You tried to access a website, but got an error message: “DNS address not found”. What does that mean ? And how to solve this problem?
In this article, we'll explain what DNS is, why it can cause errors, and how to easily fix them.
Understanding the role of DNS
Before diving into the solutions, it is important to understand what DNS (Domain Name System) and its role in your web browsing. DNS is a system that translates domain names , such as www.example.com, into IP addresses , such as 192.0.2.1. This translation is essential for your browser to access websites. When you encounter the “DNS Address Not Found” error, it means that the DNS failed to translate the domain name into an IP address.
Check your Internet connection
1. Test other devices
The first instinct to have is to check if your Internet connection is working correctly. Try connecting to the Internet with another device (smartphone, tablet, other computer) and see if you experience the same problem.
2. Restart your modem and/or router
If other devices are also having connection issues, your modem or router may be the culprit. Try restarting your modem and/or router by unplugging them for 30 seconds , then plugging them back in.
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Change DNS settings
1. Use a different DNS server
Internet Service Provider (ISP) DNS server may be having problems. You can try using a public DNS server , like Google DNS or OpenDNS. Here's how to change the DNS settings on your computer:
- Windows : Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings > Right-click your connection > Properties > Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties > Use the following DNS server address
- Mac: System Preferences > Network > Select your connection > Advanced > DNS > Add public DNS server addresses
2. Clear DNS cache
The DNS cache temporarily stores information about websites you have visited. It is possible that the DNS cache is corrupted, causing the “DNS address not found” error. To clear the DNS cache, follow the steps below:
- Windows : Open Command Prompt as administrator > type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter
- Mac: Open Terminal > type “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and press Enter (you may need to enter your password)
Update network drivers
Outdated or corrupt network drivers can also cause the “DNS address not found” error. You can update your network drivers by following these steps:
- Windows : Control Panel > Device Manager > Network Adapters > Right-click your network adapter > Update driver
- Mac: Driver updates are usually included with operating system updates. Make sure your Mac is up to date by going to System Preferences > Software Update
Configure a proxy or VPN
In some cases, using a proxy or VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help resolve the “DNS address not found” error. A VPN allows you to connect to another network, which can bypass any DNS issues you're experiencing. Several VPN providers offer free or paid services, with varying levels of security and privacy.
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Comparison table of solutions
| Solution | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Check Internet Connection | Allows you to identify if the problem is with your network | None |
| Change DNS settings | Can quickly resolve the issue if your ISP's DNS server is at fault | May require technical skills |
| Clear DNS cache | Can fix the issue if DNS cache is corrupted | None |
| Update network drivers | Can fix the problem if the network drivers are outdated or corrupted | May require technical skills |
| Configure a proxy or VPN | Can bypass DNS issues and provide secure browsing | May reduce browsing speed |
By following the steps and solutions presented in this article, you should be able to resolve the “DNS address not found” error and regain smooth browsing on the Internet. Remember that DNS issues can sometimes be temporary and resolve on their own. If you continue to encounter problems, do not hesitate to “”Done” bulleted list (without html tag). insert at the beginning of your text: 1 special character (in uppercase) “N with tilde”. inserts at the end of the text: 1 special character (in uppercase) “N with tilde”. :::)
FAQs
What is an Alternate DNS Server and Why Should I Use One?
An alternate DNS server is a Domain Name System (DNS) server that differs from the one provided by default by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Reasons for using an alternative DNS server may include:
- Improved Internet browsing speed and performance
- Increased online security and privacy
- Circumventing geo-restrictions and censorship
- Access to websites blocked by your ISP
Popular alternative DNS servers include Google Public DNS, OpenDNS, and Cloudflare DNS.
How do I know if the problem is with my ISP or my equipment?
To determine if the problem is with your ISP or your equipment, follow these steps:
- Try connecting to the Internet with another device to see if the problem persists.
- If other devices are also having connection issues, restart your modem and/or router.
- If the problem persists after restarting your modem and/or router, contact your ISP to check for any known issues or service outages.
- If no issues are reported by your ISP, check and update your device's network drivers, change DNS settings, and try other solutions mentioned in the article.
My smartphone also shows the error “DNS address not found”, what should I do?
If your smartphone displays the “DNS address not found” error, follow these steps to resolve the issue:
- Check if other devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network are also having connection issues.
- Restart your smartphone and try to reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.
- Try connecting to another Wi-Fi network or using mobile data to see if the problem persists.
- If the problem persists only on your Wi-Fi network, follow the steps mentioned in the article to check and change the DNS settings of your router.
Can I resolve the “DNS address not found” error by changing my web browser?
Changing web browsers can sometimes resolve the “DNS address not found” error, as different browsers may use different DNS settings. Try accessing the website from another browser to see if the problem persists. If the error persists on multiple browsers, follow the steps mentioned in the article to resolve the issue.
Are there any online tools to check the status of DNS servers?
Yes, there are several online tools to check the status of DNS servers. Here are some popular examples:
- DNS Checker (dnschecker.org): Checks the status of DNS servers for a specific domain across multiple geographic locations.
- DNSstuff (dnsstuff.com): Offers a variety of tools for diagnosing and fixing DNS problems.
- IntoDNS (intodns.com): Provides a detailed report on a domain's DNS configuration.
How can I check if the website I'm trying to access is offline for everyone or just me?
To check if a website is offline for everyone or just you, you can use online tools such as:
- Down for Everyone or Just Me (downforeveryoneorjustme.com)
- Is It Down Right Now (isitdownrightnow.com)
These tools check the status of a website from multiple locations and tell you if the site is actually offline or if the problem is with your connection.
What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6, and how can it affect DNS troubleshooting?
IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) and IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) are two versions of the Internet protocol. The main difference between the two is how IP addresses are assigned and structured. IPv4 uses 32-bit IP addresses, while IPv6 uses 128-bit IP addresses, allowing for a greater number of unique IP addresses. Most modern ISPs and devices support both IPv4 and IPv6. However, some DNS issues may be specific to one of the versions. Check your device and router settings to ensure they are properly configured to support both protocols.
How can I configure my router to use an alternate DNS server?
To configure your router to use an alternate DNS server, follow these steps:
- Log in to your router's configuration interface by entering your router's IP address into your browser's address bar. Check your router manual for the IP address and connection information.
- Find the DNS or DHCP settings in the router's configuration interface.
- Change the default DNS servers to alternative DNS servers of your choice, such as Google Public DNS or OpenDNS.
- Save the changes and restart your router.
Is the “DNS address not found” error always related to a problem with the DNS or can it be caused by other factors?
The “DNS address not found” error is usually related to a problem with the DNS servers or the DNS configuration of your device or router. However, other factors can also cause this error, such as:
- Network connectivity issues
- Problems with the ISP
- Security settings, such as firewalls and antivirus software, blocking access to certain websites
- Problems with the website itself, such as domain registration expiration or server issues
In most cases, following the steps mentioned in the article and troubleshooting potential DNS issues should resolve the error. If the problem persists, explore other potential causes and contact your ISP for assistance.
Are there any browser extensions that can help resolve DNS issues?
There are several browser extensions that can help you fix DNS issues or bypass DNS restrictions. Here are some examples :
- DNS Flusher (for Chrome): Flushes your browser's DNS cache and reloads web pages to resolve DNS issues.
- DNS Over HTTPS (for Firefox): uses the DNS-over-HTTPS protocol to improve the privacy and security of your Internet browsing.
- Proxy or VPN: Some proxy or VPN extensions can help you bypass DNS restrictions by routing your traffic through an intermediary server.
However, before installing these extensions, make sure they are from trusted sources and check user reviews to avoid security issues.
Conclusion
The “DNS Address Not Found” error can be frustrating, but by following the steps and tips mentioned in this article and FAQ, you should be able to resolve this issue and resume smooth browsing on the Internet. Do not hesitate to come back to us for other questions or concerns related to new technologies.
