Short for Domain Name System, DNS is at the core of web browsing’s existence. Its job is to translate domain names into IP addresses. But, as with everything, problems are a part of functioning – and a DNS server is no special. Sometimes, server owners & users encounter an error, i.e., DNS Server Unavailable. And trust us, this can be frustrating, especially when you are trying to browse the web for something urgent. In this article, we will explore what causes DNS server issues. We will also provide a step-by-step guide on how to fix DNS server issues. So let’s get started!
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Table of Contents
DNS Server Issues – Common Causes
Network Problems
Internet connection issues can sometimes prevent your device from reaching the DNS server.
DNS Server Outages
The DNS server you are trying to reach might be down due to maintenance or technical problems.
Incorrect DNS Settings
If your device is configured with incorrect DNS server addresses, it won’t be able to resolve domain names.
Router or Modem Issues
Problems with your router or modem can also cause DNS issues.
Firewall or Security Software
Overly strict firewall settings or security software can block DNS queries.
ISP (Internet Service Provider) Problems
Sometimes, the problem might be with your ISP rather than the network.
How to Fix DNS Server Issues? | DNS Server Unavailable Resolution
Let’s go through various methods to resolve DNS server issues. These methods range from simple troubleshooting steps to more advanced solutions.
Check Your Internet Connection
The first step in troubleshooting DNS issues is to know whether your internet connection is working fine or not. Here’s how you can do that:
Check Other Devices
See if other devices on your network have internet working. If they don’t, the issue is likely with your internet connection rather than a specific device.
Restart Your Modem & Router
Unplug the power cables from your router, wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug them back in. This can resolve temporary glitches in your network hardware.
Wired vs. Wireless
Try connecting your device directly to the modem with an Ethernet cable. This can help determine if the issue is with the wireless network.
Restart Your Computer or Device
Sometimes, simply restarting your computer or device can resolve DNS issues. This can clear any temporary glitches affecting your device’s ability to connect to the DNS server.
Clear DNS Cache
Your device stores DNS information in a cache to speed up subsequent requests to the same domain. However, if the cache becomes corrupted, it can cause DNS issues. Clearing the DNS cache can help resolve this. Here’s how to do it on different operating systems:
Windows
Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns – then press Enter.
Mac
Open Terminal and type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder – then press Enter. You might need to enter your password.
Linux
Open Terminal and type sudo systemd-resolve –flush-caches – then press Enter.
These commands will clear the DNS caches and issues related to them.
Change DNS Server Addresses
You can change the DNS server addresses to those of a reliable public DNS service if the DNS server provided by your ISP is experiencing issues. Here’s how you can do it:
Windows
- Open the Control Panel and go to Network & then the Sharing Center.
- Click on Change adapter settings.
- Right-click your network connection and select Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
- Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the new addresses. For example, Google’s public DNS addresses are 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
- Click OK to save the changes.
Mac
- Open System Preferences and go to Network.
- Select your network connection and click Advanced.
- Go to the DNS tab and click the + button to add new DNS server addresses.
- Enter the new addresses and click OK.
Router
- Access your router’s web interface by typing its IP address into your web browser.
- Find the DNS settings (usually in the WAN or Internet settings section).
- Enter the new DNS server addresses and save the changes.
Disable Firewall or Security Software Temporarily
Overly strict firewall settings or security software can block DNS queries. To check if this is the cause of the issue, you can temporarily disable your firewall or security software. If you found this effective – you may need to adjust the settings to allow DNS traffic. This is how you do it:
Windows
Open Control Panel, go to System and Security – then Windows Defender Firewall, and select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
Mac
Open System Preferences, go to Security & Privacy, then Firewall, and turn it off temporarily.
Security Software
Refer to the software’s documentation for instructions on how to disable it.
Reset Your Router to Default Settings
If you suspect your router’s settings might be causing the DNS issues, you can reset it to its factory default settings. This will erase any custom configurations, so note any essential settings before doing this. Here’s how to reset a router:
- Find the reset button on your router.
- Press and hold the reset button for about 10-15 seconds.
- Release the button and wait for the router to restart.
- After the reset, you will need to reconfigure your network settings.
Check for Malware or Viruses
Malware or viruses can interfere with your network settings and cause DNS issues. Running a thorough scan with your antivirus software can help identify and remove malicious software. Here’s how to perform a scan:
Windows
Use Windows Defender or third-party antivirus software to run a full system scan.
Mac
Use a reputable antivirus software to scan your system for malware.
Linux
Use a command-line antivirus tool like ClamAV to scan your system.
Contact Your ISP
If you have tried all the above steps and are still experiencing DNS issues, the problem might be with your ISP. Contact their customer support for assistance. They can help diagnose the issue and provide further troubleshooting steps.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If you are comfortable with more advanced troubleshooting, here are a few additional steps you can take:
Check DNS Server Status
Use online tools like DownDetector to check if there are widespread issues with your DNS server.
Use Command Line Tools
Tools like nslookup or dig can help you diagnose DNS issues. For example, you can use nslookup www.example.com to see if the DNS query resolves correctly.
Network Configuration
Ensure that your network adapter settings are configured correctly. Sometimes, manually setting the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway can resolve DNS issues.
Preventing Future DNS Issues
Once you have resolved the DNS issue, there are steps you can take to prevent it from happening again:
Keep Your Router Firmware Updated
- Manufacturers often release updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
- Use Reliable DNS Services
- Consider using well-known public DNS services like Google DNS or OpenDNS, which are generally more reliable than ISP-provided DNS servers.
Regularly Scan for Malware
- Keeping your devices free from malware can prevent network issues.
- Backup and Document Your Network Settings: Keeping a record of your network settings can make it easier to troubleshoot future issues.
Conclusion
DNS server issues can be resolved with the correct troubleshooting steps. Start with the basics, like checking your internet connection & restarting your devices, then move on to more advanced solutions. Know the common causes of DNS issues and how to fix them for a smoother internet experience.
And if you still need help with your DNS server – feel free to contact us. Leasepacket is an expert & top server agency providing A to Z server solutions & services.
FAQs
Q1. What is a DNS server?
A DNS server translates domain names into IP addresses, enabling your browser to load internet resources.
Q2. Why has my DNS server become unavailable?
Common causes include network problems, DNS server outages, incorrect DNS settings, router issues, firewall blocks, and ISP problems.
Q3. How can I check if my internet connection is causing DNS issues?
Try connecting other devices to the internet. If they also have issues, your connection might be the problem. Restarting your modem and router can help.
Q4. How do I change my DNS server addresses?
Go to Network and Sharing Center – then Change adapter settings, and modify the DNS settings. On a Mac, go to System Preferences, Network, Advanced, and then the DNS tab.
Q5. Can security software affect DNS server availability?
Yes! Overly strict firewall or security software settings can block DNS queries. Temporarily disable them to see if this resolves the issue.
Q6. What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps work?
Contact your ISP for assistance, as the issue might be with their DNS servers or network infrastructure. You can also connect with Leasepacket. Leasepacket is an expert & top server agency providing A to Z server solutions & services.