DNS server not responding : How to Fix

The DNS server is a fundamental part for your computer or mobile phone to connect to the internet, but not everything always works right. Errors where pages do not load may occur, where the “DNS server is not responding” message is displayed. And the source of the problem is not always the same. But we can adjust.

Why is the DNS server not responding?

The DNS  is a collection of databases that translates host names to IP addresses only. Think of it as the operator of the internet: in charge of connecting the address of a website that you typed (like teknologya.com ) to the IP number of the same.

There are several DNS servers, and they do not always operate as they should. Sometimes they just stop working; in other cases, worldwide network problems may be reflected in the servers, and in others, the computer or router is configured incorrectly.

How to change DNS

The method for resolving the browser error that states that the DNS server that is not responding depends on the device you are using. One of the most guaranteed is to change the DNS of the router, through your computer.

However, the setting varies by manufacturer. On TP-Link models, the option is within LAN/WAN -> WAN Interfaces. Already in D-Link, in Advanced -> DNS.

Remember that not all routers allow you to change DNS, especially some provided by carriers.

Already changing the DNS on your device is much easier.

1. In Windows 10

1. Click the Start Menu, and then Settings (the gear symbol);
2. Click Network and Internet, then the Wi-Fi tab (even if your connection is wired);
3. Click Change Adapter Options;
4. Right-click on your active internet connection;
5. Click Properties (Windows can prompt you for the administrator password );
6. Under IP Protocol Version 4 (TCP / IPv4), click Properties;
7. Enable the Use the following DNS server addresses option;
8. Enter the new primary and secondary DNS addresses;
9. Confirm your changes.

2. In macOS

1. Click the Apple Menu (the apple icon);
2. Click System Preferences, then Network;
3. Click on your active connection;
4. Click the Advanced button, and go to the DNS tab;
5. Delete all addresses that are in the left table, and click the (+) button to add new ones;
6. Enter the new primary and secondary DNS addresses;
7. Confirm your changes.

3. On the iPhone

1. Open the Settings app;
2. Touch Wi-Fi;
3. Touch the “i” icon next to the network you want to modify;
4.  Touch Configure DNS;
5. Touch Manual;
6. Tap Add Server, and add the primary and secondary DNS addresses;
7. To remove the already registered DNS addresses, touch the red icon next to each of them;
8. Touch Save.

4. On Android

1. Tap Settings, then tap Connections;
2. Touch Wi-Fi;
3. Touch the Wi-Fi network you want to set up;
4. Tap Advanced;
5. Tap IP Settings, then tap Static;
6. In DNS 1 and DNS 2, enter the primary and secondary DNS addresses;
7. Touch Save.

I changed the DNS, but it did not work. And now?

If the server is still not responding, it may be the DNS cache. This stores IPs locally, and it is possible that a new configuration will not hit the saved data. It is possible to clean it:

1. In Windows 10

1. Type “cmd” (without the quotation marks) into the search field, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator;
2. enter the “ipconfig/flushdns” command (without the quotation marks) and hit Enter;
3. Close the Command Prompt and restart the computer.

2. In macOS

1. Open the Launchpad;
2. In the search field, type “Terminal” (without the quotation marks), and open the program by double-clicking with the mouse;
3. Enter the command “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder && echo macOS DNS Cache Reset” (without the quotation marks) and hit Enter;
4. Close the Terminal and restart your Mac.

If nothing is resolved, your network may be in trouble. In this case, contact your internet service provider to find a suitable solution.