If you’re encountering a “DNS Server Address Cannot Be Found” error, it can be frustrating to not be able to access the websites you need or want to visit. However, there are several steps you can take to fix this issue and get back online quickly.
Check Your Internet Connection
If you’re unable to access any websites, the first thing you should do is check your internet connection. Ensure that your device is connected to the internet properly, and if you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure the signal is strong. You can do this by trying to access other websites or performing a quick internet speed test.
Restart Your Router
If your internet connection seems fine but you’re still encountering the DNS error, try restarting your router. Sometimes, routers can encounter temporary glitches that cause connectivity issues. Simply unplug your router from the power source, wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. Give it a few minutes to reboot and reconnect before attempting to access websites again.
Clear Your DNS Cache
A corrupted DNS cache can also lead to the “DNS Server Address Cannot Be Found” error. Clearing your DNS cache can help resolve this issue.
- For Windows Users:
- Open the Command Prompt by pressing Windows Key + R and typing “cmd”. Press Enter.
- In the Command Prompt window, type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter.
- You should see a message confirming that the DNS Resolver Cache has been successfully flushed.
- For Mac Users:
- Open the Terminal by navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
- In the Terminal window, type “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and press Enter.
- Enter your administrator password when prompted.
- You should see a message confirming that the DNS cache has been cleared.
Change Your DNS Server
If clearing your DNS cache doesn’t solve the issue, you can try changing your DNS server. By default, your device uses the DNS server provided by your internet service provider (ISP). However, using a public DNS server like Google DNS or OpenDNS can sometimes provide better and more reliable performance.
- To Change DNS Settings on Windows:
- Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
- Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
- Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses. For Google DNS, use “8.8.8” as the preferred DNS server and “8.4.4” as the alternate DNS server.
- Click OK to save the changes.
- To Change DNS Settings on Mac:
- Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Network > Advanced.
- Select the DNS tab.
- In the left pane, click on the “+” button to add a new DNS server.
- Enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses.
Disable VPN or Proxy
If you’re using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or proxy service, try disabling it temporarily. Sometimes these services can interfere with your device’s ability to resolve DNS addresses correctly, leading to the error message you’re seeing.
Contact Your Internet Service Provider
If none of the above solutions work, it’s possible that there might be an issue with your internet service provider’s DNS servers. Reach out to your ISP’s customer support for further assistance and let them know about the problem you’re experiencing. They may be able to provide specific guidance or resolve any underlying network issues on their end.
In Summary
To fix the “DNS Server Address Cannot Be Found” error:
- Check your internet connection.
- Restart your router.
- Clear your DNS cache.
- Change your DNS server.
- Disable VPN or proxy temporarily (if applicable).
- Contact your internet service provider for further assistance.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue and regain access to websites without encountering the “DNS Server Address Cannot Be Found” error again!
I hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through fixing this frustrating issue. Happy browsing!