Sometimes, you might see a message saying DNS server unavailable when trying to browse the internet. This means your computer can’t connect to the system that turns website names into numbers (IP addresses). Without this system, your device doesn’t know where to go, so web pages won’t load. This problem can happen for many reasons, like a weak internet connection, wrong settings, or issues with your service provider. If your DNS server is unavailable, you won’t be able to visit websites, stream videos, or even check your email.
Fixing this issue is important because it helps you stay connected. We will explain the DNS server unavailable meaning, why it happens, and how to fix it. You’ll learn simple steps to get back online quickly. Therefore, if you need expert IT support, Allied Technology Group can help with reliable solutions for your network.
What Does "DNS Server Unavailable" Mean?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It works like a phonebook for the internet. When you type a website name, the DNS finds the correct address and takes you there. If the DNS server is unavailable, this process stops working.
In other words, your computer doesn’t know where to go, so the website doesn’t open. It’s like calling a friend but getting a message that the number doesn’t exist. This is frustrating, but the good news is that it can usually be fixed easily.
Why Does the "DNS Server Unavailable" Error Happen?
Several things can cause this problem. Some are simple, like a weak Wi-Fi signal or a loose internet cable. Others are more technical, like settings inside your computer. So, here are some common reasons why you might see this error:
Internet Problems – Your internet might be slow or disconnected.
Router or Modem Issues – Sometimes, these devices need to be restarted to work properly.
Wrong DNS Settings – If your computer is set to use the wrong DNS, it won’t connect.
ISP Problems – Your internet provider might be having issues with their DNS servers.
Security Software or Firewall Blocks – Sometimes, antivirus programs stop your computer from reaching the DNS.
What Happens When the DNS Server is Unavailable?
If the DNS server is unavailable, many things can go wrong. So, you might notice some of these problems:
Websites Won't Load
You type a website name, but nothing happens.
You get an error message saying "DNS server unavailable."
Your internet works, but only for certain apps, not websites.
Slow or Unstable Connection
Pages take forever to load.
Videos keep buffering or stop playing.
You lose connection at random times.
Other Devices Work, But Yours Doesn’t
Your phone connects fine, but your computer has issues.
Restarting doesn’t fix it.
Changing Wi-Fi networks doesn’t help.
When this happens, you need to learn how to fix DNS server unavailable errors. In the next sections, we will go through simple steps to solve this problem quickly.
Common Causes of DNS Server Being Unavailable
When you see a DNS server unavailable message, it means your device can't connect to the internet properly. This problem can happen for many reasons. Below are some of the most common causes and how they affect your internet connection. So, if you don’t fix them, you may keep wondering what does DNS server unavailable mean and struggle to load websites.
Network Configuration Issues
If your network settings are wrong, your device might not connect the right way. This can happen when you install new software, update your system, or change your router. In other words, your device may think the DNS server is unavailable, even if your internet is working fine. Knowing how to fix DNS server unavailable issues starts with checking your network settings.
ISP-Related Problems
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) controls the DNS servers you use. If they are having problems, you might see a DNS server unavailable error. Also, you may need to wait or change your DNS settings.
ISP DNS Servers Are Down – Your provider’s servers stop working.
Slow Response from ISP DNS – The server takes too long to answer.
Restricted DNS Access – Your ISP blocks some websites.
Malware or Security Software Interference
Sometimes, security programs or malware block your DNS connection. Then, this can prevent you from reaching websites, making it feel like the DNS server is unavailable.
Antivirus Blocking DNS Requests – Your security settings stop safe connections.
Malware Hijacking DNS – A virus changes your DNS settings.
Firewall Restrictions – Your firewall blocks DNS access.
Outdated DNS Settings
Old or wrong DNS settings can make your connection fail. Therefore, if your device is using a bad DNS server, it won’t find websites. Updating your settings is one way to learn how to fix DNS server unavailable problems.
Overloaded or Downed DNS Servers
Too many people using the same DNS server at once can slow it down or make it stop working. If that happens, you’ll see a DNS server unavailable message.
High Traffic on the DNS Server – Too many users at the same time.
Server Maintenance or Outages – The DNS provider is fixing something.
DDoS Attacks on DNS Servers – Hackers overload the server to make it fail.
Hardware or Router Malfunctions
Sometimes, your router or modem is the problem. If it is not working right, your device may not connect to DNS servers. Restarting your router or checking your cables can help. Above all, the problem continues, managed IT services in Little Rock can help fix deeper network issues.
How to Fix DNS Server Unavailable
If you see the DNS server unavailable error, don’t worry. There are simple ways to fix it and get back online. So, below is a step-by-step guide on how to fix DNS server unavailable issues quickly.
1. Restart Your Router and Modem
Sometimes the easiest fix is turning your router and modem off and on again. Therefore, it clears minor issues and refreshes the connection.
Unplug both the router and modem from power.
Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Plug them back in and turn them on.
Try opening a website to see if the DNS server is unavailable and the error is gone.
2. Check Your Internet Settings
If your network settings are wrong, your computer might think the DNS server is unavailable even if your internet works.
Make sure your Wi-Fi is connected and not on airplane mode.
Try opening different websites to see if the issue is with one site or all.
Connect another device to the same internet. If it works, the issue is with your computer, not the internet.
3. Flush DNS Cache and Renew IP
Your device saves old website addresses in a DNS cache. Sometimes, this data is outdated and causes errors. Therefore, clearing it can fix the issue.
For Windows:
Press Windows + R and type cmd, then press Enter.
Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
Type ipconfig /release, press Enter, then type ipconfig /renew and press Enter again.
For Mac:
Open Terminal (find it in Applications > Utilities).
Type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.
Type your Mac password if asked.
After that, restart your browser and check if the DNS server unavailable error is fixed.
4. Change Your DNS Server (Google DNS, Cloudflare, OpenDNS)
If your ISP’s DNS server is unavailable, also switching to a public DNS might help. Google DNS, Cloudflare, and OpenDNS are free and fast.
For Windows:
Open Control Panel and go to Network & Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
Click Change adapter settings on the left.
Right-click your network and choose Properties.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
Click OK and restart your computer.
For Mac, go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > DNS, then add the new DNS addresses.
5. Disable Firewall and Security Software Temporarily
Sometimes, security software blocks DNS connections, causing the DNS server unavailable error.
Open your antivirus or firewall settings.
Look for real-time protection or network filtering.
Turn them off temporarily and check if the issue is gone.
If the DNS server is unavailable, error disappears, adjust security settings to allow DNS traffic.
6. Reset Network Settings on Windows and Mac
If none of the above fixes work, resetting network settings may help.
For Windows:
Open Command Prompt (Admin).
Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.
Restart your computer.
For Mac:
Open System Preferences > Network.
Select your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
Click Advanced > TCP/IP, then click Renew DHCP Lease.
This resets your network settings and can also fix DNS server unavailable meaning errors.
7. Update Network Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause network problems. Therefore, updating them ensures your computer connects correctly.
Open Device Manager (Windows: Press Windows + X, then choose Device Manager).
Expand Network Adapters.
Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and choose Update driver.
Restart your computer and check if the DNS server unavailable issue is fixed.
If you’re still having problems, it may be time to get expert help. Businesses rely on safe, stable internet, and losing access can be costly. Protect your data with data backup and recovery in Little Rock to keep your network running smoothly.
Understanding How DNS Works
The internet is like a giant map full of destinations (websites). When you want to visit a site, your device needs to know where to go. But instead of memorizing long numbers (IP addresses), we use easy-to-remember names like google.com. So, how does your device find the right address? That’s where the Domain Name System (DNS) comes in. It acts like a phonebook, translating names into numbers. If the DNS server is unavailable, your device gets lost and can’t load the website.
How DNS Translates Website Names into IP Addresses
Every website has an IP address, which is a unique set of numbers like 192.168.1.1. In other words, it’s like a street address for the internet. Since remembering numbers is difficult, DNS does the work for us.
Here’s how DNS works when you type a website name in your browser:
Your device first checks its memory to see if it already knows the IP address.
If not, it asks a DNS server for the correct address.
The DNS server looks it up in its database and finds the matching IP address.
Your browser connects to that address and loads the website.
For instance, when you type facebook.com, your DNS finds the IP address and takes you there. But if the DNS server is unavailable, this process stops, and your browser gives an error. That’s why knowing how to fix DNS server unavailable issues is important.
The Role of ISPs and Public DNS Servers
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns a DNS server to handle your internet requests. So, every time you browse online, your ISP’s DNS server translates names into IP addresses.
However, if your ISP’s DNS is slow or down, you may see a DNS server unavailable error.
Therefore, switching to a public DNS server can make your internet faster and more reliable. Some of the best options include:
Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) – Fast and widely used.
Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1) – Focuses on speed and privacy.
OpenDNS (208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220) – Offers extra security features.
In addition, public DNS servers often work better than ISP-provided ones. If your DNS server is unavailable, changing to one of these can solve the problem.
Now that you understand what does DNS server unavailable mean, you can take simple steps to fix it. If your internet stops working, try switching your DNS, restarting your router, or clearing your DNS cache. Above all, keeping your DNS settings updated helps avoid future connection problems.
Key Takeaway
When the DNS server is unavailable, your device won’t connect to websites, causing frustration. This happens for many reasons, like network misconfigurations, ISP issues, or outdated settings. In other words, your internet depends on a properly working DNS. Understanding what does DNS server unavailable mean and knowing how to fix DNS server unavailable can help. Restarting your router, clearing the DNS cache, or switching to a public DNS are quick fixes.
Above all, keeping your DNS settings updated can prevent future issues. If problems continue, Allied Technology Group can help. Visit our Contact Us page for expert IT support.
FAQs
What does DNS server unavailable mean?
The DNS server is unavailable when your computer can't find the address of the website you’re trying to visit. In other words, your device doesn’t know where to go, so web pages won’t load. This can happen due to internet problems, wrong settings, or issues with your service provider.
How do I fix a DNS server unavailable error?
You can try restarting your router and modem first. If that doesn’t work, clearing your DNS cache or changing your DNS server to Google DNS (8.8.8.8) may help. Also, check if your firewall or antivirus is blocking the connection.
Why does my internet work but some websites won’t load?
This usually happens when the DNS server is unavailable or struggling to find certain websites. Sometimes, your ISP’s DNS server is slow or down. Switching to a public DNS like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google DNS can fix this issue.
Can a DNS problem affect streaming and online gaming?
Yes, a DNS server unavailable error can cause buffering and lag in videos or games. Since your device can’t reach the right servers, streaming and gaming performance may drop. Changing your DNS settings can make your connection faster and more reliable.
When should I contact my ISP for a DNS issue?
If none of the fixes work and your DNS server is unavailable for a long time, your ISP might be the problem. Also, if multiple devices in your home have the same issue, it’s likely an ISP-related DNS outage. Contact your provider to check for service disruptions.
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