Encountering a "DNS server not responding" error can prevent your device from connecting to the internet, which can be quite frustrating. DNS, or Domain Name System, is a critical part of the internet that translates domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers use to establish connections. There are several steps you can take to resolve this issue.
Check Your Connection
1. Restart your router and modem. Often, restarting your network hardware can fix the issue.
2. Try connecting to a different network. This will help you determine if the problem lies with your device.
Change DNS servers
3. Change the DNS servers on your device. By default, devices are set to use DNS servers provided by your internet service provider. Try using public DNS servers, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
Clear DNS Cache
4. Clear the DNS cache. Your computer might store outdated or incorrect information in the DNS cache. Clearing this cache can solve the problem.
- On Windows: Open Command Prompt and enter the command
ipconfig /flushdns.
- On macOS: Open Terminal and enter the command
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.
Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings
5. Check your firewall and antivirus settings. Sometimes, software can prevent proper communication with DNS servers. Make sure your firewall or antivirus program isn’t blocking access to DNS servers.
Update Router Firmware
6. Update your router's firmware. Outdated firmware can cause various network issues, including DNS errors.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, the problem may be with your internet service provider or your device. In such cases, contact your provider's technical support or seek professional help.
Resolving the "DNS server not responding" error requires patience and trying various solutions. In many cases, the problem can be resolved at home without the need for professional intervention.
