DNS Server Not Responding? How to Find the Cause and Fix It

Your device says it is connected to the internet, but websites still refuse to load. That is usually when the “DNS server not responding” error appears, leaving you unsure whether the problem is your browser, device, router, or internet provider. 

The good news is that this error is often easier to fix than it looks. In this guide, we will explain what the “DNS server not responding” error actually means, its likely causes, and how you can fix it on different devices so you can open websites normally again.

What Is the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It helps your browser find websites by changing domain names into IP addresses. For example, when you type a website name into your browser, DNS helps your device find the right server behind that website.

The “DNS server not responding” error appears when your device sends that request but does not get a proper reply from the DNS server. Your internet may still look connected, but the browser cannot load the website because the DNS lookup is not completing.

How to Check If DNS Is Actually the Problem

Before trying any fixes, check whether the problem is actually DNS-related. Here’s where you should start: 

Try Another Website or App

Open a different website first. If only one website fails to load, the issue may be with that website instead of your DNS server. You can also check an app that needs the internet, such as YouTube, Gmail, or a messaging app. If apps still load but websites do not, the issue is more likely tied to how your browser or device is handling website requests.

Test Another Browser or Device

Try opening the same website in another browser. If it loads there, your main browser may have a cache, extension, or settings issue. You can also test the same website on another device. If it works on your phone but not on your laptop, the problem is likely limited to that device rather than the whole network.

Check Other Devices on the Same WiFi

Check another phone, laptop, tablet, or smart TV connected to the same WiFi network. If they all show the same problem, you are probably not dealing with one browser acting up. If only one device shows the error, keep the troubleshooting focused on that device first.

Why Is My DNS Server Not Responding? Common Causes

DNS server not responding errors can come from a few different places. These are the common causes to check first:

• Router or Modem Glitch: Your device may stay connected to WiFi, but the router or modem may stop passing DNS requests properly. Long uptime or inconsistent router behavior can sometimes trigger the error.

• Corrupted DNS Cache: Your device saves DNS records so websites can load faster the next time you visit them. If those saved records become outdated or incorrect, your browser may fail to reach the right website server.

• ISP DNS Server Problem: Most devices use the DNS server assigned by the internet provider. If that DNS server is slow, overloaded, or temporarily unavailable, websites may fail to load even when the internet connection appears active.

• Firewall, Antivirus, or VPN Interference: Firewall rules, antivirus tools, or VPN apps can interrupt DNS requests. The issue may appear after an app update, settings change, or custom DNS configuration.

• Wrong Network Settings: Incorrect DNS entries, old adapter settings, or IP configuration problems can also trigger the error. In most cases, it affects one device unless the wrong settings are applied through the router.

How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding

Start with the safer fixes first. Most DNS server not responding errors do not need a full router reset or major network changes.

Fix #1: Restart the Device and Router

A restart can clear temporary network issues that stop DNS requests from completing. Start with your device first. If the error still appears, restart the router.

To restart your device:

1. Close your browser.
2. Restart your computer, phone, or tablet.
3. Open your browser again.
4. Try loading the website.

If the error still appears, restart your router:

1. Unplug your router from the power source.
2. Wait around 30 seconds.
3. Plug the router back in.
4. Wait until the internet light becomes stable.
5. Reconnect your device to WiFi.
6. Try loading the website again.

If you use a separate modem and router, restart the modem first, then restart the router.

Fix #2: Change Your DNS Settings

Your device may be using the DNS server assigned by your internet provider. If that server is slow or not responding, switching to a reliable public DNS server can help.

DNS Provider	Preferred DNS	Alternate DNS
Google DNS	8.8.8.8	8.8.4.4
Cloudflare DNS	1.1.1.1	1.0.0.1
Quad9 DNS	9.9.9.9	149.112.112.112

To change your DNS settings on Windows:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Network and Internet.
3. Open your active WiFi or Ethernet connection.
4. Look for DNS Server Assignment or IP Assignment.
5. Select Edit.
6. Change DNS from automatic to manual.
7. Enter your preferred and alternate DNS addresses.
8. Save the changes and reconnect to the network.

To change your DNS settings on macOS:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to Network.
3. Select your active WiFi or Ethernet connection.
4. Open Details or Advanced, depending on your macOS version.
5. Select DNS.
6. Add the DNS server addresses you want to use.
7. Save the changes and reconnect to the network.

Change DNS on your device first. If every device on the same WiFi shows the same error, changing DNS from the router settings may make more sense because the whole network will use the new DNS server.

Fix #3: Temporarily Disable Firewall, Antivirus, or VPN

Firewall, antivirus, and VPN apps can sometimes interfere with DNS requests. Turn them off one at a time so you know which one is causing trouble.

To test your VPN:

1. Disconnect the VPN.
2. Open the website again.
3. Reconnect the VPN after testing if you still need it.

To test your antivirus:

1. Pause your antivirus protection briefly.
2. Open the website again.
3. Turn your antivirus protection back on after testing.

To test your firewall:

1. Temporarily disable the firewall.
2. Open the website again.
3. Turn the firewall back on after testing.

If the website loads after turning one of these off, you have likely found the tool causing the issue. For a VPN, try another server or remove custom DNS settings. For antivirus or firewall, check whether your browser or the website has been blocked and allow it again. 

Fix #4: Flush the DNS Cache

Your device saves DNS lookup records so websites can load faster later. If those records are old or incorrect, flushing the DNS cache can make the device request fresh DNS information.

To flush DNS on Windows:

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Type Command Prompt.
3. Select Run as administrator.
4. Run this command: ipconfig /flushdns
5. Press Enter.
6. Restart your browser and test the website again.

To flush DNS on macOS:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Run this command: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
3. Press Enter.
4. Enter your Mac password if asked.
5. Restart your browser and test the website again.

Fix #5: Update Your Network Adapter

An outdated or buggy network adapter driver can sometimes cause connection problems, including DNS errors. This is more likely if the error started after a Windows update, router change, or repeated WiFi drops.

To update your network adapter on Windows:

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Open Device Manager.
3. Expand Network Adapters.
4. Right-click your WiFi or Ethernet adapter.
5. Select Update Driver.
6. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
7. Restart your device after the update.
8. Open your browser and test the website again.

On Mac, network adapter updates usually come through macOS updates instead of a separate driver menu.

To check for macOS updates:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to General.
3. Select Software Update.
4. Install any available update.
5. Restart your Mac.
6. Open your browser and test the website again.

What If the DNS Server Still Does Not Respond?

If the error stays after the main fixes, avoid changing more settings blindly. At this point, check whether the problem is outside your device.

Check Whether the Issue Is With Your ISP

Your internet provider may be having a DNS or service issue, especially if every device on the same WiFi shows the same error.

To check:

1. Turn off WiFi on your phone and use mobile data.
2. Try opening the same website.
3. Check your ISP’s app, website, or support page from mobile data.
4. Ask someone nearby using the same provider if their connection is working.
5. Contact your ISP if the issue affects every device on your network.

If your ISP confirms an outage, there is not much to fix on your device. Wait for the service to come back, then restart your router and test again.

Try a Wired Connection

A wired connection can help you separate a WiFi problem from a wider internet or DNS problem.

To test it:

1. Connect your computer to the router with an Ethernet cable.
2. Turn off WiFi on the computer.
3. Open your browser.
4. Try loading the same website again.

If the website loads over Ethernet, the issue may be with WiFi signal, router WiFi settings, or the device’s wireless adapter. If it still does not load, the problem is probably not just WiFi.

Factory Reset Your Router as a Last Resort

Only factory reset your router after safer fixes fail. A factory reset can remove your WiFi name, WiFi password, custom DNS settings, parental controls, port forwarding rules, and any ISP login details your connection may need.

To do it:

1. Find the Reset button on the router. It is usually a small recessed button on the back or bottom.
2. Keep the router powered on.
3. Press and hold the Reset button for around 10 to 15 seconds, or follow the timing in your router manual.
4. Wait for the router lights to blink or restart.
5. Let the router fully reboot.
6. Set up the router again using the router app, admin panel, or ISP instructions.
7. Reconnect your devices to WiFi.
8. Open your browser and test the website again.

The exact reset process can vary by router model, so check your router manual or ISP support page if the reset button does not work the same way. 

How Do I Fix DNS Server Not Responding on Android?

Try these fixes in order:

• Restart your Android phone.
• Switch between WiFi and mobile data to see if the issue is tied to one connection.
• Forget the WiFi network, then reconnect to it.
• Check Private DNS if you have changed it before.
• Reset network settings only if the error continues after the simpler fixes.

How Do I Fix DNS Server Not Responding on iPhone?

Try these fixes in order:

• Restart your iPhone.
• Turn WiFi off and on again.
• Forget the WiFi network, then rejoin it.
• Change DNS manually from the WiFi settings if needed.
• Use Reset Network Settings only after simpler fixes fail, since it removes saved network settings.

Frequently Asked Questions