DNS Server Not Responding: 11 Simple Solutions Anyone Can Try

The message “DNS Server Not Responding” in your browser can be an unpleasant experience. The error indicates that there’s something wrong with the DNS server; however, it does not reveal much about the problem.

The Domain Name System is a crucial component of the Internet. It converts DNS domains into IP addresses, which allows users to connect to websites via simple-to-remember domains. If you don’t, then you’ll have to track numerous IP addresses that join websites.

Therefore, DNS problems are essential for any service that relies on the internet, and must be addressed at the top of your list. This guide explains the meaning behind why “DNS Server Not Responding” signifies and what causes it. It will also teach you 11 proven solutions to resolve DNS not working quickly.

Common Reasons for DNS Server Not Responding

The “DNS Server Not Responding” error can occur for several reasons, and understanding these causes will help you identify the root of the issue more effectively. Here are some of the most common factors that can cause.

Here are the most frequent causes:

• Incorrect DNS settings
• ISP DNS outage
• Router glitches
• VPN or proxy interference
• Antivirus/firewall blocking DNS requests
• Corrupted browser cache
• Network driver issues

Also read: How to Fix the Cannot Verify Server Identity Error on Your iPhone

How to fix DNS Server Not Responding Error

In this article, we’ll provide you with a variety of solutions to solve the issue. These solutions are specifically designed to fix the Issues.

1. Troubleshooting Network Problems

Before you begin more sophisticated troubleshooting techniques, you can conduct a network diagnostics test for your device. Major operating systems come with tools to check your network connection and pinpoint the issue.

2. Try Using a Different Browser

The simplest way to troubleshoot is to go to the website using an alternative web browser. If the error isn’t present in another browser, it’s a signal that the issue originates from the current browser, such as outdated cached files or an infected installation, etc. For instance, try Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox instead of using the default Google Chrome, or vice versa.

3. Try Another Device

Sometimes, unidentified issues in your device can disrupt the correct DNS resolution and result in a DNS server not responding error.

To determine whether the issue is specific to the primary device, try accessing the website on a different computer. For example, if using a computer or laptop, try loading the site using your mobile data. If you don’t see an error, then it’s likely that your device is malfunctioning.

4. Restart Your Computer in Safe Mode

Various operating system issues can trigger issues with the DNS Server error. In most cases, they’re caused by software that interferes with the normal DNS resolution.

It is possible to determine whether the applications that you install conflict with your OS by resetting your system to secure mode. Safe Mode is an unmodified version of your operating system that loads just its essential functions and does not include the third-party software that you have installed.

5. Restart your Modem or Router

Issues with your router can also trigger the DNS Server not responding error. In addition, routers store cache, which can be invalid.

Many of these problems can be resolved simply by restarting the router. Turn off using the power button. Please wait a few minutes to ensure the device is fully reset, then switch it back on. After that, go to the site to determine if the issue has been resolved.

6. Turn off temporarily Your Antivirus and Firewall

Absolutely, firewall and antivirus software can help protect you from internet threats such as viruses and malware. However, they may also hinder your internet connection and can cause”DNS Server Not Responding” error “DNS Server Not Responding” error.

Temporarily turn off your antivirus software or firewall. Then try to access the site. If the website is loading correctly, then your security software is clearly limiting the connection.

7. Disable Other Connections

Sometimes, being enrolled in multiple networks can be a problem. You may be bouncing around between networks, which may make it difficult to establish an uninterrupted connection. It is also possible that the networks conflict with one another. In any case, this could lead to issues with your network that affect your DNS settings.

8. Change the DNS Server Address

Your operating system needs to connect to working DNS servers to fetch IP addresses. If the DNS server is not working, it’s connecting to incorrect DNS servers. If there’s no assigned DNS server, the computer won’t be able to connect to an IP address by itself each time you type the domain’s name in your browser. This can lead to DNS errors.

Google DNS servers – 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare DNS servers – 1.1.1.1 or 1.0.0.1

9. Flush DNS Cache

Sometimes, the DNS cache on your operating system can become expired or damaged. In this case, the computer may not be connected to an IP address for the website you are visiting, which can cause the “DNS Server Not Responding” error. In this situation, the best solution is to clear DNS cache on your operating system.

Also read: Top 5 DNS Troubleshooting Tips for Network Teams

10. Update Your Network Adapter Driver

Network or hardware can trigger a DNS Error message. For the network, you’ll have to trust your ISP to solve the issue. On your part, you can ensure the driver for your network adapter is working properly you can update it to the most recent stable version. Driver failures occur more frequently on Windows. Therefore, we’ll concentrate on this issue.

11. Disable Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)

Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) is the latest version of the Internet Protocol developed to replace Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4). Since IPv6 is not yet fully implemented, a few issues are anticipated. These can cause problems with network connectivity, which could include DNS issues.

Thus, disabling IPv6 on your PC could solve your “DNS Server Not Responding” error. Follow the steps that are specific to your Operating System (OS).

Conclusion

“DNS Server Not Responding” error is frustrating, mostly because the reason isn’t clear from the start. However, the outcome remains the same: your device is unable to connect to a DNS server, which prevents it from connecting to any site or other online platform.

This guide has outlined the most frequently occurring reasons and solutions. We hope you’ll use it for a useful purpose.

FAQs: DNS Server Not Responding