctly.
If the resolver returns a "Request to server timed out" response, check whether the root hints point to functioning root servers. If they do, you might have a network problem or the server might be using an advanced firewall configuration that prevents the resolver from querying the server.
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View Current Root Hints
To view the current root hints, you'll need to access the DNS console. Start by launching the DNS console to begin the process.
To do this, you'll need to add or connect to the DNS server that failed a recursive query. This will allow you to access the server's properties.
Once you've connected, right-click the server and select Properties from the context menu. This will open the server's properties window.
Click on Root Hints in the properties window to view the current root hints.
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Advanced Troubleshooting
If you're still experiencing DNS errors after trying the basic troubleshooting steps, it's time to dive into more advanced techniques.
Running a network troubleshooter can help identify the issue, and if it's related to DNS, you'll likely see an error message like "The DNS server is not responding."
Clearing your web browser's DNS cache can also resolve the issue, and it's usually a simple process that involves deleting temporary files.
Try connecting with a different device to see if the problem is specific to your device or the network. If you can connect another device to the same Wi-Fi network without issues, you'll know the network is working fine.
Flushing the DNS cache on your device can often fix the problem, and it's a good option if you don't have another device to test with.
Power cycling your network is a more drastic measure, but it can be effective in clearing the cache and resolving the issue. To do this, restart your router, modem, and device in a particular way.
Restarting your computer in Safe Mode can help you determine if the issue is caused by software installed on your computer. If you don't get the "DNS server isn't responding" error in Safe Mode, it's likely a software problem.
Here are the advanced troubleshooting steps in a concise list:
- Run a network troubleshooter.
- Clear your web browser's DNS cache.
- Try connecting with a different device.
- Flush the DNS cache on your device.
- Power cycle your network.
- Restart your computer in Safe Mode.
Pinging IP addresses directly can also help you determine whether the problem is with your internet connection or the DNS servers. This test can be done using Command Prompt on Windows or Terminal on a Mac.
Fixing DNS Issues
If you're experiencing a DNS Server Not Responding error, try switching between different networks to check whether your internet connection is the problem.
You can run network diagnostics on your computer to detect and fix internet connection problems.
To troubleshoot network issues on Windows, go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center, then click Troubleshoot problems.
On macOS, navigate to Additional troubleshooters → Internet Connections, then click Run the troubleshooter.
If the system detects a network connection error, follow the instructions to fix it.
To examine your network connection on macOS, hold the Option key, then click the Wi-Fi status icon at the top menu bar simultaneously.
Choose Open Wireless Diagnostics to follow the on-screen instructions.
Restarting your network can also help resolve the issue.
Platform-Specific Solutions
If your operating system is not functioning properly, booting in safe mode can be an effective way to troubleshoot problems. This mode limits the files and resources used for running Windows, which may resolve the "DNS server not responding" error.
To change your default DNS server on a Windows computer, access your network connection properties. You can do this by opening the Windows menu, typing "control panel", and selecting the Control Panel icon.
Here are the steps to change the DNS servers on Windows:
- Open the Windows menu and type “control panel.”
- Click on the Control Panel icon.
- Select Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on the active network under the section View your active networks.
- On the pop-up window, select Properties.
- Scroll down the list to highlight Internet Protocol Version 4, and click on Properties.
- Select the radio button Use the following DNS server addresses. Type the DNS server address in Preferred DNS server. In the Alternate DNS server field, place the address of a backup DNS server in case the primary fails.
Flushing the DNS cache can also resolve the "DNS server not responding" error. You can do this by opening Command Prompt as administrator on Windows and running the following command:
On Mac

On Mac, you have a few options to troubleshoot the "DNS server not responding" error.
First, try booting your Mac in safe mode, but this is not a direct solution. If your macOS version is Monterey or later, you can flush the DNS cache using Terminal with the command. You must have administrator access to run sudo commands.
If flushing the DNS cache doesn't work, you can try changing the DNS servers on your Mac. To do this, open System Settings > Network from the Dock menu, select your active network, and press the Details button.
Here's a step-by-step guide to changing the DNS servers on your Mac:
- Open System Settings > Network from the Dock menu.
- Select your active network from the list of network connections and press the Details button.
- Open the DNS tab and click on the + sign under DNS Servers. Add your preferred DNS servers and confirm with the OK button.
Alternatively, you can manually assign a different DNS server address. For example, you can enter Google’s DNS server, which is “8.8.8.8”, under Preferred DNS server. Then you can add “8.8.4.4” under Alternative DNS server, and hit OK.
On Linux
On Linux, you can clear the DNS cache from Terminal. This is similar to flushing the DNS cache on Mac, but the commands and process can vary depending on your Linux distribution.
To flush the DNS cache on Linux, you'll need to use the Terminal. On later Ubuntu versions, the DNS resolver is systemd-resolved, and you can use the following commands:
- `sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches`
- `sudo systemd-resolve --statistics`
However, other Linux distributions may use different DNS resolvers, so the command for flushing the DNS cache may be different. To find the correct command for your Linux version, you can read this guide on how to flush the DNS cache on Linux.
Clearing the DNS cache can help resolve issues with DNS server not responding errors. By flushing the cache, you can force your system to re-resolve the DNS and potentially fix the issue.
Common Causes and Solutions
Common causes of DNS issues include hardware and software problems, such as a malfunctioning router or outdated adapter drivers. These issues can prevent your browser from establishing a proper connection with the DNS server.
Incorrect or missing DNS records can also cause problems, leading to an outdated DNS cache that makes it hard for your browser to find the correct IP address. A DNS server that's unavailable due to traffic overload or server outage is another common cause.
Here are some common causes of DNS issues:
- Hardware and software issues
- Incorrect or missing DNS records
- The DNS server might be unavailable
Common Causes

Your browser can't establish a connection with the DNS server due to various reasons.
Hardware and software issues can cause network connectivity problems, such as a malfunctioning router or outdated adapter drivers.
Firewall or antivirus software restrictions can block your device from communicating with the DNS server, resulting in the DNS Server Not Responding error.
Incorrect or missing DNS records can prevent your browser from finding the correct IP address, often due to an outdated DNS cache.
The DNS server might be unavailable due to traffic overload or server outage, making it impossible for your browser to establish a connection.
Here are some possible causes of the "DNS Server Not Responding" error:
Community Q&A
I've encountered my fair share of DNS issues, and I've found that knowing where to look can make all the difference. To enter your D.N.S. server, head to Network Connections in your WiFi or Ethernet properties under internet protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

If you've checked all the boxes and your browser still says DNS cannot be found, it's likely that your internet provider is experiencing some trouble. Their DNS server might not be available until they fix the issue, so it's best to wait or call them to verify the problem.
I once had a similar issue where my WiFi worked on my phone but not on my laptop. I tried connecting my laptop to the router with an RJ45 cable, and it worked fine. This told me that the problem was with my laptop's wireless connection, not the router. To resolve this, I deleted the wireless profile from my laptop and reconnected to the network.
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