If you’ve ever encountered the frustrating message “DNS server not responding,” fret not! This article will provide you with easy troubleshooting tips to swiftly fix the issue.
DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is like a phonebook for the internet, translating domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses that computers can understand.
When your DNS server isn’t working, it means your internet connection might be affected, and accessing websites becomes a challenge.
We’ll guide you through steps to check if your DNS server address is correct and suggest solutions when your DNS server seems to be unavailable.
What is the function of a DNS server?
A DNS server plays a vital role in the Internet connection process by converting domain names into IP addresses. When your computer connects to a website, it uses the IP address instead of the domain name.
By translating the name and address of a website into an IP address, a DNS server ensures that users connect to the correct websites and receive the intended services.
How do DNS servers function?
Understanding how DNS servers function can help troubleshoot DNS issues. A website has both a name and an IP address. The name is what users enter into a browser to access a website, such as https://electric.ai.
This domain name is associated with a numerical IP address that indicates the website’s location on the Internet. It is the responsibility of a DNS server to link a name to a number.
When a website’s name is entered, the browser requests its IP address from the nearest DNS server. The DNS server returns the IP address, and the browser establishes a connection with the website, which is then displayed on the screen. Users are unaware of the tasks performed behind the scenes to make the system work.
If the DNS server is unavailable, the browser cannot determine the IP address of the website, resulting in an error. Within seconds, word spreads that the server is down, making everyone aware of the issue.
What does ‘DNS service unavailable’ indicate for your connection?
When you encounter the message “DNS server unavailable,” it means that although your computer is connected to the Internet, it is unable to convert the received data into web page content.
This indicates a lack of meaningful Internet connection on your PC because it fails to display any information when visiting a website. A DNS problem can have various causes and may require different solutions, as it is not typically a single underlying issue.
How to Correct DNS Errors?
There are multiple potential solutions for resolving a DNS error. Depending on the root cause of the issue, these solutions may involve minor adjustments or even complete infrastructure overhauls. The sections below outline various methods for resolving a DNS error.
| Issue | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|
| Identify the source of the issue | – Test the website using a different browser |
| – Check if others connected to the same router are experiencing similar issues | |
| Browser-related solutions | – Clear the browser’s cache and delete all data |
| – If clearing the cache doesn’t work, examine the computer for potential causes | |
| Computer-related solutions | – Verify accurate DNS settings on the computer |
| – Temporarily disable firewall and antivirus software | |
| – Disable secondary connections (e.g., Bluetooth) | |
| – Update network adapter drivers | |
| Router-related solutions | – Connect via Ethernet cable to test the router |
| – Verify and update the router’s configuration | |
| – Reboot the router | |
| – Check for available router updates | |
| – Restore the router to factory settings | |
| ISP-related solutions | – Confirm if the ISP’s DNS server is down |
| – Switch to a different DNS server | |
| – Investigate the organization’s server for DNS issues if connected to a VPN or local work network |
a. Identify the source of the issue.
Identifying the root cause of the problem is one of the initial steps in finding a solution. A DNS issue can originate from four possible sources: the browser, the computer, the router, or the ISP. Determining the origin of the problem is crucial as it will guide your troubleshooting strategy.
Browser
To determine if the issue lies with the browser, try accessing the same page using a different browser. If it works, the problem is with your initial browser. Ask other people in your office or anyone connected to the same router if they are experiencing connection issues.
If they don’t have any problems, it indicates that the computer itself is causing the DNS problem, requiring a local solution. If multiple users encounter the same DNS problem, the issue lies with the router.
Solution: If the issue lies with your browser, one of the most common solutions is to clear the browser’s cache and delete all its data. Clearing the cache effectively resolves DNS issues, although it will erase your search history and require you to log in again to every website.
This is because caches store IP addresses for websites, and connecting to an outdated IP address with an outdated cache can lead to connection failures. Clearing your cache ensures that you have the most up-to-date information.
Clearing the cache is a widely used solution for DNS problems and the most reliable solution for browser-related issues. The browser itself is not at fault for the connection problem. If clearing the cache does not resolve the DNS issue, the next step in finding a solution is to examine the computer.
Computer
When a computer or router is initially set up, its DNS settings are configured to enable connection to the correct DNS server. When a DNS problem occurs, it is advisable to check the device’s settings, as these settings can be altered.
Check DNS Settings: Consult the network administrator or Internet service provider for the exact DNS settings. Then, verify that the DNS settings on the computer are accurate. If you are using services like OpenDNS, confirm compatibility with your network or ISP.
Disable firewall and antivirus software: Firewalls and antivirus software can block IP addresses or websites. The simplest approach is to disable these programs temporarily and then attempt to connect to the internet. If successful, recheck the firewall and antivirus DNS configurations.
Turn off secondary connections: If the computer has other active connections, such as Bluetooth, disable all other connections to avoid potential conflicts. On a Windows system, disable peer-to-peer networking.
Update network adapter drivers: Ensure that the network adapters have the latest drivers. If not, update the drivers and try the connection again.
Routers
Routers can hinder connectivity to DNS servers. The configurations may be incorrect, or it may be necessary to replace the router. Here are some troubleshooting techniques for routers.
Connect the Ethernet cable: To determine if a router is causing the issue, switch to a wired connection. Use an Ethernet cable to connect a computer to the router. If connecting via Ethernet resolves the issue, the router is likely the problem. Verify that the router’s configuration is correct.
Reboot your router: Resetting a router can resolve DNS issues. Resetting refreshes the router’s cache, which may fix the problem. Unplug the modem and router. Wait for at least 15 seconds before reconnecting the power cables. Wait until the devices are online.
Update your router: Check for available router updates. If updates are available, consider applying them.
Restore your router’s factory settings: Residential routers often have custom DNS configurations. These are commonly used to bypass an ISP’s DNS server and provide an alternative to manually configuring DNS on each device. If unsure, resetting the router to factory settings will remove any custom configurations.
If the routers are functioning properly, the issue is likely with the ISP.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
Internet service providers maintain DNS servers. Occasionally, changes made by the provider require local adjustments, which can result in an Internet connection failure.
Is it the Internet service provider?
The DNS server of the ISP may be down. Confirm by pinging the IP addresses of the DNS servers. Remove any unresponsive IP addresses. To obtain the IP addresses, select “Obtain DNS server automatically.” If the option is unavailable, contact the ISP for assistance.
Is it a DNS server issue?
A DNS server can become unavailable if it becomes overloaded or malfunctions. Try switching to a different DNS server using the provided list of DNS server addresses.
Is it your organization’s server?
If a user is connecting to a VPN or a local work network, they may receive a DNS address from their company’s server. This is independent of their ISP. If they are experiencing DNS errors in this scenario, the server may need to be investigated.
Related: Cara Membuat dan Setting VPN Server
In Summary
Resolving the issue of a DNS server not responding is possible with the right troubleshooting tips. Remember, the DNS server is like a translator that helps your computer connect to websites by translating domain names into IP addresses.
If you encounter the message “DNS server not responding,” it means your internet connection might be affected, but don’t worry.
By checking your DNS server address and exploring solutions when your DNS server seems unavailable, you can quickly fix the problem and get back to browsing the web smoothly.
Related articles:
How do I setup and manage Secondary DNS?
What Is The Difference Between Domain Transfer and DNS Update?
