The “DNS Server Not Responding” error disrupts internet access due to network misconfigurations, ISP issues, or outdated settings. Fix it by restarting the router, changing DNS servers, flushing the cache, updating drivers, or disabling security software. If issues persist, contact your ISP. Reliable DNS hosting, like Crazy Domains, ensures stable connectivity and security for seamless browsing.

The Domain Name System (DNS) is essential for internet browsing. It translates friendly domain names for humans into numerical IP addresses. Users without DNS would have to remember large IP addresses rather than basic URLs like ‘google.com’.

If the DNS is unsuccessful in handling a request, the user receives the error “DNS Server Not Responding,” which hinders website loading. Such issues may be caused by network misconfigurations, an outdated DNS setting, or an issue from the ISP’s side.

A non-responsive DNS server reduces connection, affecting both personal and business activity. This blog offers in-depth troubleshooting provisions for quick resolution of common faults, ensuring seamless surfing and a sustained connection.

Common Causes of the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error

When a DNS server misses processing requests, restricting access to websites results in the “DNS Server Not Responding” error. There are several reasons this could arise:

  • Network Connectivity issues: A weak data connection can restrict devices from reaching DNS servers. In such cases, a router restart or network change would help.
  • Incorrect DNS Settings: Manually misconfigured DNS addresses or outdated settings can lead to failed queries. Switching to public DNS servers often resolves this.
  • Firewall or Security Software Interference: Some firewalls or antivirus programs block DNS requests, mistaking them for threats. Temporarily disabling security software can identify the issue.
  • ISP-Related Problems: If an ISP’s DNS server is down, users may experience outages. Changing DNS settings to Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS can restore access.
  • Outdated Network Drivers: Corrupt or outdated drivers may disrupt internet communication. Updating network drivers ensures compatibility with DNS services.
  • Overloaded or Unresponsive DNS Servers: If a DNS server is under heavy traffic, it may become slow or unresponsive. Choosing a different server can fix the issue.
Also Read: Easy Guide to DNS Hosting

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error

If you see the “DNS Server Not Responding” error, try these solutions to restore connectivity:

1. Restart Your Router and Modem

Restarting your router refreshes network settings and can resolve temporary DNS issues.

  1. Power off your modem and router.
  2. Unplug them from the power source and wait 30 seconds.
  3. Reconnect the devices and turn them on.
  4. Wait for the internet connection to stabilise.
  5. Test your connection to see if the error persists.

2. Try Using a Different Web Browser

The issue may be browser-specific, preventing DNS resolution.

  1. Open another browser (e.g., switch from Chrome to Firefox).
  2. Try loading the same website.
  3. If it works, clear your original browser’s cache.
  4. Disable extensions that may interfere with DNS requests.

If the issue persists, move to the next solution.

3. Disable Security Software and Firewalls

Temporarily, firewalls and antivirus software sometimes block DNS requests, mistaking them for threats.

  1. Open your antivirus or firewall settings.
  2. Temporarily disable real-time protection.
  3. Try reconnecting to a website.

If this fixes the issue, add your DNS service to the firewall exceptions list before re-enabling security software.

4. Change Your DNS Server

Switching to a public DNS server like Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) can resolve unresponsive DNS issues.

For Windows:

  1. Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections.
  2. Right-click your active connection and select Properties.
  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  4. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
    • Preferred: 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate: 8.8.4.4
  5. Click OK and restart your connection.

For Mac:

  1. Open System Preferences > Network.
  2. Select your active connection and click Advanced.
  3. Go to the DNS tab, click +, and enter:
    • 8.8.8.8
    • 1.1.1.1
  4. Click Apply to save changes.

5. Flush DNS Cache and Reset Network Settings

Flushing the DNS cache removes outdated records that may cause conflicts.

Flush DNS on Windows:

  1. Open Command Prompt (Run as Administrator).
  2. Type: Editipconfig /flushdns
  3. Press Enter, then restart your connection.

Flush DNS on Mac:

  1. Open Terminal and enter: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
  2. Press Enter, then restart your Mac.

Resetting network settings can also help resolve persistent DNS errors.

Pro Tip: Use free tools like Google’s Dig (DNS Lookup) or GRC’s DNS Benchmark to check your DNS server performance. These tools help identify latency issues and suggest the best-performing DNS options for your region.

6. Update Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers can prevent devices from communicating with DNS servers. Updating them ensures better performance.

For Windows:

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network Adapters.
  3. Right-click your active network adapter and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

For Mac:

  1. Click the Apple menu > System Settings.
  2. Go to Software Update and check for system updates.
  3. If available, install the latest macOS version

When to Contact Your ISP or IT Support

The “DNS Server Not Responding” problem could also mean that there is an issue at the ISP’s end. Server blackouts, regional restrictions, or DNS outages at the ISP level can prevent a website from loading. Check the ISP’s status page or reach out to support to confirm if any such issues are ongoing.

If switching to a public DNS server (Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS) did not help, intervention from your ISP may be required. Businesses that rely on stable DNS performance should look at a premium DNS hosting solution. Crazy Domains can help with reliable DNS services with connectivity and security.

Pro Tip: If your ISP denies you access to sites, a VPN can reroute your connection and bypass those geographic restrictions. However, this should only be a temporary measure until the ISP fixes the issue.

Final Thoughts

To resolve the “DNS Server Not Responding” error, first troubleshoot, restart your router, and modify DNS settings. Other solutions include flushing DNS regularly, changing to public DNS servers, and upgrading the network drivers regularly. If these don’t work, contact your ISP or upgrade to a more reliable DNS hosting service.

Having a stable DNS connection ensures smooth browsing, secure transactions, and continuous access to websites. Don’t let any DNS issues affect your online experience. Count on Crazy Domains for reliable DNS performance as part of their excellent hosting solutions.

Contact us today!