Do you ever experience sudden internet connection drops on your wireless router and see a message that says “DNS Server Not Responding”? This can be frustrating, especially when you need to get online urgently. If you’re having this issue, don’t worry! You can solve this problem on your own by following a few simple steps. In this article, we’ll show you how to fix DNS server not responding on your wireless router.
A DNS server is responsible for translating the website’s domain name to an IP address, allowing your computer to connect to the website. If your DNS server is not responding, it means it’s not functioning correctly, and you won’t be able to access any website on the internet. This problem can occur due to various reasons, including incorrect DNS settings, network configuration issues, or hardware problems.
Don’t panic if you’re encountering this issue! There are several ways to fix it, and we’re here to help you troubleshoot the problem. We’ve compiled a list of solutions that have proven to be successful for resolving this issue. Follow our step-by-step guide, and you’ll be back online in no time.
Keep reading to learn how to fix DNS server not responding on your wireless router. We’ll provide you with easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips to ensure you get back online as soon as possible!
What is a DNS Server?
If you’re new to networking, you might be wondering what a DNS server is and why it’s important. Simply put, a DNS (Domain Name System) server acts as a directory for the internet. It translates the domain names that you type into your browser into IP addresses, which are unique identifiers for the computers hosting the websites. This allows you to access websites without having to remember a long string of numbers.
When you type a URL into your browser, your computer sends a request to a DNS server to find the corresponding IP address. The DNS server then responds with the IP address, which your computer uses to connect to the website. This process happens in the background and usually takes only a fraction of a second.
The DNS system is crucial for the internet to function properly, and without it, you wouldn’t be able to access your favorite websites or send emails. That’s why it’s important to understand how it works and how to troubleshoot any issues that might arise with your DNS server.
Definition of DNS Server
A DNS server is a computer server that contains a database of public IP addresses and their associated domain names. When you enter a website URL in your browser, the DNS server translates the domain name into a unique IP address that identifies the server where the website is hosted. This process is called DNS resolution, and it enables users to access websites using human-readable domain names rather than hard-to-remember IP addresses.
Each DNS server stores a small part of the DNS database, which is distributed across the internet in a hierarchical manner. When a DNS server receives a request for a domain name that it doesn’t have in its cache, it forwards the request to a higher-level DNS server until it reaches a server that has the requested information.
The DNS system is crucial to the functioning of the internet, as it enables users to access websites quickly and efficiently. Without DNS servers, users would have to remember the IP addresses of all the websites they want to visit, which would be impractical and confusing.
How DNS Server Works
A DNS server is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, so that computers can locate and communicate with each other over the internet. When a user types a domain name into a web browser, the browser sends a request to the DNS server, which responds with the corresponding IP address.
The process of DNS resolution involves several steps. First, the user’s device sends a query to a local DNS server, which may already have the IP address cached in memory. If the IP address is not cached, the local server sends the query to a root DNS server, which responds with the IP address of the top-level domain server for the requested domain.
The query is then sent to the top-level domain server, which responds with the IP address of the authoritative name server for the domain. Finally, the query is sent to the authoritative name server, which responds with the IP address of the requested domain.
Why is My DNS Server Not Responding?
DNS server not responding is a common issue that many people face when using their wireless router. There are a number of reasons why this might happen, including issues with the router’s settings, network congestion, or problems with the DNS server itself.
If you’re experiencing this problem, the first thing to do is to make sure that your router is working correctly. Check that all cables are securely connected, and try restarting your router to see if that resolves the issue.
Another common cause of DNS server issues is malware or viruses on your computer. These malicious programs can interfere with your network settings and cause your DNS server to stop responding. It’s important to regularly scan your computer for malware and viruses to prevent these types of problems.
Possible Causes of DNS Server Not Responding
Connectivity Issues: The DNS server might not be responding due to connectivity issues. This could be a result of a faulty Ethernet cable, weak Wi-Fi signal, or problems with the internet service provider’s network.
DNS Server Configuration: The DNS server configuration could be incorrect or improperly set up. This could be due to a change in the router’s settings, the addition of a new device, or a software update.
Malware: Malware, viruses, or other malicious software can interfere with the DNS server’s ability to respond. It can cause a DNS server not to respond by redirecting the request to a different server or blocking it altogether.
Restart Your Router
If you’re having issues with your DNS server, one of the first things to try is restarting your router. Sometimes, routers can get overwhelmed with too many connections or too much traffic and need a reset. Here are a few steps to restart your router:
- Unplug the power cord: Disconnect the power cord from the router to turn it off.
- Wait: Wait for 30 seconds before plugging the power cord back in.
- Plug in the power cord: Reconnect the power cord to the router.
After your router restarts, try connecting to the internet again and see if the DNS server issue has been resolved.
How to Restart Your Router
If you’ve determined that restarting your router is the solution to your DNS server issues, follow these steps:
- Locate your router’s power cable: It’s usually on the back of the router and looks like a black cord plugged into an electrical outlet.
- Unplug the power cable from the electrical outlet: This will power off your router.
- Wait for 30 seconds: This allows the router to completely power down.
- Plug the power cable back into the electrical outlet: This will power on your router.
Once your router has powered back on, give it a few minutes to establish a connection to your devices. Check your internet connection and see if your DNS server issues have been resolved. If not, there are other steps you can take to fix the problem.
Check Your Router’s DNS Settings
If restarting your router did not fix the DNS server not responding issue, you may need to check your router’s DNS settings. Sometimes, incorrect or outdated DNS settings can cause the issue.
One possible solution is to change your DNS server to a public DNS server like Google DNS or OpenDNS. These public DNS servers are known to be more reliable and faster than the default DNS servers provided by most Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
You can also try resetting your router to its default DNS settings. This can be done by logging into your router’s settings page and finding the option to reset the DNS settings to default. Keep in mind that resetting your DNS settings will erase any custom settings you may have configured on your router.
How to Check Your Router’s DNS Settings on Windows
- Step 1: Open the command prompt by pressing the Windows key + R and typing “cmd” in the Run dialog box, then press Enter.
- Step 2: In the command prompt, type “ipconfig /all” and press Enter. This will display the network configuration details.
- Step 3: Look for the “DNS Servers” line, which will show the IP address of your router’s DNS server.
- Step 4: If you need to change the DNS settings, open your web browser and enter your router’s IP address into the address bar. Then, log in to the router’s settings page and find the DNS settings section to make any necessary changes.
Checking your router’s DNS settings can help you identify any issues and ensure that your internet connection is working properly. By following the steps above, you can quickly check your DNS settings on a Windows computer and make any necessary adjustments to improve your network performance.
If you’re having trouble accessing certain websites or experiencing slow internet speeds, checking your DNS settings can be a good place to start troubleshooting. By identifying any issues with your router’s DNS settings, you can take steps to fix the problem and improve your online experience.
Remember to always save any changes you make to your router’s settings and write down the original settings in case you need to revert back to them later.
How to Check Your Router’s DNS Settings on Mac
To check your router’s DNS settings on a Mac, follow these steps:
- Click on the Apple menu icon in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
- Click on the “Network” icon.
- Select the network connection you want to check (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click on the “Advanced” button.
In the Advanced menu, click on the “DNS” tab to see the DNS server addresses currently in use. You can add or remove DNS servers by clicking the “+” or “-” buttons, respectively. Make sure to click “OK” to save any changes you make.
If you’re having trouble connecting to the internet, you may want to consider resetting your router or contacting your ISP for additional support.
Flush Your DNS Cache
DNS cache is a temporary database that stores information about previous DNS lookups. Over time, this cache can become outdated or corrupted, causing issues with your internet connection. One way to resolve this issue is to flush your DNS cache, which will clear out all the outdated information.
To flush your DNS cache on Windows, open the Command Prompt and type in “ipconfig /flushdns” and press enter. On a Mac, open the Terminal and type in “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and press enter. These commands will clear your DNS cache and allow your device to perform a new DNS lookup.
If you are still experiencing issues with your DNS server after flushing your DNS cache, it may be worth trying other troubleshooting steps such as resetting your router or changing your DNS server settings.
How to Flush Your DNS Cache on Windows
If you’re experiencing issues with your DNS server on a Windows computer, flushing the DNS cache can help resolve the problem. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Command Prompt: Click the Start menu and type “cmd” in the search bar. Then, right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”.
- Type the command: In the Command Prompt window, type “ipconfig /flushdns” and hit Enter.
- Wait for confirmation: After a few seconds, you should see a message confirming that the DNS resolver cache has been flushed.
- Restart your computer: To ensure that the changes take effect, it’s recommended that you restart your computer.
Once you’ve completed these steps, try accessing the internet again to see if the DNS server not responding issue has been resolved.
How to Flush Your DNS Cache on Mac
Step 1: Open the Terminal application on your Mac.
Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Step 3: Enter your administrator password when prompted and press Enter.
Step 4: Wait for the Terminal to finish the process. You should see the message “MacBook:~ username$ ” once it is complete.
Flushing the DNS cache on a Mac can help resolve issues with websites not loading correctly or internet connectivity problems.
Reset Your Router
If you’re still experiencing issues after trying the previous solutions, resetting your router may be the next step. Keep in mind that resetting your router will erase all custom settings and passwords, so make sure to have them on hand.
Step 1: Locate the reset button on your router. It’s usually a small hole that requires a pin or paperclip to press and hold down.
Step 2: Press and hold the reset button for about 10-15 seconds until the router’s lights start blinking. This indicates that the router is resetting.
Step 3: Wait for the router to finish resetting. This may take a few minutes, so be patient.
Step 4: Once the router has finished resetting, you’ll need to reconfigure your network settings. This may involve entering your ISP login information and setting up a new Wi-Fi network name and password.
Step 5: Test your internet connection to ensure that the issue has been resolved. If you’re still experiencing issues, contact your ISP for further assistance.
How to Reset Your Router
If you’re having trouble with your router, one solution may be to reset it. Before resetting your router, be sure to have your login credentials and backup any important settings.
There are typically two types of resets: a soft reset and a hard reset. A soft reset will simply reboot the router and refresh the settings, while a hard reset will restore the router to its default factory settings.
- To perform a soft reset, simply locate the reset button on your router (usually on the back or bottom), press and hold it for 10-15 seconds, and release. Wait for the router to reboot.
- To perform a hard reset, press and hold the reset button for 30 seconds or until the router’s lights start flashing. Release the button and wait for the router to reset to its default settings.
- After resetting your router, log in to its settings page and reconfigure any custom settings or preferences.
- Keep in mind that resetting your router will also erase any saved Wi-Fi network names and passwords, so be sure to have those on hand to reconnect devices.
Remember that resetting your router should be a last resort after trying other troubleshooting steps. If you’re unsure if a reset is necessary, consult your router’s documentation or contact the manufacturer for support.
Contact Your Internet Service Provider
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing internet connectivity issues, it may be time to contact your internet service provider (ISP). Your ISP will have more advanced tools and resources to diagnose and fix any issues on their end.
Before you contact your ISP, make sure to document any error messages or codes you’ve encountered, as well as any troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken. This will help your ISP diagnose the issue more efficiently.
When you contact your ISP, be prepared to provide your account information, including your account number and any login credentials. You may also need to verify your identity by answering security questions.
Your ISP may be able to remotely diagnose and fix the issue, or they may need to send a technician to your location. Be sure to ask about any potential fees for service calls or repairs.
If your ISP determines that the issue is not on their end, they may suggest contacting your router manufacturer or a professional IT service for further assistance.
When to Contact Your Internet Service Provider
| Issue | Symptoms | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Slow Internet Speeds | Web pages take a long time to load, videos buffer frequently, and downloads take longer than usual. | If you’re experiencing slower than normal internet speeds, try troubleshooting the problem yourself first by rebooting your modem and router. If the problem persists, contact your Internet Service Provider to ensure that the issue isn’t on their end. |
| Intermittent Connection | Your internet connection is frequently dropping or disconnecting for short periods of time. | If your internet connection keeps dropping, make sure your modem and router are plugged in properly and that all cables are secure. If the problem persists, contact your Internet Service Provider to determine if there are any outages or if there is an issue with your account. |
| No Connection | You are unable to connect to the internet at all. | If you’re unable to connect to the internet, first make sure that your modem and router are plugged in and turned on. If everything appears to be in working order, contact your Internet Service Provider to determine if there is an outage in your area or if there is an issue with your account. |
If you’re experiencing any of these issues with your internet connection, it’s important to know when to contact your Internet Service Provider. By troubleshooting the issue yourself first and then reaching out to your provider, you can ensure that you’re doing everything possible to resolve the issue and get back online.
Additionally, it’s important to contact your Internet Service Provider if you’re experiencing any other issues that you’re unable to resolve yourself. This includes issues such as billing errors, problems with your account, or any other concerns related to your service.
Remember, your Internet Service Provider is there to help you with any issues you may have. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you need assistance.
Lastly, if you’re thinking of switching your Internet Service Provider, it’s important to research your options thoroughly and compare prices, speeds, and customer reviews before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DNS server?
A DNS server is a computer server that contains a database of public IP addresses and their associated hostnames. It translates the domain name to IP address so that the internet can understand it.
What does it mean when the DNS server is not responding?
When the DNS server is not responding, it means that your computer is unable to communicate with the DNS server to translate the domain name into an IP address. This can cause problems when trying to access websites or use online services.
What are some common reasons for DNS server not responding error on wireless routers?
There are several common reasons for a DNS server not responding error on wireless routers, including incorrect DNS settings, outdated firmware, network connection issues, and interference from other devices.
How can I fix the DNS server not responding error on my wireless router?
You can fix the DNS server not responding error on your wireless router by resetting the router, checking the DNS settings, updating the firmware, and checking for network connection issues.
What should I do if the DNS server not responding error persists?
If the DNS server not responding error persists, you should contact your internet service provider for further assistance, as it may be an issue with their network or the router itself.