DNS Server Not Responding: How to Fix This Error in WordPress

The “DNS server is not responding” error is a common WordPress problem, although it can affect access to non-WordPress sites as well.

Fortunately, with a few troubleshooting steps, it is relatively simple to clear the error and get back to your site. For example, you may simply need to check your Internet connection. Or, the solution may be a bit more complicated and require you to change your DNS servers or flush the DNS cache.

An introduction to the DNS server not responding error

The DNS server is not responding error is a common WordPress error, although it is not limited to WordPress and can affect your access to non-WordPress sites as well.

Encountering the error can be very frustrating as it prevents you from accessing your site. Instead, you will probably receive a warning message that says “This site cannot be reached.”

DNS Server Not Responding error means that your web browser is not able to connect to the DNS server of the website you are trying to access, either the server is not responding or your web browser has internet connection issues. No access.

DNS plays an essential role in connecting your web browser to a website’s server. So, if your web browser is not able to access the DNS server, it will not be able to load the website.

Here are some of the most common reasons for the DNS server not responding errors:

• DNS provider unavailable
• You have lost your internet connection
• Your firewall or antivirus software is blocking the connection
• There is a problem with the web browser
• Your DNS cache is out of date

Determining the cause of a DNS server not responding error can be difficult. That’s why it’s a good idea to work your way through some useful WordPress troubleshooting methods until you spot the error. We will tell you about the ways to fix this error in the next section.

How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Error (Five Ways)

Now that you know a little more about the DNS server is not responding error, let’s take a look at five troubleshooting tips that you can try to fix the problem.

1. Check your Internet connection
2. Visit your website in another browser
3. Disable your antivirus or firewall
4. Change the default DNS server address
5. Flush your DNS cache

1. Check Your Internet Connection

As discussed, if you are not connected to the Internet, you may see the DNS server is not responding error. Therefore, you need to check that the connection is still working properly.

First of all, make sure that you are still connected to the internet, as it is possible that your connection may have dropped for some reason.

If this isn’t the problem, you can troubleshoot network problems by configuring wireless diagnostics. First, close all your applications.

Then, for Mac users, you’ll need to hold down the Option key and select the wifi icon in your menu bar.

Then choose open wireless diagnostics,

Now, follow the instructions in the pop-up that appears. After the scan is complete, select the Information icon to get more information about each entry.

For Windows users, you can right-click on the Connectivity icon in your desktop’s system tray. then choose troubleshoot problems,

If this doesn’t fix the DNS server is not responding error, you can restart your Internet connection by turning your computer on and off. But, if you are still getting the error message, there might be a problem with your router.

In this instance, you can try restarting your router. Usually, you can do this by finding the Power button and pressing it once. Then, wait a few seconds before turning it back on.

Or, you might want to completely reboot your router. To do this, unplug it completely and wait at least 30 seconds before reconnecting it to power.

2. Visit your website in a different browser

One of the major reasons for the DNS Server Not Responding error is that there is a problem with your browser. Thus, you may be able to fix the error by using a different browser to access your site.

For example, if you’re currently using Google Chrome to connect to your site, try switching to Firefox or Microsoft Edge. If it works, then you know there’s a problem with your native browser.

One of these problems may be that you need to clear your browser cache. If you’re using Google Chrome, you can do this by clicking on the three dots on the right-hand side of your screen. then, select more tools, clear browsing Data,

On the pop-up, you can clear your browser history, cookies, and cached images and files. Make sure you select at least the latter option. then, hit clear data,

If this still doesn’t fix the DNS server is not responding error, you may need to update your browser to the latest version. Or, you can completely reinstall the browser.

3. Disable Your Antivirus or Firewall

Firewalls and antivirus programs are a great way to protect your computer from malicious software. However, sometimes, they may interfere with your network connection.

Usually, this happens when there is a problem with the software itself (for example, it may be out of date). Or, your antivirus/firewall settings may be too strict.

Fortunately, you can check if your antivirus/firewall is causing the DNS problem by temporarily disabling it. If the error goes away, you’ll know there’s a problem with your program.

You can do this on a Mac by navigating to the Apple icon in the Apple toolbar. You’ll find it on the top left of your screen. Then click on System Preferences,

here, select security and privacy and switch firewall tab, where you can disable your firewall:

Now, visit your website to see if the error is gone.

If it is, you may need to update your firewall software, switch to a different provider, or reconfigure your settings. Either way, it’s important that you remember to enable your firewall after you’ve finished troubleshooting.

4. Change the Default DNS Server Address

You might be seeing the DNS server is not responding error because your DNS provider is unavailable. In this case, it’s a good idea to change the default DNS server address assigned to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Fortunately, there are many free, public DNS servers, such as Google Public DNS. and Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, You can change your DNS settings on Mac by going to System Preferences from your Apple toolbar.

On the pop-up, select network, Then click on the advanced button:

now, switch to the DNS tab. Click here, Icon in the lower left corner to add a new DNS server:

All you have to do is enter the number for the public DNS server you want to use. For example, if you choose Cloudflare, you would enter 1.1.1.1.

click on Correct to exit the pop-up, and then select apply To save your new DNS settings. Now, you can visit your website in a browser and see if the DNS Server Not Responding error is cleared or not.

Cloudflare if you’re using Windows or another operating system Has detailed setup instructions For all operating systems. to take you directly to the Windows setup instructions.

5. Flush Your DNS Cache

The last way to fix DNS Server Not Responding error is to flush your DNS cache. Your DNS cache works just like the browser cache. But, it stores IP addresses instead of copies of web pages.

This is so that your computer does not have to look up these addresses every time you visit the same website again. However, this means that the DNS cache data may be out of date, which may result in a DNS server not responding error.

Usually, this happens when you move your WordPress site to a new domain. But, this can also happen if you have changed web hosts.

If you use Windows, you can clear your cache using the command prompt:

1. Launch Command Prompt – You can do this by typing CMD in the start bar.
2. In the command prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

On a Mac, you’ll need to open Terminal by pressing the F4 key. then, enter the terminal in the search box.

Once Terminal is open, you’ll need to Run the correct command prompt for your version of Mac OS, For example, Mac OS Big Sur requires the following command:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

This will refresh your DNS connection. So, now, you can try accessing your website and see if the error is gone.

Fix DNS Server Not Responding Error For Good

To recap, here are five ways to fix the DNS server not responding error in WordPress:

For some general tips on keeping your WordPress site in shape, You can check out our complete beginner’s guide to WordPress troubleshooting.