DNS Server Not Responding? Fix It Fast

Once you seek for a web site in your browser, your pc depends on the Area Identify System (DNS) to seek out the proper IP deal with and cargo the webpage.

Generally, issues don’t go as deliberate, and you find yourself with that irritating “DNS server not responding” error. This implies your browser can’t hook up with a DNS server, so it doesn’t know what web site to take you to.

The excellent news is that it’s a standard challenge and fairly straightforward to repair. On this information, we stroll you thru the way to get your web working once more.

Leap to…

What does “DNS server not responding” mean?
What causes the “DNS server not responding” error?
How to fix “DNS Server Not Responding” – Step-by-step solutions
Change your DNS server (Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, OpenDNS)
Advanced network troubleshooting
Firewall & security fixes
How ExpressVPN can help fix DNS issues
Preventing future DNS errors—best practices
FAQ; About DNS server not responding

What does “DNS server not responding” imply?

In case you see the DNS error message, it means your gadget can’t hook up with the Domain Name System (DNS). DNS interprets web site names into IP addresses so computer systems can discover and cargo web sites. If the DNS server isn’t responding, your browser can’t discover the web site you’re on the lookout for. 

This would possibly make it look like your web is down—even when the connection is ok. A DNS server error can occur for just a few causes, resembling community points, misconfigured settings, or server connectivity points. Earlier than we dive into the causes, let’s take a look at what DNS is and the way it works.

What’s a DNS server and the way does it work?

A DNS server is just like the web’s phonebook. It converts easy-to-remember web site names into numerical IP addresses. Since computer systems talk utilizing IP addresses, DNS programs assist you browse the online with out having to recollect numbers.

Once you search a web site identify in your browser, the DNS server finds the matching IP address and sends your browser to the proper web page. If the DNS server isn’t working, your gadget gained’t know the place to go.

Frequent signs of DNS points

Undecided in case your points are associated to DNS? Listed here are just a few tell-tale indicators that sign DNS issues. 

• Web sites fail to load. Your browser could show errors like “DNS server not responding,” “Server not discovered,” or “This web site can’t be reached.”
  
• Unreliable connectivity. Some web sites could load whereas others don’t, indicating that just some DNS requests are failing. This would possibly outcome from an unstable DNS server or partial connection points.
  
• Gradual searching expertise. Web sites could take unusually lengthy to load as your gadget struggles to resolve domains earlier than connecting.
  
• “Web site doesn’t exist” errors. Even widespread web sites that must be accessible could fail to load. This might counsel a DNS challenge fairly than an issue with the web site itself.

How DNS resolves domains to IP addresses

Once you sort a web site identify into your browser, your gadget appears to be like for the proper IP deal with to load the positioning. First, it checks reminiscence to see if it already is aware of the reply. If not, it asks a DNS resolver (often out of your ISP). 

The request strikes up the chain if the resolver doesn’t have it, beginning with a root DNS server. Then it goes to a High-Degree Area (TLD) server and eventually to the authoritative identify server, which holds the proper IP deal with. As soon as the proper IP deal with is discovered, the resolver sends it again to your browser, and the web site hundreds—often in a blink!

How DNS queries work step-by-step

• Machine checks cache. Your pc first appears to be like in its reminiscence for the web site’s IP deal with. If it finds it, the positioning hundreds immediately.
• Asks a DNS resolver. If the IP deal with isn’t cached, your gadget asks a DNS resolver (often out of your ISP) to seek out it.
• Resolver checks servers. If the resolver doesn’t have the reply, it asks different DNS servers, together with a root server and a top-level area (TLD) server (like .com or .org).
• Resolver finds the authoritative server. The resolver reaches the server that holds the web site’s precise IP deal with.
• Resolver returns the IP deal with. The resolver sends the IP deal with again to your gadget, and the web site hundreds.

If any step fails—because of a community downside, incorrect settings, or an unavailable DNS server—your browser gained’t discover the positioning, and you may even see a “DNS server notr responding” error.

What causes the “DNS server not responding” error?

1. ISP points or DNS server downtime

The difficulty isn’t at all times in your finish—your ISP may need technical issues. For instance, its DNS servers might be down. In case your ISP’s servers aren’t responding, your gadget can’t lookup web site addresses, even when your web’s working effective. On this case, you could possibly repair the difficulty by switching to a public or non-public DNS service.

2. Misconfigured community settings

In case your community isn’t arrange appropriately, your gadget can have bother connecting to a DNS server. This would possibly occur in case your pc or router is utilizing a guide IP deal with or DNS configuration that doesn’t suit your community. 

If the mistaken DNS server is ready, your browser gained’t know the place to go if you search a web site, leaving you caught with loading errors. You possibly can reset your TCP/IP settings or swap to computerized DNS to get again on-line.

3. Firewall or antivirus blocking DNS requests

Generally risk safety goes too far, and your firewall or antivirus software program can flag DNS requests as a safety danger. When this occurs, your gadget can’t hook up with the DNS server, which ends up in the “DNS Server Not Responding” error. 

A fast approach to examine is to briefly flip off your firewall or antivirus and see if the issue goes away. If it does, you don’t have to depart your pc unprotected—simply tweak the settings to permit DNS site visitors whereas protecting every part else safe.

4. Router or modem malfunctions

Your router and modem are just like the site visitors controllers of your web connection. They guarantee knowledge—together with DNS requests—goes the place it must. But when your router is overloaded or operating outdated software program, it’d battle with DNS requests.

A easy restart typically fixes minor glitches and will get issues operating once more. Simply unplug your router and modem, wait 30 seconds to a minute, after which plug them again in. If the issue persists, take into account updating your router’s firmware or resetting it to manufacturing unit settings to begin contemporary.

5. DNS cache corruption

Your pc retains a DNS cache to assist web sites load quicker by remembering their areas. Generally, this saved info will get outdated or corrupted, stopping web sites from loading correctly.

A fast repair is to flush the DNS cache—this clears out the previous data and forces your gadget to fetch contemporary, correct DNS info. This easy reset can typically clear up DNS points and get you again on-line very quickly.

6. IPv6 conflicts with DNS decision

Many networks nonetheless use IPv4, however some units and web sites additionally help IPv6. In case your system tries to make use of IPv6, however your community isn’t totally appropriate, it may trigger DNS decision failures.

Disabling IPv6 in your community settings can generally repair the “DNS server not responding” error—particularly in case your ISP doesn’t totally help IPv6 but.

repair “DNS server not responding”—step-by-step options

Listed here are just a few easy troubleshooting steps to assist restore your connection.

Restart your router and modem

One of many easiest fixes is to restart your router and modem, as they will generally glitch and disrupt DNS decision. Simply unplug them from the ability supply and wait about one minute. Plug them again in. As soon as they reconnect, attempt loading a web site to see if the difficulty is resolved. All the time do that as your first step!

Strive utilizing a unique internet browser

Generally, the issue isn’t your web connection however your internet browser. Attempt to open the web site in a unique browser. If the positioning hundreds in one other browser, clearing your unique browser cache and cookies or reinstalling it might repair the difficulty.

Take a look at web connection on one other gadget

To see if the issue is particular to your pc, attempt to entry the identical web site from a unique gadget (on the identical community). If different units work effective, the difficulty is probably going together with your pc’s settings. If none of your units can join, the issue could also be your router, ISP, or DNS supplier—it’s unlikely that each one your units are defective. 

Community & DNS configuration fixes

In case you nonetheless see the “DNS server not responding” error, your pc’s DNS cache or community settings may be the issue. Your gadget retains a reminiscence of DNS data to assist web sites load quicker, however generally this saved info will get outdated or corrupted. When that occurs, your browser could battle to seek out the proper deal with, inflicting connection errors.

A easy repair is to flush the DNS cache. This clears out previous data and forces your pc to seize contemporary DNS info. Resetting your IP settings also can assist if there’s a community misconfiguration blocking your connection. Right here’s the way to do it, relying in your gadget.

Flush DNS cache and reset IP settings

Clearing your DNS cache is fast and simple, however the steps are completely different relying on whether or not you’re utilizing Home windows, macOS, or Linux.

flush DNS on Home windows

1. Hit Home windows + R to open the Run dialog field.
   
2. Kind cmd within the field and click on OK to open the Command Immediate.
   
3. Within the Command Immediate window, sort the next command and hit Enter:
   Command: ipconfig /flushdns
4.  You’ll see a affirmation message saying the DNS cache has been cleared.
5.  Shut the Command Immediate window and cargo the web site once more.

Learn extra: How to change DNS settings in Windows

flush DNS on macOS

1. Open Terminal by urgent Command + Area, typing Terminal, and hitting Enter.
   
2. Kind the next command (it really works for many macOS variations) and hit Enter:
   Command: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall-HUP mDNSResponder

3. If requested, enter your admin password (it gained’t present whereas typing, but it surely’s working).
4. As soon as accomplished, restart your browser and examine if the web site hundreds.

flush DNS on Linux

1. Open Terminal.
   
2. Run one in all these instructions (it depends upon your Linux model):
   Command: sudo systemd-resolve –flush-caches 
   or
   Command: sudo /and so forth/init.d/nscd restart
3. Hit Enter and wait a second.
4. Restart your browser and attempt to go to the web site once more.

Change your DNS server (Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, OpenDNS)

In case your default DNS server isn’t working, you may swap to a unique one to revive your web connection. Usually, your gadget routinely makes use of a DNS server out of your ISP, but when that server is down, your browser gained’t have the ability to discover web sites.

Altering your DNS server is easy sufficient, and utilizing a public DNS like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS can typically repair the difficulty. Right here’s the way to replace your settings on Home windows and Mac.

change DNS on Home windows

1. Hit Home windows + R in your keyboard to open the Run dialog field.
   
2. Kind ncpa.cpl and hit Enter to open your community connections.
   
3. Discover your energetic Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, right-click on it, and select Properties.
   
4. Scroll down, choose Web Protocol Model 4 (TCP/IPv4), and click on Properties.
   
5. Within the new window, choose Use the next DNS server addresses and enter your most well-liked DNS:
   

• • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and eight.8.4.4
  • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

6. Test Validate settings upon exit, then click on OK to avoid wasting your adjustments.

change DNS on Mac

1. Click on the Apple menu and open System Settings.
   
2. Choose Community, then select your energetic Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
   
3. Click on Particulars, then go to the DNS tab.
4. Click on the “+” button and enter your new DNS server addresses:

• • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4
  • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1

5. Click on OK, then Apply to avoid wasting your new settings.

change DNS on a router

Altering your DNS settings on the router stage applies the adjustments to all units linked to your community.

1. Open an online browser and enter your router’s IP deal with.
   
2. Log in utilizing your router’s admin username and password.
3. Search for the DNS settings part (often below LAN or web settings).
4. Change the prevailing DNS addresses with:

• • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4
  • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1
  • OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220

5. Save your settings and restart your router.

Superior community troubleshooting

If primary fixes don’t resolve the “DNS server not responding” error, it’s time to dig deeper. Utilizing command line instruments, you may check your DNS decision, examine community route requests, and diagnose points. This helps you determine whether or not the issue is your gadget, your DNS supplier, or someplace alongside the connection path.

Use command line instruments to diagnose DNS points

When you have bother loading web sites, command line instruments assist determine the supply of the issue. They allow you to examine whether or not a DNS server is responding and discover potential delays or failures.

Testing DNS decision with nslookup

The nslookup command checks if a DNS server can resolve a web site’s identify into an IP deal with. If this check fails, it doubtless means your DNS settings or server is the difficulty.

To run the check:

• On Home windows, open Command Immediate by urgent Home windows + R, typing cmd, and urgent Enter.
• On Mac or Linux, open Terminal.
• Kind: nslookup instance.com (substitute instance.com with any web site).

If the command returns an IP deal with, your DNS is working. If not, your DNS settings could should be modified.

Checking community routes with traceroute

The traceroute (or tracert on Home windows) command exhibits the trail your request takes to achieve a web site. If there are lengthy delays or failures alongside the way in which, it might imply an issue together with your ISP or a particular community level.
To run the check:

• On Home windows, open the Command Immediate and kind: tracert instance.com
• On Mac or Linux, open Terminal and kind: traceroute instance.com
  

This can present every server (or “hop”) your request passes by. In case you see timeouts or errors, there could also be a connection challenge between your gadget and the DNS server.

Dig Command for superior DNS testing

Linux and Mac customers can use the dig command to examine DNS. It provides in-depth details about how a web site’s area is resolved.

• To run the check, open Terminal and kind: dig instance.com
• This can return detailed DNS data, together with response occasions and the DNS server dealing with the request. 
• If the output is empty or exhibits an error, your DNS server will not be working correctly.

Disable IPv6 to keep away from compatibility points

Many of the web nonetheless runs on IPv4, however newer networks and web sites additionally help IPv6. Whereas IPv6 is supposed to enhance velocity and effectivity, it doesn’t at all times work easily with each web supplier or community setup. Generally, it may trigger DNS errors like “DNS server not responding.” In case you’re having bother connecting, turning off IPv6 would possibly assist.

disable IPv6 on Home windows

1. Open the Management Panel and go to Community and Web.
2. Click on Community and Sharing Heart, then select Change adapter settings on the left.
3. Discover your energetic connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), right-click it, and choose Properties.
4. Scroll down till you see Web Protocol Model 6 (TCP/IPv6).
5. Uncheck the field subsequent to it and click on OK to avoid wasting the adjustments.
6. Restart your pc and check out loading a web site once more.

disable IPv6 on Mac

1. Click on the Apple menu and go to System Settings.
2. Choose Community, then select your energetic connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
3. Click on Particulars, then go to the TCP/IP tab.
4. Search for Configure IPv6 and alter it to Off or Hyperlink-local solely.
5. Click on OK, then Apply to avoid wasting your settings.
6. Restart your Mac and see in case your connection improves.

Learn extra: Disable IPv6 for better VPN protection

Restart your pc in Protected Mode

Generally, background apps, drivers, or safety software program can intervene together with your web connection and trigger DNS errors. Protected Mode begins your pc with solely the important system information, making it simpler to determine if one thing operating within the background is inflicting the issue.

Accessing Protected Mode on Home windows

1. Click on the Begin menu and open Settings.
2. Go to Replace & Safety, then choose Restoration from the left menu.
3. Beneath Superior startup, click on Restart now.
4. When your PC restarts, select Troubleshoot → Superior choices → Startup Settings → Restart.
5. On the subsequent display, press 4 or F4 to begin in Protected Mode. In case you want web entry, press 5 or F5 for Protected Mode with Networking.
6. As soon as your pc begins, attempt loading a web site to see if the DNS challenge remains to be there.

Accessing Protected Mode on macOS

1. Restart your Mac and press and maintain the Shift key instantly.
2. Launch the important thing if you see the Apple brand or the login display.
3. Your Mac will begin in Protected Mode, which solely hundreds important system information.
4. Strive connecting to the web to see if the difficulty persists.

Test for DNS hijacking or ISP blocking 

Your ISP would possibly intervene together with your DNS requests to dam web sites, redirect you, or decelerate your connection. That is known as DNS hijacking, and a few ISPs additionally block third-party DNS companies, forcing you to make use of their very own servers.

To examine if that is occurring, take a DNS leak test. In case your DNS requests aren’t going by the servers you set, your ISP could also be redirecting them. Utilizing a VPN with non-public DNS may also help you bypass these restrictions and restore regular searching.

Utilizing a cell hotspot to bypass ISP DNS points

In case you assume your ISP’s DNS is the issue, a fast check is to hook up with a unique community utilizing your telephone’s cell hotspot.

Flip in your hotspot and join your pc to it. Then, attempt visiting the web sites that weren’t working. In the event that they load effective on cell knowledge however not on your own home Wi-Fi, your ISP’s DNS servers are doubtless the difficulty.

To repair it, attempt switching to Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS in your community settings. If that doesn’t work, a VPN could assist you bypass ISP restrictions.

Learn extra: Unblock websites with a VPN to free your internet

Firewall & safety fixes

Firewalls and antivirus software program are designed to guard your units. Sadly, generally risk safety may be too strict and would possibly block DNS requests by mistake. This stops web sites from loading, even when your web connection is ok.

It may be useful to briefly disable your firewall or antivirus to find out in the event that they’re inflicting the issue. If turning them off fixes the difficulty, chances are you’ll want to regulate settings to permit DNS site visitors.

Quickly disable firewall and antivirus

It is best to solely disable safety software program as a check. In any other case, you allow your self open to cyber threats, so turning it off isn’t a superb long-term technique. 

Right here’s the way to disable your firewall on Home windows and Mac. 

disable firewall on Home windows

1. Open the Begin menu and seek for Home windows Safety.
2. Go to Firewall & community safety.
3. Click on in your energetic community (both Public, Non-public, or Area).
4. Toggle Microsoft Defender Firewall to Off.
5. Strive loading a web site to see if the DNS challenge is resolved.

If this fixes the issue, return into Firewall & community safety, flip the firewall again on, and click on Enable an app by firewall so as to add exceptions on your browser or DNS service.

disable firewall on Mac

1. Click on the Apple menu and go to System Settings.
2. Choose Community, then click on Firewall.
3. Toggle the Firewall swap to Off.
4. Strive loading a web site to examine if the difficulty is resolved.

If turning off the firewall solves your challenge, you may flip it again on and go to Firewall Choices to permit connections for particular apps or companies.

How ExpressVPN may also help repair DNS points

ExpressVPN solves DNS issues by providing a personal, safe, and dependable DNS service that works routinely everytime you hook up with one in all our encrypted servers.

How a VPN bypasses ISP DNS errors

Some web suppliers use their very own DNS servers—they are often gradual, unreliable, or restricted. They could additionally block sure web sites, redirect searches, or log your exercise. A VPN bypasses this by sending your DNS requests by its non-public servers as a substitute of your ISP’s. This retains your searching non-public and helps web sites load quicker, even when your ISP’s DNS is having points.

ExpressVPN’s non-public DNS vs. public DNS

Many individuals use public DNS servers like these from Google or Cloudflare. They’re typically quicker than ISP DNS servers however can nonetheless be logged, blocked, or hijacked. 

ExpressVPN makes use of non-public DNS on each server—this implies your requests are by no means shared with third events. This improves safety, prevents DNS leaks, and reduces errors that occur when public DNS servers fail.

use ExpressVPN to enhance DNS reliability

No setup is required to make use of ExpressVPN’s non-public DNS. When you hook up with a VPN server, your DNS requests undergo ExpressVPN as a substitute of your ISP or a public DNS supplier. 

Merely click on hook up with get pleasure from utilizing non-public DNS servers:

This reduces DNS failures, hastens web site loading, and helps keep away from monitoring. If DNS points maintain occurring together with your common connection, switching to a VPN can present a extra steady and personal web expertise.

Stopping future DNS errors—greatest practices

You possibly can stop DNS errors from occurring sooner or later by maintaining a tally of a few of your settings. Let’s check out the way to cease DNS errors.

Use a dependable public DNS supplier

Your ISP assigns a default DNS server, however these aren’t at all times probably the most steady or quick. Switching to a public DNS supplier may also help. However whereas public DNS servers like Google DNS and Cloudflare DNS may be quicker and extra dependable than your ISP’s default, they’re not foolproof. They’ll nonetheless face outages, slowdowns, and even ISP interference.

Use a VPN with non-public DNS to keep away from ISP points

A personal DNS server, like ExpressVPN’s, affords a safer and steady various. It encrypts your DNS requests, retains your searching non-public, and reduces the danger of DNS hijacking. It additionally ensures quick and uninterrupted connection—even when public DNS servers run into points.

Utilizing a VPN with non-public DNS, like ExpressVPN, helps bypass these restrictions. In contrast to public DNS suppliers, non-public DNS encrypts your requests, protecting your searching safer whereas stopping DNS hijacking.

Recurrently restart your router and modem

A fast restart each few weeks may also help maintain issues operating easily. Simply unplug the ability cable, wait a few minute, then press the ability button to show them again on. In case you’re utilizing an ethernet cable, be sure that it’s plugged in securely to keep away from any connection issues.

Maintain your community drivers up to date

Your community adapter driver helps your pc hook up with the web. If it’s outdated or corrupted, you would possibly run into DNS failures or gradual connections. To examine for updates, go to the community connections web page in your working system and set up the newest model of the motive force. Preserving it up to date ensures higher compatibility and fewer connection points.

Monitor DNS efficiency utilizing on-line instruments 

In case your web feels gradual or unreliable, use free instruments to examine if DNS is the difficulty. Open Wi-fi Diagnostics on a Mac or use Community Diagnostics on Home windows to research DNS connections. You can even evaluate your most well-liked DNS server to an alternate DNS server utilizing on-line instruments like DNS Benchmark or Namebench to see which performs higher.

Recurrently check various DNS suppliers

DNS efficiency isn’t the identical in every single place—what works nice in a single place may be gradual or unreliable in one other. In case you maintain operating into DNS errors or sluggish connections, it’s value testing completely different DNS servers to see which one works greatest for you. 

Strive tweaking Google Chrome’s safe DNS settings, adjusting DNS choices in Microsoft Edge, or turning on DNS over HTTPS in Mozilla Firefox. Discovering the proper server can critically enhance your searching velocity and make your connection extra dependable.