Welcome to our latest guide on resolving the dreaded DNS Server Timed Out error. If you’re here, you’ve probably encountered this error and are wondering what to do next. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to get back online in no time.
The DNS Server Timed Out error occurs when your browser can’t connect to the internet. It’s a common problem, and there are several reasons why it can happen. Some of the most common causes are issues with your router or modem, problems with your DNS servers, or outdated network adapter drivers.
In this article, we’ll walk you through each step of the process to resolve the DNS Server Timed Out error and get back online. So, sit tight and keep reading!
Don’t let the DNS Server Timed Out error keep you offline any longer. By following the steps we provide, you can quickly and easily fix the issue and get back online. So, let’s get started!
Restart Your Router And Modem
If you’re experiencing a DNS server timed out error, one of the easiest solutions is to restart your router and modem. This can clear out any temporary issues and reset your network connection. To restart your router and modem, simply unplug both devices from the power source and wait for a minute. Then plug them back in and wait for the devices to fully reboot before attempting to connect to the internet again. Remember to only unplug the devices from the power source and not from any network cables.
It’s important to note that restarting your router and modem is not a permanent solution, but rather a temporary fix. If you find yourself having to restart your devices frequently, it might be a sign of a larger issue. In this case, you should consider contacting your internet service provider for assistance.
Another reason to restart your router and modem is to refresh your IP address. Your IP address is a unique identifier that helps to identify your device on the internet. Sometimes, your IP address can get stuck or become outdated, causing connectivity issues. Restarting your router and modem can help to assign a new IP address to your device and solve any connectivity issues you may be experiencing.
Power Cycle Your Router and Modem
Unplug the power cord from your modem and router. If you have a combined modem and router unit, unplug it from the power source.
Wait 30 seconds and then plug in the modem. If you have a combined modem and router unit, plug it in first.
Wait for the modem to connect to your ISP. This usually takes a minute or two. You can check the modem’s status lights to see when it’s ready.
Plug in your router. Wait for the router to start up and connect to the modem. This can take a few minutes.
Try accessing the internet again to see if the DNS Server Timed Out error has been resolved.
Power cycling your router and modem can often resolve connection issues. If the DNS Server Timed Out error persists, try the other solutions in this article.
Reset Your Router To Its Default Settings
If restarting your router and modem did not resolve the DNS Server Timed Out error, resetting your router to its default settings might do the trick. Before you begin, it’s important to note that this process will erase all of your router’s settings and configurations, so you’ll need to set it up again from scratch.
Step 1: Locate the reset button on your router. It’s usually a small button located on the back or bottom of the device.
Step 2: Use a paperclip or a similar tool to press and hold the reset button for at least 10 seconds.
Step 3: Release the reset button and wait for the router to reboot. This may take a few minutes.
Step 4: Once the router has finished rebooting, you’ll need to set it up again. Refer to your router’s user manual for instructions on how to do this.
Resetting your router to its default settings can be a bit of a hassle, but it can also be an effective way to resolve the DNS Server Timed Out error. If you’re still experiencing the issue after resetting your router, there are other steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem.
Upgrade Your Router’s Firmware
If restarting and resetting your router didn’t fix the DNS server timed out error, the next step is to upgrade your router’s firmware. Firmware is the software that controls your router, and updating it can often resolve issues like this. Here’s how to upgrade your router’s firmware:
- Visit your router manufacturer’s website and download the latest firmware for your router model.
- Connect to your router’s web interface by typing its IP address into your web browser.
- Navigate to the firmware update section, usually found under “Advanced” or “Administration.”
- Select the downloaded firmware file and start the upgrade process.
- Wait for the upgrade to finish and then reboot your router.
After upgrading your router’s firmware, the DNS server timed out error should be resolved. If the problem persists, try the other solutions listed in this article.
It’s important to keep your router’s firmware up-to-date to ensure it’s running efficiently and securely. Firmware updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and new features, so it’s a good idea to check for updates regularly.
Change Your DNS Servers
If restarting your router and modem did not fix the issue, changing your DNS servers may help. DNS servers are used to translate domain names into IP addresses, and sometimes, your ISP’s DNS servers may be slow or unresponsive. Here are some steps to change your DNS servers:
Step 1: Open the Control Panel on your Windows computer or System Preferences on your Mac.
Step 2: Click on the Network and Sharing Center or Network settings.
Step 3: Find your active network connection and click on it.
Step 4: Click on Properties or Advanced settings.
Step 5: Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties or Configure.
Now you can choose to use a specific DNS server address. You can use public DNS servers such as Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS, or you can use the DNS servers provided by your ISP. Changing your DNS servers may improve your internet connection and fix the DNS server timed out error.
Use Google Public DNS
If you are experiencing DNS server timed out errors, changing to a more reliable DNS server may help. One option is to use Google Public DNS, which provides a faster and more secure browsing experience.
To use Google Public DNS:
- Go to the Start menu and type in “Control Panel”. Click on “Control Panel” when it appears in the search results.
- Click on “Network and Internet”.
- Click on “Network and Sharing Center”.
- Click on “Change adapter settings”.
- Right-click on your network connection and select “Properties”.
In the Properties window, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties”. Under the “General” tab, select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the following:
| Preferred DNS server | Alternate DNS server |
|---|---|
| 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 |
Click “OK” to save your changes. This will switch your DNS server to Google Public DNS and hopefully resolve any DNS server timed out errors you were experiencing.
Note that there are other reliable DNS server options besides Google Public DNS, such as Cloudflare DNS and OpenDNS. You can follow similar steps to change to these DNS servers if you prefer.
Try changing your DNS server and see if it resolves your DNS server timed out error. If it doesn’t, there are other steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue.
Try OpenDNS
If Google Public DNS is not working for you, you can try using OpenDNS. OpenDNS is a free DNS service that offers several features such as content filtering, anti-phishing, and anti-malware protection.
Step 1: Go to the OpenDNS website and create an account.
Step 2: Once you have created an account, log in and go to your dashboard.
Step 3: Under the “Settings” tab, click on “Dashboard Settings.”
Step 4: Click on “Add a Network” and enter the IP address of your router.
Step 5: Follow the instructions provided by OpenDNS to configure your router to use their DNS servers.
After following these steps, you should be able to use OpenDNS as your DNS server. If you encounter any issues, you can contact OpenDNS support for assistance.
Update Your Network Adapter Driver
If the above steps do not solve your DNS server timed out error, it is possible that the issue is with your network adapter driver. An outdated or corrupted driver can cause connectivity problems, including DNS server errors.
Check Your Driver Status: First, check your driver status by going to Device Manager on your Windows computer. If you see a yellow exclamation mark next to your network adapter, it means that there is a problem with the driver.
Update Your Driver: To update your driver, go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest version of the driver for your network adapter. Once downloaded, install the driver and restart your computer.
Use Driver Update Software: If you’re not comfortable updating your driver manually, you can use driver update software such as Driver Booster, Driver Easy, or Snappy Driver Installer. These tools will automatically detect and update outdated or missing drivers on your computer.
Updating your network adapter driver can resolve DNS server timed out errors and improve the overall performance of your computer’s network connectivity.
Download the Latest Driver From the Manufacturer’s Website
Updating your network adapter driver is essential to ensure your device is working correctly and can maintain a stable connection. One of the most effective ways to update your driver is by downloading the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.
Step 1: Identify your adapter – Before downloading, you need to identify your adapter’s make and model. This information is typically found in the device manager under network adapters.
Step 2: Go to the manufacturer’s website – Once you have identified your adapter, go to the manufacturer’s website and look for the support or download section.
Step 3: Download and install – Locate the latest driver for your adapter and download it. Follow the instructions provided to install the driver on your computer.
Step 4: Restart your computer – After installing the driver, it’s essential to restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
By following these simple steps, you can easily update your network adapter driver and improve your device’s performance and connectivity.
Update Your Driver Using Device Manager
If you’re having issues with your network adapter, updating the driver may help. Device Manager is a built-in tool in Windows that allows you to manage and update your hardware drivers.
To update your network adapter driver using Device Manager, follow these steps:
- Open Device Manager by right-clicking on the Start menu button and selecting “Device Manager”.
- Expand the “Network adapters” category.
- Right-click on the network adapter you want to update and select “Update driver”.
- Select “Search automatically for updated driver software”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
After the update is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.
If Device Manager doesn’t find an updated driver, you can also try downloading the driver from the manufacturer’s website and manually installing it.
Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus and Firewall
If you’re experiencing issues with your network connection, it’s possible that your antivirus or firewall software is blocking access. Temporarily disabling these programs can help you determine if they’re causing the problem.
Keep in mind that disabling your antivirus and firewall software leaves your computer vulnerable to potential threats, so it’s important to only do this as a troubleshooting step and not as a permanent solution.
To temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall software, you’ll need to locate the program’s settings or control panel. Look for options to turn off or disable the program, or simply exit the program entirely if possible. Remember to turn them back on once you’ve completed your troubleshooting.
If you’re unsure how to disable your antivirus or firewall software, check the program’s documentation or contact the manufacturer for guidance.
Disable Windows Defender Firewall
Step 1: Click on the Start menu and type “Windows Security” in the search bar.
Step 2: Click on “Windows Security” and then click on “Firewall & network protection”.
Step 3: Click on the currently active network connection and then toggle the switch for “Windows Defender Firewall” to the off position.
Step 4: A warning message will appear, click on “Yes” to confirm that you want to turn off the firewall.
Disabling the Windows Defender Firewall can help troubleshoot network issues caused by the firewall blocking network traffic. However, it also leaves your computer vulnerable to potential security threats. It’s recommended to only disable the firewall temporarily and turn it back on once you have resolved the network issue.
Release and Renew Your IP Address
If you’re experiencing connectivity issues with your internet connection, one of the first troubleshooting steps you can take is to release and renew your IP address. This can help to reset your connection and fix any issues that may be causing the problem.
Step 1: Release Your IP Address
To release your IP address, open the Command Prompt and type “ipconfig /release” without the quotes. Press enter and wait for the process to complete. This will release your current IP address and any associated network settings.
Step 2: Renew Your IP Address
To renew your IP address, still in the Command Prompt, type “ipconfig /renew” without the quotes. Press enter and wait for the process to complete. This will assign a new IP address and any associated network settings to your device.
Verify Your Connection
Once the process is complete, try to connect to the internet again to see if the issue has been resolved. If you’re still experiencing issues, try restarting your router or contacting your internet service provider for further assistance.
Use Command Prompt to Release and Renew Your IP Address
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as administrator by right-clicking on the Start menu button and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the context menu.
Step 2: Type “ipconfig /release” and press Enter. This will release your current IP address.
Step 3: Type “ipconfig /renew” and press Enter. This will request a new IP address from the DHCP server.
Step 4: Wait for the Command Prompt to display a message that the renewal was successful. You can then close the Command Prompt.
Reset TCP/IP Settings
If you are still experiencing network connectivity issues, resetting the TCP/IP settings may help. This will reset all network settings to their default values, which can fix issues caused by incorrect configurations.
To reset TCP/IP settings on Windows, follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator
- Type “netsh int ip reset” and press Enter
- Restart your computer
This command resets the TCP/IP stack, which can help to resolve issues related to IP address conflicts, incorrect configurations, and other network problems. After your computer restarts, your network settings will be restored to their default values, so you may need to reconfigure some settings to connect to your network again.
Disable IPv6 Connection
If you are experiencing network connectivity issues, disabling your Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) connection might help solve the problem. IPv6 is the successor to IPv4 and is designed to provide more efficient routing and larger address space.
However, some internet service providers and networks do not support IPv6, which can result in connectivity issues. To disable your IPv6 connection:
- Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Network Connections” from the menu.
- Right-click on your network connection and select “Properties”.
- Scroll down and uncheck the box next to “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”.
- Click “OK” to save your changes and close the window.
Disabling your IPv6 connection should not have a significant impact on your internet speed or overall network performance, as most networks still primarily use IPv4.
If disabling IPv6 does not resolve your connectivity issues, you may want to consider other troubleshooting steps, such as updating your network adapter driver or resetting your TCP/IP settings.
Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and your internet connection is still not working, it might be time to contact your ISP. Your ISP will be able to troubleshoot your connection further and help you resolve the issue.
Before contacting your ISP, it’s a good idea to gather some information about your connection. This includes the type of connection you have, the modem and router you are using, and any error messages you have received.
You can reach out to your ISP via phone or email. Make sure to have your account information handy, as they will need this to access your account and assist you with the issue.
Get Help From Your ISP’s Customer Support
If none of the previous troubleshooting steps have resolved your internet connection issues, it may be time to reach out to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance. Contact their customer support team and explain the issue you are experiencing in as much detail as possible.
Be sure to provide information such as the type of connection you have, the modem or router you are using, and any error messages you have received. Your ISP may be able to remotely diagnose and fix the issue, or they may need to send a technician to your location.
It’s important to keep in mind that your ISP is responsible for providing and maintaining your internet connection, so don’t hesitate to contact them if you are experiencing persistent issues. They will likely have additional troubleshooting steps to try and may be able to offer a solution that you haven’t considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DNS server timed out error?
The DNS server timed out error is an error message that appears when the DNS server that your device is using fails to respond within a certain time frame. This can cause your device to fail to connect to the internet or experience slow internet speeds.
What are some possible causes of the DNS server timed out error?
Some possible causes of the DNS server timed out error include issues with your device’s network settings, problems with your DNS server or router, malware infections, and firewall or antivirus software blocking network connections.
How can I fix the DNS server timed out error?
You can fix the DNS server timed out error by resetting your router, clearing your device’s DNS cache, updating your network drivers, disabling your antivirus or firewall temporarily, releasing and renewing your IP address, resetting your TCP/IP settings, and disabling IPv6 connections. If none of these methods work, you may need to contact your internet service provider for assistance.
How can I reset my router to fix the DNS server timed out error?
You can reset your router to fix the DNS server timed out error by locating the reset button on the router, pressing and holding it for a few seconds, and releasing it. This will reset the router to its default settings, including its network settings and password.
When should I contact my internet service provider to fix the DNS server timed out error?
You should contact your internet service provider to fix the DNS server timed out error if none of the methods mentioned above work or if you suspect that the issue is related to a problem with your internet service or network infrastructure. Your ISP’s customer support team can help diagnose the issue and provide further assistance.