DNS (Domain Name System) server issues can prevent websites from loading, cause slow browsing, or display errors such as "DNS Server Not Responding." These problems may be caused by your device, router, DNS server, or Internet Service Provider (ISP). The steps below will help you identify the cause of common DNS issues and restore reliable internet access.

Beginner Troubleshooting

1. Confirm Your Internet Connection

   Before troubleshooting DNS, verify that your internet connection is working.

   • Ensure your modem and router are powered on and connected properly.
   • Check whether other devices can access the internet.
   • If none of your devices can connect, the issue is likely with your internet connection or ISP rather than your DNS server.
2. Restart Your Device

   Restarting your device can clear temporary network issues.

   1. Save any open work.
   2. Restart your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
   3. After your device restarts, try accessing the affected website again.
3. Restart Your Modem and Router

   Restarting your networking equipment refreshes the connection and often resolves temporary DNS issues.

   1. Turn off both the modem and router.
   2. Unplug them from the power source for 30 to 60 seconds.
   3. Plug the modem back in first and wait until all indicator lights become stable.
   4. Turn on the router and allow it to reconnect.
   5. Test your internet connection.
4. Test Multiple Websites

   Open several different websites.

   • If only one website fails to load, the problem is likely with that website rather than your DNS server.
   • If multiple websites fail to load, continue with the remaining troubleshooting steps.
5. Reconnect to Your Network
   1. Disconnect your device from the Wi-Fi or wired network.
   2. Reconnect to the network.
   3. Test your internet connection again.
6. Disable VPN or Proxy Services

   VPNs and proxy servers can sometimes interfere with DNS resolution.

   1. Temporarily disable your VPN or proxy service.
   2. Test whether websites load normally.
   3. Re-enable the service after testing if it is not causing the issue.

1. Flush the DNS Cache

   Clearing the DNS cache removes outdated or corrupted DNS records.

   Windows

   1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   2. Run:

   ipconfig /flushdns

   macOS

   1. Open Terminal.
   2. Run:

   sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

   After completing the command, test your internet connection again.

2. Renew Your IP Address (Windows)

   Renewing your IP address requests a new network configuration from your router.

   1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   2. Run:

   ipconfig /release
   ipconfig /renew

   3. Wait for both commands to complete.
   4. Test your internet connection.
3. Change Your DNS Server
   Only change your DNS settings if you're comfortable modifying your network configuration or if instructed by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or network administrator.

   If your ISP's DNS server is unavailable or unreliable, switch to a trusted public DNS provider.

   Provider	Primary DNS	Secondary DNS
   Google Public DNS	8.8.8.8	8.8.4.4
   Cloudflare DNS	1.1.1.1	1.0.0.1

   Save the changes and reconnect to your network.

4. Verify Network Adapter Settings

   Ensure your network adapter is configured correctly.

   • Verify that your adapter is set to obtain IP and DNS settings automatically unless your network requires static addresses.
   • Disable and then re-enable the network adapter if necessary.
5. Test DNS Resolution

   Open Command Prompt or Terminal and run:

   nslookup google.com

   If the command returns an error or fails to resolve the address, your DNS server may not be responding correctly.

6. Update Network Drivers and Router Firmware

   Keeping your hardware updated improves compatibility, stability, and security.

   • Install the latest network adapter drivers from your device manufacturer's website.
   • Update your router's firmware using the manufacturer's instructions.
7. Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)

   If the problem persists after completing all other troubleshooting steps:

   1. Reset your device's network settings to their default configuration.
   2. Reconnect to your Wi-Fi or wired network.
   3. Test your internet connection again.

8. Test DNS Response Using Command-Line Tools

   Use the following commands to determine whether the issue is DNS-related.

   Verify DNS name resolution:

   nslookup google.com

   Test internet connectivity without DNS:

   ping 8.8.8.8

   Test both internet connectivity and DNS resolution:

   ping google.com

   If you can successfully ping an IP address but not a domain name, the problem is most likely related to DNS.

9. Verify Router DNS Configuration

   Sign in to your router and verify that:

   • DNS server addresses are configured correctly.
   • Automatic DNS settings are enabled if recommended by your ISP.
   • No incorrect static DNS entries are configured.

   Restart the router after making any changes.

10. Check Firewall and Security Software

    Some antivirus and firewall applications can block DNS traffic.

    • Temporarily disable the software for testing.
    • Check whether websites load successfully.
    • Re-enable your security software immediately after testing.
11. Reset the Windows Network Stack

    Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run:

    netsh winsock reset
    netsh int ip reset
    ipconfig /flushdns
    ipconfig /renew

    Restart your computer after the commands complete.

12. Test Multiple Devices

    Determine whether the issue affects:

    • Only one device (likely a device-specific problem)
    • Multiple devices (likely a router, DNS server, or ISP issue)

    This helps identify where the problem originates.

13. Contact Swazzy Support

    If DNS problems continue after completing all troubleshooting steps:

    • Record any error messages displayed.
    • Note the troubleshooting steps you have already completed.
    • Contact Swazzy Support for additional assistance.

    Our support team can help diagnose DNS, router, or ISP-related issues.

• Before changing DNS settings, record your current DNS server addresses so they can be restored if necessary.
• Restart your device or router after making DNS changes to ensure the new settings take effect.
• If your network is managed by your workplace, school, or IT department, do not modify DNS settings without authorization.
• Only disable antivirus software, firewalls, or VPN services temporarily for troubleshooting, and re-enable them immediately afterward.
• Resetting network settings may remove saved Wi-Fi networks, custom DNS configurations, VPN settings, and other network preferences.
• If multiple devices experience the same DNS issue, the problem is likely with your router or your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• If you are unsure about performing advanced troubleshooting, contact Swazzy Support before making significant network configuration changes.

Most DNS server issues can be resolved by verifying your connection, restarting your networking equipment, clearing the DNS cache, or updating your DNS settings. If the issue persists after completing the troubleshooting steps in this guide, contact Swazzy Support for assistance diagnosing and resolving DNS, router, or network-related problems.