How To Fix DNS Server Not Responding | Steps to Fix

The “DNS Server Not Responding” error usually means your device is trying to find a website, but the “phonebook” (the DNS server) that translates the website name into an address isn’t answering.

Here is the step-by-step guide to fixing this, starting with the easiest and most effective solutions.

Phase 1: The “Have You Tried Turning It Off and On Again?”

Before doing anything technical, try these two steps. They fix about 50% of these errors immediately.

1. Power Cycle Your Router: Unplug your router’s power cable from the wall. Wait at least 30 seconds (this clears the short-term memory).Plug it back in and wait for the lights to stabilize.

2. Test a Different Browser: If you are using Chrome, try Edge or Safari. If the website works there, the problem is just your browser cache (see Phase 3).

Phase 2: The Most Likely Fix (Change DNS Servers)

Your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) default DNS server might be down or slow. Switching to a free, public one like Google or Cloudflare is the most reliable fix.

For Windows:

1. Press Windows Key + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.

2. Right-click your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.

3. Find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) in the list, click it, and select Properties.

4. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter:

   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8

   • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

5. Click OK and close the windows.

For Mac:

1. Go to System Settings/Preferences > Network.

2. Click your active connection (Wi-Fi) > Advanced (or “Details”).

3. Go to the DNS tab.

4. Click the (+) button and add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

5. Click OK/Apply.

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Phase 3: Flush the DNS Cache

If changing the server didn’t work, your computer might be holding onto “bad” or outdated data.You need to wipe it.

For Windows:

1. Type cmd in your Start menu search bar.

2. Right-click “Command Prompt” and select Run as Administrator.

3. Type this command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns

4. You should see: “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”

For Mac:

1. Open Terminal (Cmd + Space, type “Terminal”).

2. Copy and paste this command and press Enter: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

3. Enter your password if prompted (it won’t show on screen as you type).

Phase 4: The “Nuclear” Option (Reset TCP/IP)

If you are still blocked, your network adapter’s settings might be corrupt.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (same as Phase 3).

2. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:

   • netsh int ip reset

   • netsh winsock reset

   • ipconfig /release

   • ipconfig /renew

3. Restart your computer.

Next Step:

If none of these work, the issue might be your Antivirus software blocking the connection.