Resolve DNS Issues
Quickly and Effectively

Step-by-Step DNS Troubleshooting

1. Check DNS Server Settings

   The Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names like "example.com" into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. While DNS is essential for Internet functionality, issues can arise, leading to website access issues, slow browsing speeds, or even complete Internet outages. Understanding how to troubleshoot DNS issues can help you resolve these problems swiftly and get back online.

   • Windows 10/11
   • macOS
   • Linux
   • Android
   • iOS

   1. Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
   2. Network & Internet: Click on "Network & Internet".
   3. Status: Click on "Status" in the left sidebar.
   4. Change adapter options: Scroll down and click on "Change adapter options".
   5. Network Connection: Right-click on the network connection you are using (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select "Properties".
   6. Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4): Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click on "Properties".
   7. DNS Settings: Here, you can see your DNS server settings. It may be set to "Obtain DNS server address automatically" or "Use the following DNS server addresses".

   1. Open System Preferences: Click the Apple logo in the top left and select "System Preferences".
   2. Network: Click on "Network".
   3. Select Network: Select your active network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) from the list on the left.
   4. Advanced: Click the "Advanced" button.
   5. DNS: Go to the "DNS" tab to view your DNS servers. You can see the list of DNS servers being used.

   1. Open Terminal: Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open a terminal.

      Check DNS Settings: Type the following command:

      system-resolve --status

      or for older versions:

      cat /etc/resolv.conf
   2. View DNS Servers: You’ll see the DNS servers listed in the output.

   1. Open Settings: Go to the "Settings" app.
   2. Network & Internet: Tap on "Network & Internet".
   3. Wi-Fi: Tap on "Wi-Fi" (or "Mobile network" for cellular data).
   4. Network: Long press on your connected Wi-Fi network and select "Modify network" or tap the gear icon next to the network.
   5. Advanced Options: If prompted, expand "Advanced options".
   6. View DNS Settings: You can see DNS settings in the "IP settings" dropdown, which can be set to "DHCP" or "Static". If "Static" is selected, DNS servers will be shown.

   1. Open Settings: Tap on the "Settings" app.
   2. Wi-Fi: Tap on "Wi-Fi".
   3. Network: Tap the information icon (ℹ️) next to your connected Wi-Fi network.
   4. Configure DNS: Scroll down to "DNS" to view the DNS servers. It can be set to "Automatic" or "Manual" if you've added custom DNS servers.

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   These steps will help you check the DNS server settings on different platforms.

2. Flush DNS Cache
   • Windows 10
   • Windows 11
   • macOS
   • Linux
   • Android
   • iOS

   Sometimes, DNS issues can stem from outdated or corrupted DNS cache on your device. Flushing the DNS cache can resolve these problems by forcing your device to fetch the latest DNS information. To flush the DNS cache, open your command prompt or terminal and enter the following command:

   To flush the DNS cache on Windows 10, you can follow these steps:

   1. Open Command Prompt: Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.

   2. Run Command as Administrator: Right-click on Command Prompt from the search results and select "Run as administrator".

      Flush DNS Cache: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

      
   3. Confirmation: You should see a message that says "Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache".
   4. Close Command Prompt: Once done, you can close the Command Prompt.

   This action clears and resets the DNS resolver cache on your Windows 10 system, which can help resolve DNS-related issues or update DNS records.

   Sometimes, DNS issues can stem from outdated or corrupted DNS cache on your device. Flushing the DNS cache can resolve these problems by forcing your device to fetch the latest DNS information. To flush the DNS cache, open your command prompt or terminal and enter the following command:

   

   This action clears and resets the DNS resolver cache on your Windows 11 system, which can help resolve DNS-related issues or update DNS records.

   Sometimes, DNS issues can stem from outdated or corrupted DNS cache on your device. Flushing the DNS cache can resolve these problems by forcing your device to fetch the latest DNS information. To flush the DNS cache, open your command prompt or terminal and enter the following command:

   To flush the DNS cache on macOS, you can follow these steps:

   1. Open Terminal.

   2. In the Terminal window, enter the following command string:

      sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

      

   This action clears and resets the DNS resolver cache on your macOS system, which can help resolve DNS-related issues or update DNS records.

   Sometimes, DNS issues can stem from outdated or corrupted DNS cache on your device. Flushing the DNS cache can resolve these problems by forcing your device to fetch the latest DNS information. To flush the DNS cache, open your command prompt or terminal and enter the following command:

   To flush the DNS cache on Linux, you can follow these steps:

   1. Check DNS Server Settings

      Verify that your DNS server is configured correctly:

      To check your DNS settings, use the following command to view the contents of the resolv.conf file:

      cat /etc/resolv.conf

      • Look for the nameserver entries. Ensure they point to the correct DNS servers (e.g., 91.148.225.50 and 91.148.229.50).

      If needed, edit the file with a text editor (use nano or vim) to update the nameserver entries:

      sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf

   2. Flush DNS Cache

      If you encounter DNS issues, try flushing the DNS cache:

      For systemd-resolved systems:
      sudo systemctl restart systemd-resolved

      For nscd (Name Service Cache Daemon) systems:
      sudo systemctl restart nscd

      For dnsmasq systems:
      sudo systemctl restart dnsmasq

   3. Check Connectivity

      Ensure your network is active by pinging an external IP address:

      ping 8.8.8.8

      • If you receive replies, your network is functioning correctly.
      • If no replies, troubleshoot your network connection.

   4. Test DNS Resolution

      Check if DNS resolution works:

      Use the dig or nslookup command to see if the domain resolves to the correct IP:

      dig example.com

      nslookup example.com

      • If the correct IP isn’t returned, there may be an issue with your DNS server or network.

   5. Restart Network Services

      Restart your network services to refresh the connection:

      For systemd based systems: sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

      For other systems:
      sudo service networking restart

   6. Review Firewall and Security Settings

      Ensure your firewall isn’t blocking DNS requests:

      Check the firewall status:
      sudo ufw status

      If needed, temporarily disable it to test DNS functionality:
      sudo ufw disable

      Once DNS is working, re-enable the firewall: sudo ufw enable

   This action clears and resets the DNS resolver cache on your Linux system, which can help resolve DNS-related issues or update DNS records.

   Sometimes, DNS issues can stem from outdated or corrupted DNS cache on your device. Flushing the DNS cache can resolve these problems by forcing your device to fetch the latest DNS information. To flush the DNS cache, open your command prompt or terminal and enter the following command:

   1. Restart Your Device: The simplest way to clear the DNS cache on an Android device is to restart your phone or tablet. This action typically clears the DNS cache and resets the network settings.

   2. Reset Network Settings: If restarting doesn't work, you can reset the network settings to clear the DNS cache:

      1. Go to Settings > System > Reset Options.

         
         
         

      2. Tap on Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.

         

      3. Confirm by selecting Reset Settings.

   3. Use a DNS Cache Flush App: There are various apps available on the Google Play Store that can clear the DNS cache. Look for apps like "DNS Changer" or "DNS Flusher" that specifically mention clearing the DNS cache.

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   Other Android Devices

   1. First, open Chrome on your Android device and type the below path. Then, hit Enter

      

   2. First, open Chrome on your Android device and type the below path. Then, hit Enter

      

   This action clears and resets the DNS resolver cache on your Android system, which can help resolve DNS-related issues or update DNS records.

   Sometimes, DNS issues can stem from outdated or corrupted DNS cache on your device. Flushing the DNS cache can resolve these problems by forcing your device to fetch the latest DNS information. To flush the DNS cache, open your command prompt or terminal and enter the following command:

   1. Toggle Airplane Mode: The easiest way to clear the DNS cache on an iOS device is to toggle Airplane Mode on and off:

      1. Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older devices).
      2. Tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on.
      3. Wait a few seconds, then tap it again to turn it off.
      

   2. Restart Your Device: Simply restarting your iPhone or iPad can clear the DNS cache:

      1. Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button until the power off slider appears.
      2. Drag the slider to turn off your device.
      3. After the device turns off, press and hold the Side button again until you see the Apple logo.

   3. Reset Network Settings: If toggling Airplane Mode and restarting don't work, you can reset the network settings:

      1. Go to Settings > General > Reset.
      2. Tap on Reset Network Settings.
      3. Enter your passcode and confirm the reset.
      
3. Restart Your Router

   If flushing the DNS cache doesn’t resolve the issue, try restarting your router. This can refresh your network connection and resolve any temporary glitches that might be causing DNS server problems.

4. Test Your Connection with Another Device

   To determine if the DNS issue is device-specific, try connecting to the Internet using another device. If the second device can connect without issues, the problem likely lies with the original device’s settings or hardware.

5. Disable Third-Party Firewalls and Antivirus Software

   Occasionally, third-party firewalls or antivirus programs can interfere with DNS settings, causing connection issues. Temporarily disable these programs to see if the problem persists. If disabling them resolves the issue, consider adjusting their settings to avoid future conflicts.

6. Use an Alternative Network

   If possible, try connecting to another network. This can help identify whether the issue is with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or your home network. If your connection works on a different network, you may need to contact your ISP for further assistance.

7. Contact Your ISP

   If all else fails, the issue may lie with your Internet Service Provider’s DNS servers. Contact them to inquire about any known issues or to request assistance in resolving the DNS server problems.