Are you experiencing the frustrating error message “DNS Server is Unavailable”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
This common issue can occur for a variety of reasons, but the good news is that it can usually be resolved with a few simple steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the troubleshooting process step by step.
What is a DNS Server?
Before we delve into the solutions, let’s first understand what a DNS server is and why it’s important. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it acts as a phonebook for the internet. When you type a website address into your browser, such as www.example.com, the DNS server translates that address into an IP (Internet Protocol) address that your computer can understand.
Possible Causes of the “DNS Server is Unavailable” Error
There are several potential causes for this error:
- Network Connectivity Issues: It’s possible that there’s an issue with your network connection or router settings.
- DNS Server Problems: The DNS server you’re using may be down or experiencing issues.
- Firewall or Antivirus Settings: Your firewall or antivirus software may be blocking the connection to the DNS server.
Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Check Your Network Connection
The first thing to do is check your network connection to ensure it’s working properly. Make sure all cables are securely connected and try restarting your modem and router. If you’re using Wi-Fi, try connecting to a different network or restart your wireless adapter.
Step 2: Clear DNS Cache
Your computer stores DNS data in a cache to improve performance. Sometimes, this cache can become corrupted, leading to the “DNS Server is Unavailable” error. To clear the DNS cache:
- Windows:
- Open the Command Prompt by pressing Windows key + R, typing “cmd,” and hitting Enter.
- Type the following command:
ipconfig /flushdns - Press Enter to clear the DNS cache.
- Mac:
- Open Terminal from the Utilities folder.
- Type the following command:
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder - Press Enter and enter your administrator password if prompted.
Step 3: Change DNS Servers
If clearing the DNS cache hasn’t resolved the issue, you can try changing your DNS servers. By default, your computer uses your ISP’s DNS servers, but sometimes these can be slow or unreliable.
You can switch to public DNS servers like Google DNS or OpenDNS. Here’s how:
- Windows:
- Right-click on the network icon in your taskbar and select “Open Network & Internet Settings. “
- In the Settings window, click on “Change adapter options.
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- Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties. “
- Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties. “