Are you tired of seeing the “DNS server not responding” error message when browsing the web? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. This issue can be frustrating, but fortunately, it’s often easy to fix. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to resolve the problem and get back to browsing with ease.
DNS (Domain Name System) is an essential part of how the internet works. It translates human-readable website names into IP addresses that computers can understand. When your computer can’t connect to a DNS server, you won’t be able to access the websites you want. Some of the common signs that you’re having DNS issues include slow browsing, web pages not loading, and error messages like “DNS server not responding.”
Follow our easy troubleshooting steps to diagnose and resolve DNS issues. We’ll walk you through resetting your DNS server settings and changing your DNS server settings on both Windows and Mac computers. And if those steps don’t work, we’ll provide some additional tips and tricks for further troubleshooting.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of what can cause DNS server issues and how to fix them. Don’t let DNS server problems keep you from accessing your favorite websites. Read on to learn how to troubleshoot and fix DNS issues on your computer.
What is a DNS Server?
A DNS server is a computer server that translates human-friendly domain names into IP addresses that machines can read. For example, when you type “www.google.com” in your browser, a DNS server translates it into an IP address like “172.217.6.196”.
The DNS system is an essential component of the internet infrastructure, acting as a directory service for domain names. It helps users find websites and other online resources by resolving domain names to their corresponding IP addresses.
Without a DNS server, you would need to remember the IP addresses of every website you want to visit. DNS servers also provide other services such as email routing and network load balancing.
There are two types of DNS servers: authoritative and recursive. Authoritative DNS servers hold the official records for specific domains, while recursive DNS servers perform lookups on behalf of clients to find the IP addresses of the requested domains.
In summary, a DNS server is a crucial component of the internet infrastructure that translates domain names into IP addresses. It helps users find websites and other resources online and provides other essential services such as email routing and network load balancing.
Understanding the Function of a DNS Server
A DNS server is a crucial component of the internet infrastructure. It serves as a translator that helps us access websites by converting human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. In other words, it maps the domain name of a website to the IP address of the server hosting that website.
When you type in a URL or click on a link, your device sends a request to the DNS server to look up the IP address associated with the domain name in the URL. If the DNS server is unable to find the IP address or does not respond, you may experience a DNS server not responding error.
Think of the DNS server as a phonebook for the internet. Just as you use a phonebook to find a person’s phone number, your device uses a DNS server to find the IP address associated with a website’s domain name.
- Every device on the internet uses a DNS server to access websites and other online resources. Without DNS, we would have to remember the IP addresses of every website we want to visit.
- DNS servers can be both public and private. Public DNS servers are maintained by companies like Google and Cloudflare and are available for anyone to use. Private DNS servers are set up by organizations to handle the DNS requests of their own devices.
- DNS servers are essential for internet security. They can help prevent users from accessing malicious websites and warn them about potential security threats.
- DNS servers can also be used for content filtering, allowing organizations to block access to certain websites or types of content.
Understanding the function of a DNS server is crucial to troubleshooting any issues related to it, such as the “DNS server not responding” error. By having a clear understanding of how it works, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve any issues that may arise.
Signs of a DNS Server Not Responding
If you’re experiencing issues with your DNS server, there are several signs to look out for that may indicate the problem.
One common sign of a DNS server not responding is when you receive an error message indicating that the server cannot be found or that the page cannot be displayed.
Another sign is when you experience slow internet speeds or a delay in loading web pages. This can be caused by the DNS server taking longer than usual to respond to requests.
Additionally, if you’re unable to connect to certain websites or online services, this may be a sign of a DNS server not responding.
Finally, if you’re experiencing problems with your email or other online services, this may also be related to DNS server issues.
Slow Internet Browsing
One of the most common signs of a DNS server not responding issue is slow internet browsing. When you try to access a website, your computer needs to communicate with the DNS server to convert the domain name into an IP address. If the DNS server is not responding or is slow, this process can take longer than usual, resulting in slow browsing.
If you notice that your internet browsing is taking longer than usual to load websites, it may be a sign of a DNS server issue. You can try to check if this is the case by visiting different websites and checking if the problem persists.
Additionally, if you are experiencing slow browsing only on one device, it may be an issue with that particular device’s DNS settings. You can try to troubleshoot this by resetting the DNS settings on that device or changing the DNS server to a different one.
Error Messages Related to DNS
When your DNS server is not responding, you may encounter various error messages on your screen. Some of the common error messages include:
- Server not found – This error message appears when your browser is unable to connect to the server, indicating a DNS issue.
- DNS server not responding – This error message means your computer is unable to reach the DNS server.
- Page cannot be displayed – This error message appears when your computer is unable to display a webpage due to DNS server issues.
- Connection timed out – This error message appears when your computer is unable to establish a connection with the server due to DNS issues.
If you encounter any of these error messages, it is likely that you have a DNS server issue that needs to be resolved.
Next, we will discuss the troubleshooting steps to fix DNS server issues and restore your internet connection.
Troubleshooting Steps for DNS Server Not Responding
Step 1: Restart Your Router and Modem
The first thing to do when facing DNS issues is to reboot your router and modem. Sometimes, the device might not work properly due to a software glitch or hardware malfunction. A restart can help clear out the issue and establish a stable connection.Step 2: Check Your Network Connection
Ensure that your device is connected to the network properly. Sometimes, the issue could be due to loose cables, poor Wi-Fi signal strength, or limited connectivity.Step 3: Flush the DNS Cache
Flushing the DNS cache on your device can help clear out any outdated information and reset the connection. This can be done easily by running a command prompt or terminal command, depending on the operating system you are using.Step 4: Disable Your Firewall and Antivirus Software
Your firewall or antivirus software could be blocking the connection to the DNS server. Try disabling the software temporarily and check if the connection is restored. If so, you can adjust the settings to allow the connection.Step 5: Contact Your ISP or DNS Provider
If none of the above steps work, it’s time to contact your internet service provider or DNS provider. They might be able to identify and fix the issue from their end. They might also suggest alternative DNS servers that you can use.Basic Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Restart Your Router and Modem
The first step in troubleshooting a DNS server not responding is to restart your router and modem. Sometimes, these devices can experience issues that cause the DNS server to stop responding.
Step 2: Clear Your Browser’s Cache
Clearing your browser’s cache can sometimes resolve DNS issues. Your browser stores a lot of information, including DNS information, which can sometimes become corrupted and cause issues.
Step 3: Try a Different Browser
If clearing your browser’s cache doesn’t work, try accessing the internet using a different browser. This will help you determine whether the issue is with your browser or your DNS server.
Step 4: Disable Your Firewall or Antivirus Software
Your firewall or antivirus software may be blocking your computer from accessing the DNS server. Try disabling your firewall or antivirus software temporarily to see if that resolves the issue.
Resetting the DNS Server Settings
If basic troubleshooting steps fail to fix the DNS server not responding issue, resetting the DNS server settings may help. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
Step 2: Type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press enter. This will flush the DNS resolver cache.
Step 3: Type “netsh int ip reset” and press enter. This will reset the TCP/IP stack.
Step 4: Type “netsh winsock reset” and press enter. This will reset the Winsock catalog.
Step 5: Restart your computer and check if the DNS server not responding issue has been resolved.
Resetting the DNS server settings can resolve issues related to corrupted or misconfigured settings, but it is important to note that it will also reset any custom settings that you may have configured. If the issue persists, you may need to contact your internet service provider or a professional technician for further assistance.
Resetting DNS Settings on Windows 10
If you are experiencing issues with your DNS server on Windows 10, resetting the DNS settings may help resolve the issue. Here are the steps to reset DNS settings on Windows 10:
- Open the Command Prompt: Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the menu that appears.
- Flush the DNS cache: In the Command Prompt, type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter. This will clear the DNS cache.
- Reset the TCP/IP stack: In the Command Prompt, type “netsh int ip reset” and press Enter. This will reset the TCP/IP stack.
- Restart your computer: Restart your computer to apply the changes you made to the DNS settings.
If resetting the DNS settings on Windows 10 does not resolve your issue, you may need to seek further assistance from a professional or your internet service provider.
Resetting DNS Settings on Mac OS
Step 1: Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences from the dropdown.
Step 2: Choose the Network icon and select the network connection you want to modify.
Step 3: Click on the Advanced button and select the DNS tab.
Step 4: To add a DNS server, click on the + button and enter the IP address of the server. To remove a DNS server, select it and click on the – button.
Step 5: Click OK and then click Apply to save the changes made to the DNS server settings.
Changing DNS Server Settings on Windows
Step 1: Open the Start menu and type “Control Panel” in the search bar. Click on the Control Panel option that appears.
Step 2: Click on the “Network and Internet” option, followed by “Network and Sharing Center.”
Step 3: Click on the “Change adapter settings” option on the left side of the window.
Step 4: Right-click on the network connection that you want to change the DNS server settings for, and select “Properties.”
Step 5: Scroll down and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on the “Properties” button.
Step 6: Select the “Use the following DNS server addresses” option and enter the IP addresses of the preferred and alternate DNS servers you want to use.
Step 7: Click “OK” to save the changes.
By following these steps, you can easily change the DNS server settings on your Windows device and improve your internet browsing experience.
Changing DNS Settings on Windows 10 Manually
If you want to change the DNS settings on Windows 10 manually, follow these simple steps:
- Open the Start Menu and click on “Settings”.
- Click on “Network & Internet”.
- Select “Change adapter options”.
- Right-click on your network connection and select “Properties”.
In the Properties window, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties”. In the new window, you can enter the new DNS server addresses in the “Preferred DNS server” and “Alternate DNS server” fields. Click “OK” to save the changes.
You can also change the DNS settings for IPv6 by selecting “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)” and clicking on “Properties”. Enter the new DNS server addresses in the same way as for IPv4.
Changing DNS Settings on Windows 10 via Command Prompt
- Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
- Step 2: Type “netsh” and press Enter.
- Step 3: Type “interface” and press Enter.
- Step 4: Type “ipv4” and press Enter.
- Step 5: Type “set dns” followed by your desired DNS server address and press Enter. For example, “set dns 192.168.1.1”.
This will set the DNS server address for your Windows 10 computer via Command Prompt. Remember to close and reopen your web browser to see if the changes have taken effect.
Changing DNS Settings on Windows 10 via Control Panel
To change the DNS server settings on Windows 10 via Control Panel, follow these steps:
- Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
- Click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
- Click on “Change adapter settings.”
- Right-click on the network connection you want to change and select “Properties.”
A window will open with a list of items. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on the “Properties” button.
- Select the “Use the following DNS server addresses” option.
- Type in the IP addresses of the preferred and alternate DNS servers that you want to use.
- Click “OK” to save your changes.
Changing the DNS server settings via Control Panel is a straightforward method that does not require any technical expertise.
Changing DNS Server Settings on Mac
If you’re experiencing internet connection issues, one solution could be to change your DNS server settings.
On a Mac, you can change your DNS settings in the Network preferences.
You can manually enter the IP addresses for the DNS servers of your choice or use a third-party DNS service, such as Google DNS or OpenDNS.
After changing your DNS server settings, it’s a good idea to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Changing DNS Settings on Mac OS Manually
| Step | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Go to the Apple menu and click on System Preferences | Apple menu > System Preferences |
| Step 2 | Select Network from the list of preferences | Network |
| Step 3 | Choose the network connection that you want to configure and click on Advanced | Advanced |
| Step 4 | Click on the DNS tab | DNS |
| Step 5 | Click the + button to add a new DNS server | Click + button |
If you want to change the DNS settings on your Mac OS manually, you can do it easily by following these simple steps:
First, go to the Apple menu and click on System Preferences. From there, select Network from the list of preferences. Choose the network connection that you want to configure and click on Advanced. Click on the DNS tab and then click the + button to add a new DNS server.
Once you have added the new DNS server, you can remove the old DNS server by selecting it and clicking the – button. You can also rearrange the order of the DNS servers by clicking and dragging them up or down in the list. Once you are done, click OK to save your changes.
It’s important to note that changing the DNS settings on your Mac OS can improve your browsing speed, security, and privacy. By using a different DNS server, you can bypass any restrictions set by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and access content that may be blocked in your region. You can also use a DNS server that is known for its security and privacy features, such as Cloudflare or Google Public DNS.
Further Steps to Troubleshoot DNS Server Issues
If you’re still experiencing issues with your DNS server after changing the settings, there are a few more steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. Network diagnostics can be a useful tool for identifying issues with your network connection. This feature can be accessed from the Network preferences menu on your Mac. Once you run the diagnostics, it will provide you with information on any potential network issues.
If network diagnostics does not identify any issues, you can try flushing the DNS cache on your Mac. This will clear any cached information and force your computer to obtain new DNS information. To flush the DNS cache on a Mac, simply open the Terminal app and enter the command “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder”. Once you enter this command, your DNS cache will be flushed and your computer will obtain new DNS information.
If none of the above steps resolve your DNS server issues, you may need to contact your internet service provider (ISP) for assistance. Sometimes issues with DNS servers can be caused by problems on the ISP’s end. They may be able to provide you with additional troubleshooting steps or escalate the issue to their technical support team.
Clearing DNS Cache
DNS cache is a temporary database that your computer uses to store information about recently accessed domain names and IP addresses. This helps to speed up the process of accessing websites and reduces the load on DNS servers. However, sometimes the cache can become corrupted, which can result in DNS resolution issues. In such cases, it’s necessary to clear the DNS cache.
To clear the DNS cache on a Mac, you can use the terminal application. Open the terminal and type the command “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and hit Enter. This will flush the DNS cache on your Mac and refresh it with the latest information.
If you’re using a different operating system, the method for clearing the DNS cache may vary. For example, on a Windows computer, you can clear the DNS cache by opening the Command Prompt and typing the command “ipconfig /flushdns” and hitting Enter.
Clearing the DNS cache is a simple step that can help to resolve DNS server issues. If you’re experiencing DNS resolution problems, it’s always a good idea to try clearing the cache first before trying any other troubleshooting steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common causes of DNS server not responding errors?
There are many potential causes of DNS server not responding errors, including issues with your network connection, problems with your DNS server or router settings, and malware or virus infections. Other factors, such as outdated drivers or misconfigured network settings, can also contribute to this problem.
How can I diagnose the cause of a DNS server not responding error?
To diagnose the cause of a DNS server not responding error, you can try several troubleshooting steps, such as running a network diagnostic tool, checking your router settings, or testing your internet connection. Additionally, you can check for any malware or virus infections, update your drivers and network settings, and try resetting your DNS cache.
What are some common solutions to fix DNS server not responding errors?
There are several common solutions to fix DNS server not responding errors, including resetting your router or modem, changing your DNS server settings, and disabling any security software or firewalls that may be blocking your connection. You can also try resetting your network settings or updating your network drivers to resolve this issue.
How do I change my DNS server settings?
To change your DNS server settings, you can go to your network settings and manually enter a new DNS server address. You can use a public DNS server like Google DNS or OpenDNS, or you can enter the IP address of your preferred DNS server. Once you save your settings, your device should start using the new DNS server.
What should I do if none of the solutions work to fix my DNS server not responding error?
If none of the solutions work to fix your DNS server not responding error, you may need to seek additional assistance from a technical support professional or your internet service provider. They can help diagnose and resolve any underlying network or hardware issues that may be causing the problem.