How to Fix “DNS Server Not Responding” Error (11 Methods)

A (DNS) is a directory that translates domain names or host names into addresses. Internet Protocol (IP). Thanks to this process, users can easily access websites on the Internet through web browsers.

Sometimes certain DNS error messages can be encountered when accessing a website, one of them is the message “DNS server not responding«. This means that the web browser cannot connect to the site because the DNS server cannot correctly map hostnames to IP addresses.

There are many causes for the DNS server not responding error, from misconfigured network adapters to incorrect DNS server addresses. Fortunately, most of these problems are on the user’s side and can be resolved without much effort.

This article reviews 11 possible solutions to resolve the “DNS server is not responding” issue on Windows and Mac and several common causes of this error message.

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1. Troubleshoot network issues

run a network diagnostics it is the first step to fix the “DNS server is not responding” error. This method can help diagnose and fix all detected network issues and errors without much hassle.

Here we explain how to run network diagnostics for computers Windows Y Mac.

Run Windows Network Diagnostics

Follow the steps to run network diagnostics in Windows 10:

1. On Windows, go to Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center.
2. Select the option Solve problems in Change network settings.
3. click on Additional Troubleshooters -> Internet Connections -> Run the troubleshooter.
4. Wait for the troubleshooting process to complete. If an error message appears in the window, follow the steps listed to fix the problem.

Set up wireless diagnostics on Mac

Here’s how to run wireless diagnostics on macOS:

1. Close all open applications and connect to the network with which you have the problem.
2. While holding down the key Optionselect the icon wifi status in the menu bar and choose Open wireless diagnostics.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to test your network connection.
4. Once the scanning process is complete, click the icon information from the window Summary for more information about each entry in the list.

If this method doesn’t fix your DNS server issues, skip to the next step.

2. Connect with a different device

try connect a different device to the same home network and go to the web page you are having problems with.

If the second device can access the web page using the same network, then the problem is with your primary device.

However, if you still can’t visit the website with other devices connected to the same network, the problem could be your router.

Using other connections such as mobile data can also help ensure that the problem is not on the site’s side.

3. Switch to another web browser

Another simple solution to resolve the “DNS Server Not Responding” issue is visit the website from a different browser.

For example, if your primary browser is MozillaFirefoxtry to access the web page from other browsers like Microsoft Edge Y Google Chrome.

If this method works, update your default browser to the latest version or reinstall it completely. But if the “DNS server is not responding” message reappears, the browser is not the source of the connection problem.

4. Reboot PC in safe mode

A malfunctioning operating system can lead to the “DNS server is not responding” error message.

To find out if this issue is causing your DNS server to be unresponsive, you’ll need to restart your computer in safe modea stripped-down version of your operating system that can limit the files and resources used to run your device.

Here are the steps to start a computer in safe mode in Windows:

1. go to the menu Startselect the button Start/Stoppress the key Shift / Uppercase and select Restart.
2. In the window Choose an optionclick Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options.
3. Select the option Start Settings in the Advanced Options and click Restart.
4. Press F5 on the keyboard to select the option Enable safe mode with networking.

If you’re using a Mac, here’s how to turn on your computer in safe mode:

1. Go to Apple menu -> Shut down. Wait about 10 seconds after your device turns off.
2. Turn on your Mac and quickly hold down the Shift key until you see the login screen.

If your network connection works in safe mode, it means that third-party software might be causing the “DNS server not responding” issue. To solve it, you will have to find and remove the app from your PC.

5. Reboot modem or router

A malfunctioning modem or router can also be the cause of an unresponsive DNS server.

Therefore, you can reboot modem or router to clear the cache and thus fix the DNS server issue.

Press the power button on your router or modem and unplug the power cord from the outlet. Wait at least 30 seconds before pressing the power button again to restart it.

If restarting your modem or router doesn’t work, try resetting to default settings. Check your device’s instruction manual for steps to reset your modem or router.

6. Disable antivirus and firewall

Antivirus and firewall programs aim to protect your device from malicious software. However, these tools can also block your Internet connection.

try temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall programs to check whether or not they are the cause of the “DNS server is not responding” error.

To access antivirus and firewall settings in Windows, select the menu Start and click Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Security -> Virus & Threat Protection.

If you’re using a Mac computer, go to System Preferences -> Security & Privacy -> Firewall.

After disabling your antivirus and firewall programs, run network diagnostics again and open the website from your browser again.

If this resolves the issue, update or reconfigure your antivirus and firewall programs before turning them back on.

7. Disable other connections

Another solution to resolve “DNS server not responding” issue is disable unused connections on your device.

Follow these steps to disconnect additional network connections in Windows:

1. go to Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center.
2. click on Change adapter settings in the left column.
3. The page will appear Network connections. Right click on Local Area Connection and on other connections you’re not using, and select Deactivate.

This is how to disable other network connections on Mac:

1. go to Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Network.
   network on Mac»>
2. Select each of the unused connections on the left side of the screen and click the button less (-) to disconnect that connection.

After disabling all unused connections, restart your browser and try to access the web page again.

8. Change DNS server address

If the website cannot be accessed after the above solutions, please try change your DNS server address.

Your home network is configured to obtain a DNS server address automatically from your internet service provider (ISP). However, if your ISP’s DNS server is not responding, your Internet service will also stop working.

To temporarily resolve this issue, change your DNS settings and use a different DNS address. By doing so, your browser will still be able to load any website on the Internet.

Fortunately, many services like Cloudflare and offer DNS addresses to use for free.

To set up other DNS servers on Windows, follow these steps:

1. Access the page of Network connections writing ncpa.cpl in the Windows search box. Press enter.
2. Right-click the connection you are currently using and click Properties.
3. in the window of PropertiesChoose Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) -> Properties.
4. Check the options Obtain an IP address automatically Y Use the following DNS server addresses in the page Properties: Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
5. Write the addresses of the DNS servers you want in the fields Preferred DNS server Y Alternative DNS server.
6. check the box Validate settings on exit and select To accept.
7. Restart your computer.

Here are the steps to change the DNS server address on Mac:

1. go to Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Network.
2. Click on your primary network connection and select Advanced -> DNS.
   DNS on Mac»>
3. Press the plus button to add a new DNS server. Press okay and then Apply.

Restart your internet connection and see if the “DNS server is not responding” issue is resolved.

9. Flush DNS cache

Another solution to fix DNS server connection problems is . Clear router cache it can help DNS work properly.

Here are the steps to flush DNS cache files in Windows:

1. Write cmd in the windows finder and press enter to access the Windows command console.
2. At the command line, type ipconfig/flushdns and press Enter.
3. If the process is successful, a confirmation message will appear on the command line.

The steps to flush DNS cache files on Mac are also relatively easy, but it is crucial to run the correct command based on the current version of your operating system.

On your Mac, open the Terminal pressing F4 and introducing “terminal” in the launchpad search box.

Once the app is open, run the command that suits your version of macOS.

In macOS Big Surenter the following command:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

To flush the DNS cache on macOS Catalinarun this on the command line:

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Run this command to clear the DNS cache on macOS Mojave:

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Flushes the DNS cache on macOS High Sierra with this command:

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

For macOS Sierra, Mac OS X El Capitan, X-Mavericks, X Mountain Lion either X-Lionrun the following command:

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