Most internet users face the frustrating “DNS server not responding” error while trying to visit websites. This error pops up because your device fails to connect to the Domain Name System (DNS) - the internet’s address book. Your browser can’t load websites even with an active internet connection if DNS servers don’t translate domain names into IP addresses.

Several factors trigger the DNS server not responding error. The biggest problems include network connectivity issues, faulty hardware, antivirus software interference, wrong DNS records, and DNS server outages. The good news? You can fix this problem easily. This piece shows you practical steps to troubleshoot - from clearing your DNS cache to using public DNS services like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1). You’ll also learn how to spot network problems that make your DNS server unavailable.

What is the DNS server not responding mean?

The DNS server not responding error occurs when your computer is unable to access Domain Name System servers. You won’t be able to access websites even when your internet is working fine. Let us break down what DNS is and how it works so that you better understand this error.

The role of DNS in internet communication

The Domain Name System (DNS) works as the internet’s address book. DNS servers store records that associate domain names with certain IP addresses. The system converts readable domain names (e.g., mysite.com) to IP addresses (e.g., 127.0.0.1) machines can read. Without DNS, you would need to remember strings of numbers for each page you wish to open.

Here is what happens when you browse the web:

  1. You type a domain name in your browser (e.g., dreamhost.com)
  2. Your device asks a DNS server for help
  3. The DNS server searches for the matching IP address
  4. The server sends the IP address back to your browser
  5. Your browser connects you to the website using that IP address

This usually happens in a second. The DNS server not responding error pops up when something breaks this chain of events.

What the error message actually means

The DNS server not responding message means that your browser tried to access a DNS server but failed. Without DNS working, your browser has no clue where to look for the site you require.

Different browsers and devices show this error in various ways:

  • “DNS server not responding”
  • “The DNS server isn’t responding”
  • “Device or resource (DNS server) is not responding”
  • “This Site Can’t Be Reached”
  • Error codes like DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

These messages might look different, but they all point to the same thing - DNS isn’t working right.

Why DNS resolution fails

DNS is spread across multiple servers around the world. All of these servers together keep track of which domain names map to which IP addresses. You would see a DNS server not responding error when there is a hiccup in this process:

  1. DNS server unavailability: The DNS server that you are trying to reach may be down or not functioning properly. Network connection issues between your location and the server can also cause things not to work.
  2. Connection problems often start on your end, not with DNS servers. Your device might have trouble reaching DNS servers because of:
  • Router or modem issues
  • Wrong network settings
  • Problems with your internet service
  1. DNS Record Issues Sometimes, the DNS records themselves are the issue. Incorrect, out-of-date, or missing DNS records cause the server to fail to return the correct IP address.
  2. Local Software Interference: Your firewall, antivirus, or browser plug-ins could interfere with DNS requests and cause the impression that the DNS server is not functioning.

Distinguishing DNS errors from other connection problems

DNS errors manifest differently from standard internet problems. With DNS issues, you can still connect to the internet via apps that do not need DNS or use cached DNS information.

You will be able to identify a DNS issue when some sites load and others don’t. This is where your internet is good, but DNS is not connecting to certain sites.

Technical explanation of DNS server function

DNS servers do more than basic lookups. If you enter a domain name, your computer first checks what it knows. When that fails, it asks your DNS server (usually from your internet service provider). This server might have to ask other servers before it gets to the one that knows about the site you’re searching for.

Several things can go wrong here:

  • Your computer might remember old information
  • Your DNS server might be offline
  • The main DNS server for the website might have problems
  • Network issues might stop DNS servers from talking to each other

The “DNS server not responding” error tells you this lookup chain broke somewhere, so your browser can not get the IP address it needs. Windows users often see this error after their computer wakes up from sleep. The internet might look connected, but nothing works until the DNS problem gets fixed.

Impact on different devices and browsers

Any internet-connected device can be faced with DNS server problems. They include computers, phones, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all show the error differently, but the cause is the same.

WiFi users will sometimes get a particular “WiFi DNS server not responding” message that is unique from the one that appears on wired connections.

Knowing what DNS server not responding error is helps you not to take long to solve it. Even though the error message does not tell you what happened, it informs you that DNS isn’t working rather than implying other internet problems.

Why does the “DNS server not responding” error occur

The “DNS server not responding” is shown in many situations. You might be unable to access the websites you need. Knowing why it happens helps you choose the best option for your case.

Network connectivity problems lead to a list of DNS server malfunctions. Your computer may not connect to the internet, and DNS errors are the result. Flaky WiFi signals, faulty Ethernet cables, or incorrect network settings may sever the link between your device and DNS servers.

Your own equipment is also at fault. Modem, network interface card, and router issues are the most frequent reasons for DNS failure. These are the parts that make up the solid base DNS depends on. All it takes is a quick scan of different hardware connections and replacing faulty parts to fix these problems.

Security software blocks DNS servers, too. Your firewall, antivirus, and VPN shield you from harm, but their strict rules sometimes block DNS servers from talking to your device. These strict security settings raise barriers that block DNS from working. You can temporarily turn off these shields to determine if they are the cause of your DNS problem.

Inadequate DNS cache information normally blocks servers from responding. Your computer maintains a DNS cache of IP addresses to download familiar sites faster. This cache minimizes DNS server requests for sites that you visit more often. However, corrupt or outdated cache information will interfere with existing information and cause DNS server failure.

Server problems often trigger DNS errors, too. DNS servers sometimes go down because:

  • Too many users overload the servers
  • Technical problems in server systems
  • Updates during maintenance
  • DDoS attacks hit DNS infrastructure

During blackouts, your machine cannot reach DNS servers. This blocks access to websites regardless of the quality of your connection. You’ll have to wait for providers to fix server-side problems.

Faulty DNS entries may not allow servers to respond. Site owners may modify IP addresses without updating DNS entries so that servers cannot find the correct domain. Faulty IP entries or bad updates destroy the DNS chain, giving domain names as IP addresses.

Network adapters are one of the most frequent reasons for DNS server problems. Network adapters link your computer to the network of your ISP. Wrong adapter settings or corrupted drivers do not allow DNS servers to work. These setting errors block proper DNS requests.

Each server in the chain needs to work properly for DNS requests. There are failed queries when servers time out, freeze, or give wrong information. Any break in this chain doesn’t make domain names work.

Filters between your computer and DNS servers can interfere with connections. Hostile router settings or proxy servers can block DNS traffic. Some security settings limit access to specific IP addresses. DNS servers using special ports for security can be inaccessible.

Broken delegations cause server failures. Missing or invalid ‘NS’ records in parent zones break the delegation chain. This contaminates the DNS hierarchy and disables domains from working.

Users sometimes generate DNS server problems. Administrators’ incorrect zone entries lead to resolution failures. Such errors generate bad links between IP addresses and domains.

ISP problems can stop DNS servers from responding. When your provider’s DNS infrastructure fails, all customers are deprived of DNS resolution. Most systems default to ISP DNS servers, so provider problems affect everyone.

Root hints problems dismantle DNS resolution altogether. Incorrectly configured root server data can’t cause servers to work. Without proper root hints, DNS servers won’t be able to find domain information.

Sleep mode users usually see the “DNS server not responding” message subsequently. The connection can seem live, yet pages won’t show up until DNS comes back into action. That’s due to the fact that Windows handles network connections during power state changes.

DNS server mistakes need different fixes because they have many causes. Network problems, hardware malfunctions, software blocking, and server crashes can all interfere with DNS communication. DNS is the internet’s address book, so anything that goes wrong stops websites from loading even with an internet connection.

Basic troubleshooting for DNS server not responding

Internet connection problems are often resolved with quick troubleshooting steps that fix DNS server issues. You don’t need advanced technical knowledge to get back online within minutes.

Restarting the router and modem to refresh the connection

Your network equipment needs a reboot as the first step to fix DNS server problems. This simple action cleans the internal cache and fixes degraded connections.

Here’s how to restart your networking equipment properly:

  1. Turn off your router and modem completely
  2. Unplug both devices from their power sources
  3. Wait approximately 30-60 seconds (this ensures complete power discharge)
  4. Reconnect the modem first and allow it to fully initialize (typically 1-2 minutes)
  5. Once modem lights stabilize, reconnect and power on your router
  6. Allow 2-3 minutes for all connections to reestablish

The process eliminates transitory issues that build up within network equipment after prolonged use. Users mention that this solution resolves DNS issues promptly after weeks of uninterrupted use. The duration spent between shutdown and boot is key, your machines need this gap to recover from their internal statuses and form fresh connections with your Internet Service Provider.

Your router might need a factory reset (usually through a tiny reset button) if problems continue. Make sure you note your existing settings first since you will need to reestablish your network afterward.

Switching browsers or devices to isolate the issue

DNS errors that persist after a network restart need testing with different browsers or devices. This helps you find whether the problem affects a specific application or your entire network.

Here’s how to isolate browser-specific issues:

  • Try Firefox or Edge if Chrome shows DNS errors
  • A successful connection in another browser points to corrupted settings in your default browser
  • Your problematic browser might need an update or reinstallation

Device testing works this way:

  • Connect to the same website using your WiFi-enabled phone
  • Use another computer or tablet if you have one
  • Test your connection through mobile data instead of WiFi

These tests give you useful diagnostic information. Multiple devices with the same DNS issues on the same network point to router or ISP-level problems. Problems with a single device mean you should focus on the individual device.

A rapid change of networks from WiFi to mobile data, indicates if your internet connection is the reason for DNS failures. The test shows if the problem occurs in your home network or is present on all networks.

Running Windows and macOS network diagnostics

Windows and Mac OS come with built-in tools that find and sometimes fix DNS-related problems automatically.

For Windows users:

  1. Connect to the problematic network
  2. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center
  3. Click “Troubleshoot problems” under “Change your networking settings”
  4. Select “Additional troubleshooters” → “Internet Connections”
  5. Click “Run the troubleshooter” and follow the on-screen instructions

The Windows troubleshooter checks network connections and tries to fix detected issues automatically. Advanced users can run these commands in an administrative Command Prompt:

  • netsh winsock reset
  • netsh int ip reset

Reboot your computer after running these commands. They reset your network stack and IP settings to default values, which usually resolves intransigent DNS problems.

For Mac users:

  1. Join the troublesome network
  2. Press the Option key and click the WiFi status icon in the menu bar
  3. Choose “Open Wireless Diagnostics”
  4. Go through the on-screen instructions to scan your network connection

Mac users can use another option to delete and re-add their network interface:

  1. System Preferences (or System Settings) → Network
  2. Select your current connection and press the minus (-) button to remove it
  3. Press the plus (+) button to re-add the interface
  4. Configure the connection settings and apply the changes

This technique gets rid of old network configurations and permits your system to establish new connection parameters.

These tests diagnose precise problems like IP assignment errors, routing issues, or DNS settings problems. The proposed fixes mostly fix basic DNS problems.

Your computer might need further action if diagnostics reveal more severe issues. Windows users can have corrupted Winsock entries or IP stack problems. Mac users occasionally need Terminal commands to flush the DNS cache when automatic measures fail.

Tough cases need more investigation. Windows users can check DNS settings with ipconfig /all to see their current DNS servers. Mac users use scutil –dns to view their DNS resolver setup.

Automated tools work best with manual troubleshooting steps. This combination gives you the best chance to fix persistent DNS server problems.

Restrictions and when to call your ISP

You might still be having DNS issues despite trying some basic troubleshooting. Finding out if your Internet Service Provider is the culprit is now a highly critical next step. There is only so much that can be done for oneself, so it is crucial to know when to bring in the experts.

Signs your DNS server might be unavailable

Looking for specific symptoms has the effect of separating local machine issues from issues on a bigger network scale. The following are the key symptoms to look for:

  • Slow or unresponsive web browsing on multiple devices connected to your network
  • Frequent webpage timeouts, even with an active internet connection
  • Error messages specifically mentioning DNS failures across different browsers
  • Knowing how to access websites by IP address but not by domain name
  • Complete internet disconnection in severe cases

DNS server problems can be tricky since your connection seems to be there, but sites won’t load. You can still access programs that do not need DNS resolution or use cached DNS information. This is a DNS-specific problem rather than a problem with the connection itself.

A good sign of DNS server problems is when you can access sites by their IP addresses but not by their domain names. It’s a clear sign of DNS resolution failure instead of an overall internet failure.

When to escalate to ISP support for DNS server issues

Certainly, being aware of the best time to call your ISP conserves time and annoyance. Contact your provider when:

  1. Some of the devices on your network are experiencing the same issue, ruling out device-specific problems
  2. Switching to public DNS servers (like Google’s 8.8.8.8) temporarily solves the issue, which means your ISP’s DNS servers aren’t working properly
  3. None of the standard troubleshooting methods from previous sections work
  4. DNS problems equal reported outages in your area

Gather relevant information prior to calling for assistance to help expedite the solution. Make a note of what you have done so far and what happened. That means you have researched and supported staff to locate the problem quicker.

Notify your ISP’s support staff that you suspect their DNS servers are the issue. Share any error messages and if other DNS servers temporarily resolve it. This specific approach prevents representatives from suggesting things you’ve already tried.

Your provider’s website might include network status pages with lists of ongoing service issues. Phone ahead of phoning - they might report a reported DNS server problem in your area.

ISP-related DNS issues typically arise from:

  1. DNS server downtime due to maintenance or technical problems
  2. Excessive traffic levels that bog down their DNS infrastructure
  3. ISP filtering or blocks on DNS traffic

In the meantime, consider switching to good public DNS servers from Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), or OpenDNS. Such alternatives tend to be more stable than ISP servers and may eliminate recurring DNS issues for good.

Remember that first-line support staff may not always pick up DNS-specific issues, even if you should report DNS server faults. Be prepared to ask for a supervisor if the first person you speak with does not understand DNS server crashes. Many users state that “tech support has no techies on the first level.”.

Persistent DNS server failures usually indicate more fundamental infrastructure issues that require the expertise of a professional. Having ISP support when troubleshooting alone is not yielding results will provide you with quicker solutions to those pesky “DNS server not responding” issues.

Conclusion

This article has given you a complete overview of DNS servers not responding to errors. Such frustrating problems are caused by network connectivity errors, hardware errors, interference from security software, DNS cache corruption, and server errors. Knowing such mechanisms makes it simpler for you to diagnose DNS problems.

Simple troubleshooting methods can fix most DNS server issues fast. A router reset and modem reset clear out transient issues in your network devices. It also fixes changing browsers or devices to determine if the problem persists throughout your whole network or with a specific application. If the simple remedies fail to correct the issue, Windows or macOS network diagnostics can automatically diagnose and correct DNS-related issues.

All of the above, there are certain DNS server problems that you cannot do anything about. You have to call your ISP after you have tried all the steps of troubleshooting without success. Your ISP might need to step in when a DNS error shows on multiple devices, connections work using IP addresses but not domain names, and switching to alternative DNS servers only works for a short while.

The quickest solution to fix the DNS server not responding to issues starts with simple steps like rebooting networking equipment. You can then try to modify the DNS servers and move on to advanced troubleshooting before you call your service provider. Step-by-step treatment usually remedies even stubborn DNS issues and gets your internet working again.