What Does DNS Server Cannot Be Reached Mean?
When you encounter the error message “DNS server cannot be reached,” it means that your computer or device is having trouble connecting to the Domain Name System (DNS). The DNS is responsible for translating human-readable domain names, like www.example.com, into IP addresses, which are numeric identifiers used by computers to communicate with each other over the internet.
Common Causes of DNS Server Cannot Be Reached Error
There are several common causes for this error, including:
- Internet Connection Issues: If you’re experiencing problems with your internet connection, such as a weak signal or network congestion, it can prevent your device from reaching the DNS server.
- DNS Configuration Problems: Incorrectly configured DNS settings on your device or router can cause the error. This can happen if you manually changed your DNS settings or if there’s a misconfiguration on your network.
- DNS Server Outage: Sometimes, the DNS server itself may be experiencing technical difficulties or undergoing maintenance. In such cases, you won’t be able to connect to the server until it’s resolved.
- Firewall or Antivirus Blocking: Certain firewall or antivirus software may block connections to specific DNS servers for security reasons. This can lead to the “DNS server cannot be reached” error.
Troubleshooting Steps
If you encounter this error, follow these steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:
1. Check Your Internet Connection
The first step is to ensure that your internet connection is stable and working properly.
Restart your router and try connecting again. If you’re using a Wi-Fi network, make sure you’re within range and that the signal strength is adequate.
2. Verify DNS Settings
Check your DNS settings to ensure they are correctly configured.
You can do this by accessing your network settings on your device or router and verifying the DNS server addresses. If they are incorrect, update them to the correct values provided by your internet service provider (ISP) or use a public DNS server like Google’s 8.8.
3. Test with Different DNS Servers
If the issue persists, try using alternative DNS servers to see if it resolves the problem. There are several public DNS servers available, such as Google DNS (8.8), Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1), or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222).
4. Temporarily Disable Firewall or Antivirus
If you suspect that your firewall or antivirus software is causing the issue, temporarily disable them and check if you can connect to the DNS server without any errors.
5. Contact Your ISP or Network Administrator
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it’s recommended to contact your ISP or network administrator for further assistance.
In conclusion, encountering the “DNS server cannot be reached” error can be frustrating, but by following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the underlying issue causing this error.