How to Fix “DNS Server Might Not Be Available”

If you have ever experienced a problem with your internet connection, you may have seen an error message that reads “DNS Server might not be available.” This error message is a common occurrence that can be caused by various reasons. In this article, we will be sharing simple steps that can help you to fix this issue.

Before we delve into the steps, let us understand what the DNS server is and why it is important. DNS stands for Domain Name System, which translates the web addresses we type into our browsers into their corresponding IP addresses. This makes it easier for us to access websites, as remembering the IP addresses of all websites we visit would be a daunting task.

If you are having problems with your DNS server, do not worry. Our guide will provide you with a range of solutions that you can try to fix the issue. Whether it’s restarting your router, changing your DNS server address, or contacting your Internet Service Provider, we have got you covered. Keep reading to learn how to fix “DNS Server Might Not Be Available.”

Restart Your Router and Computer

One of the most straightforward and effective solutions to the “DNS Server Might Not Be Available” error is to restart both your router and computer. Sometimes, the issue can be as simple as a glitch or temporary network congestion that can be fixed by turning off your devices and then turning them back on again. Make sure to shut down your computer properly and unplug your router for about 30 seconds before plugging it back in and turning it on again.

Another reason why restarting your router and computer might help is that it can clear out any temporary files or cache that might be causing the problem. Sometimes, these files can become corrupt or outdated, leading to connectivity issues. By restarting your devices, you are essentially giving them a fresh start, which can resolve any underlying issues that may be causing the “DNS Server Might Not Be Available” error.

If the problem persists even after restarting your router and computer, try to reset your router to its default settings. You can do this by pressing the reset button on the back of your router or by accessing its settings through your web browser. Keep in mind that resetting your router will erase all of your custom settings, so make sure to back them up before proceeding.

Once you have reset your router, you will need to reconfigure it with your internet service provider’s settings. This process may differ depending on your router model and ISP, so make sure to consult your router’s user manual or your ISP’s customer support for assistance.

Restarting your router and computer may seem like a simple solution, but it can often resolve the “DNS Server Might Not Be Available” error in just a matter of minutes. If the problem persists even after trying this solution, move on to the next troubleshooting steps to get your internet connection back up and running.

Power Cycle Your Router

1. Unplug your router from the power source. This will help to reset any cached data and clear any glitches that may have developed.

2. Wait for at least 30 seconds before plugging the router back in. This will ensure that the power has completely drained from the router.

3. Plug the router back in and turn it on. Wait for it to fully boot up and connect to your network.

4. Check your network connection on your computer or device to see if the issue has been resolved.

5. Repeat the process if the issue persists. Sometimes power cycling multiple times can help to fully reset the router.

If power cycling your router did not resolve the issue, try some of the other troubleshooting steps such as checking your network settings, flushing your DNS cache, and releasing and renewing your IP address.

Check Your Network Settings

If restarting your router and computer did not work, you should check your network settings to make sure everything is in order. Here are some steps you can take:

Step 1: Check Your Network Connections

Make sure all the cables are securely plugged in and that your wireless connection is turned on. If you have a wireless connection, make sure you are within range of your router.

Step 2: Check Your Network Adapter Settings

Go to your computer’s network adapter settings and make sure they are configured correctly. You can try resetting them to default settings if you are unsure.

Step 3: Check Your Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Firewalls and antivirus programs can sometimes block your connection to the DNS server. Check your settings to make sure they are not the cause of the problem.

Step 4: Try Disabling IPv6

Sometimes IPv6 can cause issues with your DNS server. Try disabling it and see if that solves the problem.

Check Network Connections

The first step in troubleshooting a DNS server not available issue is to check your network connections. Make sure your device is properly connected to your network and that your network adapter is enabled.

If you are using a Wi-Fi connection, try connecting to a different network and see if the issue persists. You can also try resetting your router to ensure that your device is getting a proper IP address from your network.

Another thing to check is whether any network cables are damaged or loose. Check all of the cables running from your modem or router to your device and ensure they are properly plugged in and in good condition.

If you are still experiencing issues with your network connections, you may need to contact your Internet Service Provider for further assistance.

Check IP Configuration

Use Command Prompt to Check IP Configuration: Open Command Prompt and type “ipconfig /all” to check your IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. Ensure that they are correct.

Use Network Settings to Check IP Configuration: In Windows, go to “Settings” > “Network & Internet” > “Status” > “Change adapter options”. Right-click on your network connection and select “Properties”. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties” to check your IP configuration.

Disable and Re-enable Network Adapter: Sometimes, disabling and re-enabling the network adapter can fix IP configuration issues. In “Change adapter options”, right-click on your network connection and select “Disable”. Wait for a few seconds and then right-click and select “Enable”.

Reset TCP/IP Stack: Resetting the TCP/IP stack can also help fix IP configuration issues. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type “netsh int ip reset” and press Enter. Restart your computer.

Flush Your DNS Cache

When your computer connects to a website, it caches the DNS information in order to speed up future connections. However, sometimes this cache can become corrupt and cause connectivity issues. Flushing your DNS cache can help resolve these issues.

To flush your DNS cache on Windows, open the Command Prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns. On Mac, open the Terminal and type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.

If you are using a browser, you can also try clearing the browser cache and cookies to ensure that your browser is not causing the issue.

It is recommended to only flush your DNS cache as a troubleshooting step and not as a regular maintenance task. Doing so too often can actually slow down your connection speed.

If flushing your DNS cache does not resolve the issue, you may need to try other troubleshooting steps such as resetting your network settings or contacting your ISP.

Flush DNS Cache on Windows

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type “cmd” in the search box and hit Enter.

Step 3: In the command prompt, type “ipconfig /flushdns” and hit Enter.

These steps will clear your DNS cache on Windows and may fix any DNS server issues you’re experiencing. However, if you’re still having problems, there are a few more things you can try.

Flush DNS Cache on Mac

If you are a Mac user, flushing your DNS cache is also a quick and effective way to fix “DNS server might not be available” errors. Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Open the Terminal application.
• Step 2: Type “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache” and press Enter.
• Step 3: Enter your administrator password when prompted and press Enter again.
• Step 4: Type “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and press Enter.
• Step 5: Enter your administrator password again when prompted and press Enter once more.

After completing these steps, your Mac’s DNS cache will be cleared, and you should be able to connect to the internet without any issues. If the problem persists, you may need to try some of the other solutions mentioned in this article.

Release and Renew Your IP Address

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an Administrator.

Step 2: Type “ipconfig /release” and press Enter to release your current IP address.

Step 3: Type “ipconfig /renew” and press Enter to obtain a new IP address from the DHCP server.

If you are experiencing internet connectivity issues, it could be due to an issue with your IP address. Releasing and renewing your IP address can often fix this issue. Follow the steps above to release your current IP address and obtain a new one from the DHCP server. If this does not resolve your issue, you may need to contact your internet service provider for further assistance.

Release IP Address on Windows

If you are experiencing connection problems on your Windows computer, you may need to release and renew your IP address. This can help resolve issues with your network connection. Follow these steps to release your IP address on Windows:

1. Open the Command Prompt by typing “cmd” into the search bar and selecting “Command Prompt” from the results.
2. Type “ipconfig /release” and press Enter.
3. Your IP address should now be released. You can confirm this by typing “ipconfig” and checking that the IP address is listed as “0.0.0.0”.

By releasing your IP address, you are telling your computer to stop using the current address and allowing it to obtain a new one when it reconnects to the network.

Renew IP Address on Windows

Renewing your IP address can often resolve network issues. Here are the steps to renew your IP address on Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “cmd” and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
2. Release the current IP address: Type “ipconfig /release” and press Enter.
3. Renew the IP address: Type “ipconfig /renew” and press Enter.
4. Flush the DNS resolver cache: Type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter.
5. Restart the computer: After completing these steps, restart your computer and check if the network issue has been resolved.

Change Your DNS Server Address

DNS server is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the internet. If your DNS server is slow or unreliable, it can cause problems with your internet connection. Changing your DNS server address can improve the speed and reliability of your internet connection.

Find a faster DNS server by using online tools that test the speed and reliability of various DNS servers. Look for a server that has a low latency and is located close to your physical location.

Change DNS server on Windows by opening the Control Panel, selecting Network and Sharing Center, clicking on your internet connection, selecting Properties, selecting Internet Protocol Version 4, and entering the IP address of the new DNS server.

Change DNS server on Mac by opening System Preferences, selecting Network, clicking on your internet connection, selecting Advanced, selecting the DNS tab, clicking on the + button, and entering the IP address of the new DNS server.

Verify DNS server changes by using online tools that test the DNS server you are currently using. These tools can also help you diagnose DNS-related problems and suggest possible solutions.

Change DNS Server Address on Windows

If you’re experiencing issues with your current DNS server, changing it might help. Here are the steps:

• Step 1: Open the Control Panel and click on “Network and Sharing Center”.
• Step 2: Click on “Change adapter settings”.
• Step 3: Right-click on the network adapter you want to change and select “Properties”.
• Step 4: Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties”.
• Step 5: Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the new DNS server addresses.

After you’ve entered the new DNS server addresses, click on “OK” and close all the windows. Your computer will now use the new DNS server to resolve domain names.

Change DNS Server Address on Mac

To change your DNS server address on a Mac, follow these steps:

1. Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
2. Select Network: Click on the Network icon, which looks like a globe.
3. Select Your Connection: Select the network connection you want to modify from the list of available connections.
4. Click on Advanced: Click the Advanced button located at the bottom right corner of the window.
5. Switch to the DNS tab: Click on the DNS tab and then click the plus (+) button at the bottom of the DNS Servers list to add a new DNS server address.

Once you have added the new DNS server address, click OK and then Apply to save the changes.

Note that you can add multiple DNS server addresses by clicking the plus (+) button again and entering the additional address. You can also remove a DNS server address by selecting it from the list and clicking the minus (-) button.

Change DNS Server Address on Router

Changing your router’s DNS server address can help improve your internet connection speed, security, and reliability. By default, your router may be using your internet service provider’s DNS server, which may be slow or unreliable at times. Public DNS services like Google DNS or OpenDNS offer faster response times and more advanced security features like malware protection and content filtering.

Before changing your router’s DNS server address, make sure to backup your current router settings in case you need to restore them later. Also, write down your current DNS server address(es) in case you need to revert to them later.

Keep in mind that changing your router’s DNS server address will affect all devices connected to your network, including smartphones, tablets, and smart home devices. However, you can still override your router’s DNS server settings on a per-device basis if needed.

If you’re experiencing slow internet speeds or network connectivity issues, try changing your router’s DNS server address to a more reliable and faster one. This simple tweak can make a big difference in your online experience.

Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If you’ve tried changing your DNS server address on your router and are still experiencing issues, it may be time to contact your internet service provider (ISP). They can help you troubleshoot the issue and may be able to provide you with additional guidance or support.

Before you reach out to your ISP, it’s a good idea to gather some information to make the process smoother. Write down any error messages you’ve received, note when the issue first started occurring, and have your account information ready. This will help your ISP quickly identify and address the issue.

When you contact your ISP, be sure to explain the issue in detail. Let them know that you’ve already tried changing the DNS server address on your router and that the issue persists. They may be able to provide you with additional troubleshooting steps or escalate the issue to their technical support team.

Depending on the severity of the issue, your ISP may need to send a technician to your home to investigate the problem. They may also suggest additional hardware or software updates to resolve the issue. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully and ask any questions you have to ensure a smooth resolution.

Remember, your ISP is there to help you. If you’re experiencing internet connection issues that you can’t resolve on your own, don’t hesitate to contact your ISP for support.

Check for Network Outages

• Step 1: Visit your ISP’s website to check for any network outage alerts. They may have information posted about any ongoing issues that could be affecting your internet connection.
• Step 2: Check your router’s indicator lights to see if there are any issues. If the “Internet” or “Online” light is off or red, it may indicate a problem with your connection.
• Step 3: Use your mobile device to check if there is a network outage in your area. If you’re unable to connect to the internet on your phone, it’s possible that there is an outage in your area.
• Step 4: Contact your neighbors to see if they are experiencing any internet connection issues. If they are also having problems, it’s possible that there is an outage in your area.

If you’ve completed these steps and have determined that there is a network outage, the best thing you can do is wait for your ISP to resolve the issue. Network outages are typically caused by issues outside of your control, such as severe weather or maintenance work. Your ISP will work to restore service as quickly as possible.

If you’re unable to determine if there is a network outage or have completed these steps and are still experiencing issues, it may be time to contact your ISP for additional support.

Frequently Asked Questions