You can’t navigate to or visit a website without first accessing the Domain Name Server (DNS).

A Domain Name System is a directory that translates hostnames or domain names into IP addresses and allows users to access websites on the web through web browsers.

However, during this process, it’s common to encounter messages like “DNS Server Not Responding,” where the DNS Server fails to correctly map IP addresses and hostnames.

This error has several reasons, including incorrect DNS Server addresses or misconfigured network adapters.

In this blog, we’ll learn more about what exactly this error means and ways to fix the DNS Server Not Responding error on both Windows and macOS devices.

What Does DNS Server Not Responding Mean?

DNS Servers play a massive role in accessing websites and web addresses online. They require proper DNS configuration to retrieve an IP address automatically whenever a user enters a site’s URL in a browser.

This error typically lies on the user’s end and doesn’t require much technical knowledge or support to fix it.

They mainly occur because of outdated browsers, misconfigured DNS settings, or an internet or network connection.

Fixing this error can include numerous solutions, like connecting with a different device, troubleshooting network issues, disabling IPv6, or updating the network adapter driver.

How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding?

Now that we’ve understood the meaning of its error and why it occurs, let’s look at the potential ways you can fix the DNS Server Not Responding error on macOS and Windows devices.

Change the browser

The first and most common step to resolve this issue is testing your DNS Server connections by updating or switching your web browser.

For this, try accessing the web from different web browsers. For instance, if your default web browser is Google Chrome, you can visit your website through other browsers, like Safari, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.

If you can access your website through other browsers, it indicates that the issue is with your default browser. In that case, you must uninstall and reinstall your browser or update it to its latest version.

Troubleshoot network problems

Running network diagnostics is the next common step to solving the DNS Server Not Responding error.

It can help diagnose and solve all the detected network errors without hassle.

Here are the steps to run network diagnostics on Windows:

  • Go to Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> and then Network and Sharing Center. 
  • Pick the Troubleshoot problem option under the Change your Networking settings.   
  • Click on Additional troubleshooters – > Internet Connections -> and then Run the troubleshooter.  

Here are the steps to run network diagnostics on Mac:

  • First, close all the open applications and connect to the network you’re having an issue with.  
  • Click on the WiFi status icon in the menu while holding the option key, and select Open Wireless Diagnostics. 
  • Follow the screen’s instructions and examine your network connection.  

If this method doesn’t work, follow the next steps mentioned below.

Disable your firewall and antivirus software temporarily

Firewalls and antivirus software protect your device from malicious hackers. However, they can also block your device’s internet connection despite this important role.

For this, it’s recommended to temporarily disable or deactivate your firewall programs and antivirus software to check if they’re causing the DNS Server Not Responding error.

If you’re using Windows, click the Start button, and go to Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Security -> Virus & threat protection.  

If you’re a Mac user, go to System Preferences -> Security & Privacy -> and then Firewall.

After deactivating these programs, rerun the network diagnostics and try opening the desired website from the browser again. If this step solves your problem, reconfigure or update your firewall and antivirus programs before you reactivate them.

Disable secondary connections

Suppose disabling the firewall and antivirus programs don’t work. In that case, another solution is to disable secondary connections available on your device and ensure that the connection you’re using is the only active connection.

If you’re a Windows user, search for “Network connections” in the search bar and click View Network Connections.  

Once you’re on the Network Connections page, disable the connections having a red X beside them (the ones you’re not using) by right-clicking and selecting the Disable option.  

Once done, restart your browser and try loading the website again.  

If you’re a Mac user, click on the Apple icon, navigate to System Preferences -> Network, and disable the connections you’re not using by clicking on the (-) sign at the screen’s bottom-left.

Connect with a different device

Another method is connecting a different device to the same home network and accessing the website you want to access but have trouble accessing.

If the second device you connect to the same network can access the website, the issue is with your primary device. However, despite connecting to the second device, it must be the router’s issue if you still face trouble visiting the website on the same network.

At the same time, using other network connections, like mobile data, can also help ensure the network connection failure error isn’t from the website’s end.

Start your computer in safe mode

Another reason behind the DNS Server Not Responding error is that your operating system (OS) isn’t functioning correctly.

You need to boot your Windows device in Safe Mode and see if it solves your issue. This will limit the resources and files used for running Windows and can effectively troubleshoot all the problems.

Click on the Windows button -> Power icon -> hold the shift key and click on Restart.  

Next, click on Troubleshoot -> Advanced -> Start-up Settings -> Restart. Finally, press 5 or 4 to Enable Safe Mode with Networking or Enable Safe Mode.  

If you’re a Windows 7 user, you can go to Power -> Restart and hold down the F8 key to restart your device in safe mode.  

The process is the same for MacOS devices.

Try accessing your website once the device is in Safe Mode.

Restart your router or modem

An ill-functioning router or modem is another cause for an unresponsive DNS Server and failed connection.

Hence, you can restart your modem or router to clear the cache and fix the DNS Server issues. But first, press the router’s or the modem’s power button and unplug its cable from the power outlet.

Wait for at least a minimum of 30 seconds before you press the power button to restart the router or modem again. If it doesn’t work, you can reset its default settings.

Disable IPv6

IPv6 is the latest internet protocol that identifies and detects devices on the local and internet networks.

However, it can also lead to the DNS Server Not Responding error, which you can resolve by disabling the IPv6.

For this:  

  • Navigate to the Network Connections -> right-click on the active connection, and select Properties.  
  • Locate Internet Protocol Version 6, or TCP/IPv6, and unselect the box icon under the Networking tab.  
  • Click the OK button.  

If you’re a Mac user,  

  • Go to the Apple menu bar and choose System Preferences -> Network.  
  • Select the current network connection, click Advanced, and then TCP/IP.  
  • Select the Configure IPv6 drop-down menu and click on the Off button.  
  • Click OK.

Once done, restart your device and check if you can access the website.

Flush the DNS cache

Flushing or clearing the router cache can help you solve the DNS Server Not Responding error.

Follow these steps to flush the DNS cache on Windows:

  • Open the command prompt console on Windows and type “ipconfig/flushdns” and press Enter.
  • A confirmation message will appear on the prompt if this process is successful.

You can try accessing your website once it resolves the issue.

If you use Mac, flushing the DNS cache is also quite simple. However, running the correct command prompt is essential based on your existing operating system version.

Open the terminal on your Mac by pressing the F4 button and then entering the “terminal” in the search box of the Launchpad. Once it opens the app, run the command that best suits your macOS version.

  • For example, enter this command on the macOS Big Sur:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

  • Run this command in the command prompt to flush the DNS cache on macOS Catalina:

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

  • Run this command in the command prompt to clear your DNS cache on macOS Mojave:

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

  • Run this command in the command prompt to flush the DNS cache on macOS High Sierra:

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

  • Run this command in the command prompt for Mac OS X El Captain, macOS Sierra, X Mountain Lion, X Lion, and X Mavericks:

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

  • Input this command in the command prompt if you’re running Mac OS X Yosemite:

sudo discoveryutil udnsflushcaches

  • Run this command to flush the DNS cache on Mac OS X Snow Leopard:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

  • Enter this command in the command prompt if you’re using Mac OSX Leopard:

sudo lookupd -flushcache

Once you run the above commands, the network adapter will automatically refresh its DNS configuration.

Update the network adapter driver

An outdated network adapter driver is another common reason behind the DNS Server Not Responding issue.

You can update your network adapter driver either manually or automatically.

While this process can be challenging manually, especially for beginners, you can automate it with tools like Driver Easy, which will help install and download the correct drivers for your system or device.

Follow these steps to automatically update your network adapter driver with the help of the Driver Easy tool:

Driver Easy tool

  • Download and install the Driver Easy tool on your device or computer.  
  • Run the tool and then click on the Scan Now button.  
  • Click on the Update button beside each of the outdated drivers.  
  • Once the download and installation get complete, restart your computer.

Revisit your website after this process to check if it has resolved the DNS Server Not Responding error.

Change the DNS Server address

If you still can’t access the desired website after the abovementioned solutions, you can try changing your DNS Server address.

Your home network automatically obtains the DNS Server address from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). However, if your ISP’s DNS Server doesn’t respond, the configured DNS Server doesn’t exist or is incorrect, resulting in the internet service not working properly.

To resolve this issue temporarily, you need to change your DNS settings and use another DNS address, making it easier for your browser to load any website on the internet.

Luckily, many service providers like Google Public DNS and Cloudflare provide DNS addresses for free. Here are the necessary steps you can follow to set up other DNS Servers on your Windows:

  • Type “ncpa.cpl” in the Windows search box to access the Network Connections page.  
  • Press the Enter button.  
  • Right-click on the Wi-Fi connection you’re using currently and click on Properties.  
  • Select the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties page on the Properties window. 
  • Then, enter your desired DNS Server addresses in the Alternate DNS Server and Preferred DNS Server fields.  
  • Select the Validate settings upon the exit box and click the OK button.  
  • Finally, restart your computer.

If you’re a Mac user, here are the necessary steps to change the DNS Server address on Mac:

  • Navigate to the Apple menu and click on System Preferences -> Network.  
  • Click on your computer’s primary network connection and select Advanced -> DNS.  
  • Click on the plus button to add a new DNS Server.  
  • Click on OK, and then Apply.

Finally, reset your computer’s internet connection and check if it resolved the DNS Server Not Responding error.

What are the Reasons Behind the DNS Server Not Responding Error?

Improper and incorrect configuration of DNS records is one of the primary reasons behind the ‘DNS Server Not Responding’ error.

This can happen when users don’t enter the correct values or IP addresses during the recording process.

Here are a few more potential reasons behind the DNS Server failure or the not responding error:

  • Unavailable DNS provider: Your DNS service can stop working because of the network’s DNS Server’s error. For instance, the DNS Server can be down due to maintenance issues, server outages, and heavy traffic.
  • Network or hardware issues: Unpredictable hardware or network failure can also result in the DNS Server Not Responding error. For instance, a single server can only relay the data and information correctly to the next server.
  • Malfunctioning router or modem: A faulty modem or router can also trigger to cause an unresponsive error. To resolve this issue, you can use different ethernet cables or switch the ethernet ports to determine whether your router causes the DNS issue.
  • Antivirus software: Issues can occur when the software vendor updates on antivirus software, making it believe your computer infects and suddenly blocks your internet access. This can show the DNS Server Not Responding error message.
  • Firewall or security settings: At the same time, firewall and security settings can also block your device or computer from accessing the DNS Server, preventing it from connecting to the internet.
  • ISP-related issues: Your Internet Server Provider or ISP might be experiencing issues with their network’s DNS Servers or may have blocked access to specific websites or web pages.
  • Malware or virus infections: Viruses or malware can change or modify your DNS settings or cause other potential issues that may prevent your computer from connecting to the internet.

Conclusion

The DNS Server Not Responding message is common because of network issues and DNS errors.

So, if you want to fix the DNS Server is not responding error, implement the steps and strategies mentioned above whether you use a Windows or Mac device and see if you can successfully access the desired URL or website.

If you’re looking for a domain name search service, you can opt for CrazyDomains Domain Search and Register solution to choose a suitable domain name for your business. Get in touch with us today if you have any further questions.

DNS Server Not Responding FAQs

What is the DNS Server Not Responding error?

The DNS Server Not Responding is a common error message that pops up when a device or computer can’t connect to the internet or access a particular website because of an issue with the Domain Name System (DNS) server.

What are the reasons behind the DNS Server Not Responding error?

The DNS Server Not Responding error can occur for several reasons, like DNS Server outage, improper DNS Server settings, network connection issues, malware or virus infections, ISP-related issues, or even firewall and security settings.

How can I fix the DNS Server Not Responding error?

You can use another browser or device to load the internet or access the website. You can also move closer to your router, restart devices, change your DNS settings, and even flush your DNS cache.

If the issue persists, you can update your network adapter drivers or disable your firewall and VPN services. Besides, you can also disable IPv6, start your computer in safe mode, or disable secondary network connections to resolve the DNS Server Not Responding error.

How do I reset my DNS Server?

Open your device’s command prompt application to reset your DNS Server.

On Windows, type “ipconfig/flushdns”, press the enter button, and restart your computer. On Mac, type “dsacheutil – flushcache” (Mac OSX 10.5 and newer versions) or “lookupd – flushcache” (Mac OSX 10.4 and earlier versions), press the Enter key, and then restart your computer.

How can I find my DNS Server?

Open the command line prompt or application and type “ipconfid/all” and press the Enter key to find your DNS Server on your computer device. Within the DNS Servers, the first address listed is your primary DNS Server, and the other is your secondary DNS Server.

What are DNS Settings, and how do I check them?

DNS settings are the DNS Server addresses that your computer device uses to translate domain names into IP addresses. To check your computer’s DNS settings, go to your device’s network settings, and look for the DNS settings section.

You can also modify your DNS Server address to a new address, like a public DNS Server, such as OpenDNS or Google DNS.

How can I prevent the DNS Server Not Responding error from occurring?

There’s a way to prevent the DNS Server Not Responding error from occurring in the first place. Keep your router and device up-to-date, avoid downloading suspicious software or loading suspicious websites, and use reputable antivirus software, firewall, and malware protection.

You can also try using another or a different DNS Server, like a public DNS Server, to see if it resolves the DNS Server Not Responding error message so you can quickly load the internet or access the desired website.

Can I resolve the DNS Server Not Responding error myself?

Yes, you can quickly fix the DNS Server Not Responding error by following and implementing the troubleshooting steps mentioned above in this blog.

However, if the issue persists, you must contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or technical support professional to seek expert guidance and assistance.