How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding on Android: Simple Solutions

If you’re an Android user, you may have come across the error message “DNS server not responding”. This error can be frustrating, especially if you rely on your device for work or communication. Fortunately, there are simple solutions you can try to fix the issue without having to be a tech expert. In this article, we’ll show you how to resolve the DNS server not responding error on your Android device with easy-to-follow steps.

The DNS, or Domain Name System, is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses that allow devices to connect to the internet. When the DNS server isn’t responding, it means that your device can’t establish a connection to the internet. There can be several reasons why this happens, but don’t worry. The solutions we’ll be providing are designed to address most of them.

So, if you’re tired of dealing with a slow or non-responsive internet connection on your Android device, keep reading. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what causes the DNS server not responding error and how to fix it quickly and easily with the following solutions.

Are you ready to improve your internet experience on your Android device? Let’s get started!

Solution 1: Reset Your Network Settings

If you’re having trouble with your Android device’s DNS server not responding, resetting your network settings can often help resolve the issue. Resetting your network settings essentially wipes all the previous network settings and forces your device to re-establish connections with your Wi-Fi network and other wireless devices. Here are the steps to reset your network settings:

Step 1: Open your Android device’s Settings app.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on System & Updates.

Step 3: Tap on Advanced.

Step 4: Tap on Reset Options.

Note: Keep in mind that resetting your network settings will remove all your saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, VPN settings, and Bluetooth connections. So, be sure to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network after resetting your network settings.

If you’re still experiencing issues with your DNS server not responding after resetting your network settings, don’t worry. There are other solutions that you can try to fix the issue. Keep reading to learn more!

1.1: Reset your Wi-Fi Connection

If you’re having trouble connecting to your Wi-Fi, one solution could be to reset your connection. Resetting your connection can help fix many common issues, such as slow connection speeds or dropped connections. Before you reset your connection, be sure to try other troubleshooting methods, such as moving closer to your router or restarting your devices. If those methods don’t work, follow these steps to reset your Wi-Fi connection:

Resetting your Wi-Fi connection can solve many common issues, but it’s important to note that it may not work for all problems. If you’re still experiencing issues after resetting your connection, contact your internet service provider for further assistance.

Interference, outdated firmware, or network congestion can also be potential causes of Wi-Fi issues. Interference can come from other electronic devices that emit signals on the same frequency, such as microwaves, cordless phones, or baby monitors. Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues between your router and devices, while network congestion can slow down your internet speed during peak usage times.

By following these steps and keeping these common causes in mind, you can troubleshoot your Wi-Fi connection issues and hopefully restore your internet connection to full strength.

1.2: Reset your Mobile Network Connection

If you are facing issues with your mobile network connection such as slow internet speed, no network connection, unable to make or receive calls, mobile data not working, intermittent network connection or poor call quality, then resetting your mobile network connection may be the solution.

By resetting your mobile network connection, you are essentially clearing out any cached data and resetting all of the network settings to their default values. This can help to resolve any issues that may be causing problems with your mobile network connection.

To reset your mobile network connection, you can follow a few simple steps. First, turn off your mobile data. Then, turn on airplane mode and wait for 30 seconds. After that, turn off airplane mode and turn on your mobile data. This process can vary slightly depending on your device and operating system, so be sure to check your device’s user manual for specific instructions.

1.3: Reset your Bluetooth Connection

Bluetooth connections can be finicky at times, and it’s not uncommon to experience connection issues with your devices. If you’re having trouble connecting your devices via Bluetooth, try resetting your connection with the following steps.

Step 1: Turn off Bluetooth on all devices that are currently connected.

Step 2: Restart the device that you want to connect via Bluetooth.

Step 3: Turn on Bluetooth on the device you just restarted and the device you want to connect to.

Step 4: If the devices still aren’t connecting, try forgetting the device you’re trying to connect to and then reconnecting it.

If you’re still having trouble connecting your devices via Bluetooth, there may be a larger issue at play. It’s always a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s website or support team for additional help.

Solution 2: Change Your DNS Server

If you’re having trouble accessing certain websites or experiencing slow internet speeds, the issue may be with your DNS server. Your DNS server is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, and if it’s not functioning properly, you may encounter issues while browsing the web.

Step 1: Find a new DNS server that you’d like to use. There are several popular DNS servers out there, including Google’s DNS server (8.8.8.8) and Cloudflare’s DNS server (1.1.1.1).

Step 2: Change your DNS server by accessing your network settings. This process will vary depending on your operating system and device, but you should be able to find instructions online.

Step 3: Once you’ve changed your DNS server, test your internet connection to see if the issue has been resolved. If you’re still experiencing issues, you may need to try a different DNS server or consult with your internet service provider.

Changing your DNS server can be a quick and easy fix for internet connectivity issues, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a guaranteed solution. If you’re still experiencing issues after changing your DNS server, there may be a larger issue at play. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for additional help.

2.1: Google DNS

Google DNS is a popular and reliable DNS server that you can use to improve your internet connection. Here are some steps to get started:

1. Open your network settings: Access your network settings by going to your Control Panel and clicking on “Network and Internet” or “Network and Sharing Center.”
2. Change your DNS server: Select “Change adapter settings” and then right-click on the network connection that you’re using. Click on “Properties” and then select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties” again. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter “8.8.8.8” for the preferred DNS server and “8.8.4.4” for the alternate DNS server.
3. Save your changes: Click “OK” to save your changes and close out of the network settings.
4. Test your connection: After you’ve changed your DNS server, test your internet connection to see if it’s improved. You can use a website like Speedtest.net to check your internet speed.

Keep in mind that while Google DNS is a reliable option, it may not be the best option for everyone. It’s always a good idea to do your own research and choose a DNS server that fits your needs.

2.2: OpenDNS

If you are still facing internet connection issues after trying out Google DNS, you can consider changing to OpenDNS. OpenDNS is a cloud-based DNS service provider that offers a faster, safer, and more reliable internet experience.

OpenDNS has two free public DNS servers available, which are:

• 208.67.222.222
• 208.67.220.220

To change your DNS server to OpenDNS, follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel and click on the Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click on the option that says Change adapter settings.
3. Right-click on the network connection you are using and click on Properties.
4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
5. Click on Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the OpenDNS servers mentioned above.

After changing your DNS server to OpenDNS, try accessing the internet again to see if the issue has been resolved. If the issue persists, you can try some of the other solutions mentioned in this article.

2.3: Cloudflare DNS

If you’re still experiencing issues with your internet connection after trying Google DNS and OpenDNS, you may want to consider switching to Cloudflare DNS.

Cloudflare DNS offers faster internet speeds and improved privacy and security features. Their DNS service is free to use and can be set up in just a few minutes.

To change your DNS server to Cloudflare, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps:

• Open your Control Panel and click on “Network and Internet.”
• Click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
• Click on “Change adapter settings.”
• Right-click on the network you’re currently connected to and select “Properties.”
• Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties.”

Once you’re in the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window, select the “Use the following DNS server addresses” option and enter the following:

• Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1
• Alternate DNS server: 1.0.0.1

Click “OK” to save your changes and exit the window. You may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

By switching to Cloudflare DNS, you’ll enjoy faster internet speeds, improved privacy and security, and a more reliable internet connection overall.

Solution 3: Clear Your DNS Cache

One common cause of website loading issues is a corrupted or outdated DNS cache. Every time you access a website, your browser stores its IP address in your computer’s DNS cache. If the IP address of a website changes, your browser may still try to access the old IP address, which can cause website errors.

Clearing your DNS cache is a quick and easy solution to resolve website loading issues. To clear your DNS cache on a Windows computer, open the command prompt and type “ipconfig /flushdns”. On a Mac, open the terminal and type “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder”. After clearing your DNS cache, try reloading the website to see if the issue is resolved.

If clearing your DNS cache does not fix the issue, you may need to try other solutions such as clearing your browser cache, disabling browser extensions, or checking your internet connection. However, clearing your DNS cache should be the first solution to try, as it is quick and easy to do.

If you frequently experience website loading issues, you may want to consider changing your DNS server. Your ISP’s DNS server may not be the fastest or most reliable, so changing to a third-party DNS server such as Google’s Public DNS or Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 DNS may help improve your browsing experience.

3.1: Using the Settings App

Clearing your DNS cache on a Windows computer can be done through the Settings app. To do this, click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon. From there, click Network & Internet, then select Network and Sharing Center. Next, click on the name of your Wi-Fi network and select Properties.

In the Properties window, scroll down to the Networking section and select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Click the Properties button, then click the Advanced button. Finally, click the DNS tab and select Clear DNS resolver cache. After completing these steps, close all windows and restart your browser.

If you are using a Mac, you can also clear your DNS cache using the Terminal app. Open the Terminal app and type “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder”, then press Enter. You may be prompted to enter your user password. After entering your password, press Enter again and the DNS cache will be cleared.

3.2: Using a Third-Party App

If you’re not comfortable using the built-in settings to clear your DNS cache, you can use a third-party app. One popular app for this purpose is CCleaner. It is a free tool that can help you clean up your computer and optimize its performance. Simply download and install the app, then navigate to the Tools section and select DNS Cache. Click on the Clear Cache button to clear your DNS cache.

Another popular app for clearing your DNS cache is DNS Flush. This app is available for both Windows and Mac computers. Simply download and install the app, then click on the Flush DNS Cache button. This will clear your DNS cache and improve your internet performance.

It is important to note that while third-party apps can be useful, you should always be cautious when downloading and installing them. Make sure you download from a trusted source, and always read the reviews before installing any app. Also, keep in mind that third-party apps may have additional features that you may not need or want, so always do your research before installing any app on your computer.

3.3: Clearing DNS Cache from Recovery Mode

If you are unable to clear your DNS cache using the methods outlined above, you may need to try clearing it from Recovery Mode. To do this, you will need to restart your computer and access Recovery Mode. The process for accessing Recovery Mode may vary depending on your computer’s operating system, so be sure to look up the specific instructions for your computer.

Once you have accessed Recovery Mode, navigate to the Utilities menu and select Terminal. In the terminal window, type in the following command: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder. Press Enter and then enter your administrator password when prompted. This will clear your DNS cache and restart the DNS service.

If you are still experiencing issues with your internet connection after clearing your DNS cache, there may be other underlying issues with your network or computer. It may be helpful to consult with a professional or your internet service provider for further assistance.

Solution 4: Update Your Android System

If the above solutions do not work, you may want to consider updating your Android system. Sometimes, outdated software can cause problems with your network connectivity. Updating your system can potentially fix these issues and improve your overall device performance.

To update your Android device, go to the “Settings” app, click “System,” and then click “System Update.” If an update is available, click “Download and Install.” It’s important to note that updating your system can take some time, so make sure your device is fully charged or plugged in before beginning the update.

Updating your Android system not only helps to solve network connectivity problems, but it also ensures that your device has the latest security patches and bug fixes, keeping your device safe and secure.

If you encounter any issues during the update process, make sure to check that you have a stable internet connection and enough storage space on your device. If the update still fails, you may need to seek assistance from a professional or contact your device’s manufacturer.

4.1: Update your Android System Software

One of the most common reasons for encountering DNS issues on an Android device is an outdated system software. Updating your device can fix the problem and improve your device’s overall performance.

To update your Android system software, navigate to Settings and select System or About Phone. Then select System Update and check if there is any available update for your device. If there is, download and install it.

If your device is not compatible with the latest version of Android, you can try updating it to the latest version available for your device. Keep in mind that updating your device to the latest version can improve your device’s performance, but it may also require more space and may not be compatible with all third-party apps.

4.2: Update Your Apps

If updating your Android system software did not fix the issue, then it’s possible that the problem is with one or more of your apps. Make sure to update all your apps to the latest version available in the Google Play Store.

To update your apps, open the Google Play Store and tap on the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner of the screen. From there, tap on “My apps & games” and you’ll see a list of all the apps that need to be updated. Simply tap “Update all” to update all your apps at once.

Alternatively, you can update individual apps by selecting them from the list and tapping on the “Update” button next to the app’s name. Keep in mind that some apps may require you to be connected to Wi-Fi to download updates, so make sure you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network before you start updating your apps.

4.3: Factory Reset Your Android Device

Step 1: Backup your data – Before performing a factory reset, it is important to back up all important data to avoid losing any crucial information.

Step 2: Navigate to the Reset menu – Go to the Settings app and locate the ‘System’ option. Then select ‘Reset options’ and tap on ‘Erase all data (factory reset)’

Step 3: Confirm and reset – The device will ask for confirmation before resetting. Confirm the action and wait for the device to reset to its factory settings.

Step 4: Set up your device – Once the device has reset, set it up as you would a new device. You can restore your data from the backup you made in Step 1.

Factory resetting your Android device will delete all apps, settings, and personal data. It is a last resort solution for fixing persistent issues that cannot be solved by other methods. Therefore, it is important to consider all other solutions before resorting to a factory reset.

Solution 5: Disable Private DNS

Private DNS is a feature that allows you to configure a DNS server for your Android device. While it can improve your security and privacy, it can also cause connection issues. If you have enabled Private DNS on your device, try disabling it to fix the problem.

To disable Private DNS, go to your device’s settings, then tap on “Network & internet” and then “Private DNS”. Tap on the option that says “Turn off Private DNS” to disable it. If you have a specific DNS server configured, you can also select the option that says “Automatic” to let your device use the default DNS server provided by your internet service provider.

If you are still experiencing connection issues after disabling Private DNS, you may want to try some of the other solutions listed above, such as clearing your DNS cache or updating your Android system.

5.1: Turn Off Private DNS on Android 9 and Earlier

If you are using Android 9 or earlier, follow these steps to disable Private DNS:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your device.

Step 2: Select “Network & internet” and then “Advanced” from the list of options.

Step 3: Tap “Private DNS” and then select “Off” from the options.

Step 4: Restart your device to apply the changes.

5.2: Turn Off Private DNS on Android 10 and Later

If you are using Android 10 or a later version, the process of turning off Private DNS is slightly different from previous versions. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android device.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on “Network & internet.”

Step 3: Tap on “Advanced.”

Step 4: Tap on “Private DNS.”

Step 5: Select “Off” from the available options.

Once you have turned off Private DNS, try connecting to your network again and see if the problem has been resolved.

Solution 6: Restart Your Router

If you are still experiencing DNS issues after trying the above solutions, it’s time to try restarting your router. Sometimes, a router can encounter issues and may stop working correctly, leading to DNS issues on your Android device.

Before restarting your router, make sure to power off your Android device and turn off your computer or any other devices connected to the router. Wait for a minute or two, and then turn on the router first, followed by your devices.

If you are still facing DNS issues, you can try resetting your router to factory settings. However, keep in mind that resetting your router will erase all the settings and configurations, including the Wi-Fi name and password.

If resetting the router does not work, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to check if there are any known DNS issues in your area.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix any DNS issues that you are experiencing on your Android device.

6.1: Power Cycle Your Router

If restarting your router did not work, try power cycling it. This involves completely turning off your router and then turning it back on after waiting for a few minutes. To do this, unplug your router from the power source, wait for 30 seconds to a minute, and then plug it back in. This will give your router time to reset and clear any issues that may have caused the DNS error.

Make sure to wait for at least 30 seconds before plugging the router back in, as this will give it enough time to fully power down. After plugging the router back in, wait for it to boot up completely before attempting to reconnect to the internet.

If you still encounter a DNS error after power cycling your router, try resetting it to its factory settings or contact your internet service provider for further assistance.

6.2: Reset Your Router to Default Settings

If power cycling your router didn’t work, you might need to reset it to its default settings. Resetting your router erases all of its configuration settings and restores it to its original state. To reset your router, locate the reset button at the back of your router and hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds. After releasing the button, wait for your router to reboot and reset itself.

Note that resetting your router to its default settings will erase all of your custom settings, including your Wi-Fi network name and password. Therefore, you’ll need to set up your router again and configure it with new settings.

To set up your router again, you’ll need to connect it to your modem and your computer or mobile device. You can then configure your router’s settings by accessing its web-based interface using a web browser.

It’s also important to change your router’s default login credentials and Wi-Fi password after resetting it. This will help secure your router from unauthorized access and protect your network from potential security threats.

Frequently Asked Questions