How to fix the “DNS server is not responding” error

Updated: April 05, 2023
6 min read
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How to fix the “DNS server is not responding” error
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by Oliver Maslou
Tech Expert & Writer
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If you see that there is no problem with your internet connection, but you are experiencing a “DNS server is not responding” error, try to solve the problem with the following methods.

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“DNS Server Is Not Responding” error

The “DNS server is not responding” error is a type of network connection error that can occur on Windows and Mac computers. It can be caused by your device, modem (Internet Service Provider), or website. If the problem is not solved with any of the methods below, then it’s probably caused by the website.

Try classic methods

With these methods, it is possible to identify the cause of the DNS error. Sometimes it is even possible to eliminate the problem with just a few steps.

  • An outdated browser can cause many errors including DNS errors. For this reason, it is recommended that you use the latest browser versions. If the problem disappears after switching to an updated browser, you will know that the problem was caused by the old version.
  • Turning the modem on and off, i.e. restarting it, is an ideal solution to clear the data in the cache. By completing this action, you can solve many errors, including the DNS error. Unplug the power adapter of your modem and wait for 5 minutes. Then plug the adapter back in and check if the problem persists with an active internet connection.
  • Connecting to the internet via Wi-Fi or a router can cause a “DNS server is not responding” error. If possible, try to connect to the internet via an Ethernet cable.

Sometimes when you change devices, you can see that there is a DNS problem. For this reason, try connecting to the internet with a device such as a phone or a tablet. If there is no problem, the error is only with your device, not the modem or router. In this case, you should try restarting or factory resetting your device. However, before doing a factory reset, be sure to follow the other solutions we've shared.

Refresh network connection

settings

Renewing the network connection through Windows settings can eliminate the DNS problem. Follow the steps below to quickly apply this method:

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  • Go to Start > Settings > Network and Internet > Advanced Network Settings > Change adapter options.
  • Right-click on the active network connection in the window that opens. Select "Disable" from the menu.
  • Once the network connection is disabled, right-click again and click on "Enable".

Solving the “DNS Server Is Not Responding” Error with command line

DNS Server Is Not Responding

With the Windows command line (cmd), it is possible to clear the DNS cache and get rid of the DNS problem. Follow the steps below to resolve the “DNS server is not responding” error with this method:

  1. After clicking the Start button, type "cmd", right-click on the application named "Command Prompt" and select Run as administrator.
  2. Paste the command "ipconfig /flushdns" into the command prompt and press Enter.
  3. Then clear the browser history, restart the browser and test again.

Change DNS server

The problem can be eliminated by connecting to the internet with a different DNS server. To do this, follow the DNS server change settings:

  • Go to Start > Settings > Network and Internet > Advanced Network Settings > Change adapter options.
  • Right-click on the active network connection in the window that opens. Click on "Properties" from the menu.
  • In the Ethernet Properties window, select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/Ipv4)" and click the Properties button.
  • Activate the "Use the following DNS server addresses" option to change the DNS server.
  • Paste the address of the paid/free DNS server you want to connect to in the boxes that appear, click OK, and log out.
  • After this, restart the computer and test again.

If the DNS problem has disappeared after changing the DNS server, the ISP should solve the problem. This is because the main problem is with the ISP's DNS servers. Before calling the ISP, reset the modem/router, that is, return it to factory settings.

To reset it, first find a hole in the back of this device that is small enough to insert a needle. Press and hold the button inside the hole with a needle-like object. When the modem/router's lights go out and come back on, it has been reset. Please note that this will reset the device information. So avoid the reset if you do not know the default password.

If the “DNS server is not responding” error is not fixed by any of the methods shared above, you can always get quick help from Howly technical support.

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Comments

6 comments
J. Michael Gleason
Invalid Date
Please help me with my DNS Server problem. Modem has been rebooted and still problem exists.
1 reply
  1. Howly team
    Invalid Date
    J. Michael Gleason, hello! Thank you for your question. If you need personal expert advice, please type your question in the Chat window at the top of this page. Howly experts are always there to help you! 
J. Michael Gleason
Invalid Date
No internet, getting a "your DNS Server might be unavailable" message. I have unplugged router and rebooted, still lone red light on router exists. I then troubleshot to reset router. Same result. I did not try to change servers, as I was a bit confused.
Brenda kennicker
Invalid Date
P please fix my my DNS server.
1 reply
  1. Howly team
    Invalid Date
    Brenda kennicker, hello! Thank you for your question. If you need personal expert advice, please type your question in the Chat window at the top of this page. Howly experts are always there to help you! 
Darin Hughes
Invalid Date
I purchased a new Hp wireless printer today, which left the internet cable from the wall with no place to plug into. It used to plug into the back of the old printer

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