Real solutions to stop "DNS server not responding" errors on your Mac or Windows PC
Are you getting "DNS not responding" or "DNS server might be unavailable" errors? These errors occur when your device can't turn hostnames and domains into IP addresses . Although DNS server errors are frustrating and will keep you from browsing the web, we're here to help! Read on to learn how to fix DNS Not Responding problems on your computer for good.
DNS Server Not Responding: What It Means & How to Fix It
DNS server errors occur when your device can't turn domain names into IP addresses. There could be a problem with your DNS cache, internet connection, VPN, or the DNS servers themselves. You can stop the error by restarting your network, clearing your browser and computer's DNS caches, or changing your DNS servers.
Steps
Section 1 of 2:
Troubleshooting
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Run a network troubleshooter. If you haven't already, you can use the built-in network troubleshooters to check for connectivity issues. If the issue is related to DNS specifically, you'll see an error like "The DNS server is not responding," "Your computer appears to be correctly configured, but the device or resource (DNS server) is not responding," or "your DNS server might be unavailable."
- Windows 10:
- Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Status .
- Click Network troubleshooter under "Change your network settings."
- Follow the steps in the troubleshooter. [1] X Trustworthy Source Microsoft Support Technical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source
- Windows 11:
- Right-click the Wi-Fi, globe, or ethernet icon at the bottom-right corner (in the system tray) and select Diagnose network problems .
- If a problem is detected, you'll see an error.
- Mac:
- Press and hold Option as you click the Wi-Fi status icon in the menu bar. [2] X Research source
- Click Open Wireless Diagnostics and follow the on-screen instructions.
- If you see "DNS resolution failure," the issue is DNS related. If you see a broader error like "LAN Connectivity Failure," the issue is likely your connection to the internet.
- Windows 10:
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Clear your web browser's DNS cache. If Chrome, Safari, Edge, or your preferred browser is giving you a DNS error, there could be a problem with the DNS cache. To clear it:
- Chrome and Edge:
- Type or paste chrome://net-internals/#dns into the address bar at the top of your browser and press Enter or Return .
- Click Clear host cache and then restart your browser.
- Safari:
- If you don't see the Develop menu when Safari is open, enable it in Safari > Settings > Advanced > Show features for web developers . [3] X Research source
- Click the Develop menu and select Empty Caches .
- Restart Safari and try browsing again.
Advertisement - Chrome and Edge:
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Try connecting with a different device. If you can connect another device, such as a phone, tablet, or computer, to the same Wi-Fi network that's giving you the DNS server error, try doing so. You'll know your network is working fine if the other device doesn't give you the same DNS error.
Tip: If you're having trouble with a specific website, try accessing it using mobile data. If you still can't access the site, the issue is on the site's end.
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Flush the DNS cache. If you don't have another device to test with, or you're only getting a DNS error on one device, flushing the DNS cache on that device will often fix the problem.
- Windows:
- Close your web browser and all open programs.
- Press the Windows key , type cmd , and press Enter to open Command Prompt .
- Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter .
- Mac:
- In your Launchpad, type terminal , then click Terminal in the search results.
- Type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Return .
- Type your password when prompted to complete the flush.
- Windows:
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Power cycle your network. If all devices on the network are getting DNS errors, restarting your router and/or modem will often fix the problem. To completely clear the cache on your network, you'll want to restart the modem, router, and your device in a particular way:
- If your router and modem are two separate devices, unplug the power cords from each device. If you have one combined unit, unplug it. Wait about a minute.
- Plug the modem back in and wait 3-5 minutes. If you have a separate router, don't plug it back in yet.
- (If your modem/router is not combined into one unit): Once the modem is back up (after 3-5 minutes), plug your router back in and wait another 3-5 minutes.
- When the modem and router (or combo gateway) are back online, reconnect to Wi-Fi if your computer doesn't connect automatically, then try using the internet again.
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Try restarting your computer in Safe Mode. In some cases, some software installed on your computer—often security and antivirus software—can cause the DNS servers not to respond. If you don't get the "DNS server isn't responding" error in safe mode, uninstall any recently installed software that may be interfering with your connection.
- If you're unsure how to boot into safe mode, see our guide to booting into safe mode for Mac and Windows.
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See if you can ping IP addresses directly. This test will determine whether the problem relates to your internet connection or the DNS servers. On Windows, reopen Command Prompt. On a Mac, reopen Terminal. Then, follow these steps:
- Type ping 8.8.4.4
and press Enter
or Return
.
- Mac only: After about 15-20 seconds, press Ctrl + C to stop the ping.
- If you see "Reply from 8.8.4.4" or "64 bytes from 8.8.4.4" followed by some statistics, your internet connection is working.
- If you see "Request timed out" or "Destination host unreachable," there is a problem with your internet connection, not your DNS servers. See our guide to troubleshooting your internet connection .
- Now type ping dns.google and press Enter or Return .
- If you get an error like "Ping request could not find host," "Name or service not known," or "cannot resolve dns.google: Unknown host," but were able to ping 8.8.4.4, the DNS servers your computer is using are not working, but your internet is working. In this case, see this method to learn how to change your DNS servers to ones that won't give you errors.
- Type ping 8.8.4.4
and press Enter
or Return
.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhere do I enter the D.N.S. server?Community AnswerIn Network Connections in your WiFi or in Ethernet properties under internet protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
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QuestionWhat do I do if I have done everything on the list, but when I open my browser, it still says DNS cannot be found?Community AnswerWait. Your internet provider is most likely having some trouble and their DNS server will not be available until they fix it themselves. If you want to verify this, or find out when the problem will be solved, call them.
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QuestionMy WiFi is not working on my laptop but still works on my phone. How do I resolve this?Community AnswerThese are the steps I have taken to resolve this issue. 1. Connected my laptop to the router with RJ45 cable, and tested a website -- works fine. 2. Removed the cable and tried wireless -- Error. 3. Deleted the wireless profile from my laptop (Network and Sharing Center --> Manage wireless Network --> select the network --> Remove). 4. Wireless network connection and select the wireless --> Enter the wireless password.
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Tips
- Resetting your router periodically is a good way to prevent DNS issues from happening.Thanks
- After resetting your DNS cache, your computer will load websites a bit slower the first time you visit them. This is because your computer establishes and verifies a new DNS address for the site.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/fix-wi-fi-connection-issues-in-windows-9424a1f7-6a3b-65a6-4d78-7f07eee84d2c
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/use-wireless-diagnostics-mchlf4de377f/14.0/mac/14.0
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/use-the-developer-tools-in-the-develop-menu-sfri20948/mac
- ↑ https://developers.google.com/speed/public-dns/docs/using
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-dns-settings-on-mac-mh14127/mac
About This Article
Article Summary
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To fix a DNS server not responding problem, try reaching the site with another device like a phone, since if this works you’ll know that the issue is with your other device. Alternatively, try to visit the site using a different web browser, such as Firefox or Chrome. If this works, try uninstalling and reinstalling your original browser to solve the problem. You could also try power cycling your modem and router by disconnecting them and letting them sit for at least 30 seconds. Then, reconnect them to the power supply, wait for them to reload, and try the website again. As another option, try connecting your device to the router with an Ethernet cable, since if you can access the site via the Ethernet it shows you have a problem with your wireless router. If this is the case, reset your router to resolve the issue. For tips on how to flush the DNS cache, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "Step 4: Change your DNS server. This article helped me a lot, I was more than 4 days without Internet. I followed these steps, and now my connections are perfect again like before. Thank you so much, wikiHow." ..." more
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"Step 4: Change your DNS server. This article helped me a lot, I was more than 4 days without Internet. I followed these steps, and now my connections are perfect again like before. Thank you so much, wikiHow."
..."
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"My laptop and devices were working fine. But suddenly, while my wife was using her computer and online, the Internet became unresponsive. I checked my phone and my laptop, and all was well there. I rebooted my wife's computer, and still no luck. I Googled "How to fix DNS server not responding" and found this article. Thanks."
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"I had been without Internet only on my laptop at work for over 4 weeks. I found this article a week or so ago. I've been going through the steps when I got a chance, without success. Finally got to the last one today, which finally fixed the problem. Very thankful for this info!"
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"I have not yet tried out the steps, but the whole procedure seems great and comprehensive. A simple restart and unplugging the router may have enabled me to get on with my previous task. Please keep up the good work, and thanks a lot for being there."
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"The problem was solved when I manually changed my DNS server. But I think I might need to reset my router. It's been the same since 2 years ago. And since I use torrent, and there might be some WIFI hackers out there. It's a must to change the router."
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