DNS Not Responding Solutions to Get You Back Online

Ever stared at your screen, seeing that dreaded “DNS Not Responding” message? It’s like your internet just vanished. Annoying, right? You’re not alone. This is a common hiccup, and luckily, it’s often easy to fix. Let’s dive into some effective solutions to get you back online, pronto.

What Exactly is “DNS Not Responding”?

Okay, let’s break it down. DNS stands for Domain Name System. Think of it as the internet’s phonebook. You type in a website name (like google.com), and DNS translates that into a numerical IP address your computer understands. When you see “DNS Not Responding,” it means your computer can’t reach that phonebook. Simple as that.

Why does this happen? Many reasons. It could be your router, your internet service provider (ISP), or even a setting on your computer. Don’t panic. We’ll sort it out.

Powerful First Steps: Quick Fixes You Can Try Now

Before we get into the more technical stuff, let’s try some quick wins. These are often the best and fastest fixes.

Restart Your Router and Modem

This is the classic “turn it off and on again” trick. But it works! Unplug your router and modem. Wait about 30 seconds. Plug the modem back in, wait until it fully connects, then plug in the router. This refreshes your network connection.

Check Your Cables

Make sure all your cables are plugged in securely. A loose Ethernet cable can cause all sorts of problems. Give them a good wiggle and make sure they’re snug.

Try Another Browser

Sometimes, the issue isn’t your internet, but your browser. Try opening a different browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge) and see if you can access websites. If it works, the problem is likely with your original browser.

Insider Tips: Diving Deeper into DNS Settings

If the quick fixes didn’t work, we need to look at your DNS settings. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds.

Change Your DNS Servers

Your computer automatically uses your ISP’s DNS servers. But you can switch to public DNS servers, like Google’s or Cloudflare’s. These are often faster and more reliable.

How to Change DNS Servers (Windows):

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
3. Click on your network connection (usually Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
4. Click Properties.
5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
6. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses.” ¹
7. 1. rtech.support

1. Enter these addresses:
   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
   • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4 (Google) or 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare)
2. Click OK on all windows.

How to Change DNS Servers (Mac):

1. Go to System Preferences > Network.
2. Select your network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
3. Click Advanced.
4. Go to the DNS tab.
5. Click the “+” button and enter the DNS server addresses.
6. Click OK and Apply.

Flush Your DNS Cache

Your computer stores recently visited website IP addresses in a cache. Sometimes, this cache can get corrupted. Flushing it can resolve “DNS Not Responding” errors.

How to Flush DNS Cache (Windows):

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

How to Flush DNS Cache (Mac):

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.
3. Enter your password if prompted.

Disable Temporary Firewalls and Antivirus

Sometimes, your firewall or antivirus software can interfere with your DNS connection. Try disabling them temporarily to see if that fixes the issue. If it does, you’ll need to adjust your firewall or antivirus settings.

Essential Checks: When It’s Beyond Your Control

Sometimes, the problem isn’t on your end. It could be your ISP or a broader network issue.

Check Your ISP’s Status

Visit your ISP’s website or social media pages to see if they’re reporting any outages. You can also call their support line.

Try Another Device

Connect another device (like your phone or tablet) to your network. If it also can’t connect, the problem is likely with your router or ISP.

Reboot your PC or Laptop

A simple restart can sometime fix many issues.

Actionable Next Steps: When All Else Fails

If you’ve tried everything and you’re still seeing “DNS Not Responding,” it might be time to call in the pros.

Contact Your ISP

They can run diagnostics on their end and help you troubleshoot the issue.

Consider a Network Technician

If you’re still having problems, a network technician can diagnose and fix complex network issues.

Genius Conclusion: Staying Connected

Dealing with “DNS Not Responding” can be frustrating, but with these proven steps, you can get your internet back up and running. Remember, start with the quick fixes, then move on to the more advanced troubleshooting. Stay patient, and you’ll be back online in no time.

FAQ: DNS Not Responding

Q: Why does my computer say “DNS Not Responding”?

A: It means your computer can’t reach the DNS server that translates website names into IP addresses. This can be due to router issues, ISP problems, or incorrect DNS settings.

Q: Can a bad Ethernet cable cause “DNS Not Responding”?

A: Yes, a loose or damaged Ethernet cable can disrupt your network connection and lead to DNS errors.

Q: Is changing my DNS server safe?

A: Yes, using public DNS servers like Google’s or Cloudflare’s is safe and can often improve your internet speed and reliability.

Q: How often should I flush my DNS cache?

A: You only need to flush your DNS cache when you’re experiencing DNS-related issues. There’s no need to do it regularly.

Q: Can a VPN cause “DNS Not Responding”?

A: Yes, sometimes VPNs can interfere with your DNS settings. Try disabling your VPN to see if that resolves the issue.

Q: If my ISP is down, will changing my DNS settings fix it?

A: No, if your ISP is experiencing an outage, changing your DNS settings won’t help. You’ll need to wait for your ISP to resolve the issue.

Q: What is the fastest DNS server?

A: Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) and Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) are generally considered fast and reliable.

Q: How do I know if my DNS settings are correct?

A: You can use online tools like DNS Leak Test or check your network settings to verify your DNS server addresses.