DNS server not responding? How to fix it on any device

Ever tried loading a website only to get an error saying “DNS server not responding”? It’s frustrating and surprisingly common.

But more importantly, a misconfigured DNS can interrupt your connection or lead to security gaps, especially if you're not using privacy tools like VPNs or proxies.

In this guide, we’ll explain what DNS is, why the “DNS server not responding” error happens, how to fix it across devices, and how using a VPN like NymVPN can prevent DNS-related risks before they start.

What is DNS and why does it matter?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It's like the internet’s phonebook: when you type a web address like nym.com, DNS servers translate it into the IP address your device actually needs to connect.

Without DNS, you'd have to memorize long strings of numbers like 104.26.5.116 instead of just typing a URL.

But here’s the catch: not all DNS servers are reliable or safe. Your DNS queries can be logged, redirected, or blocked by:

• Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

• Public Wi-Fi networks

• Malicious third-party servers

A better DNS configuration — or using a residential VPN — can help you maintain fast, consistent access and avoid unwanted disruptions.

Why you’re getting “DNS Server Not Responding”

This error means your browser or device can’t get a response from the DNS server it's trying to use. Some common causes include:

• Temporary internet outages or weak connections that prevent your device from reaching the DNS server

• DNS settings that are outdated or manually entered incorrectly, leading to failed lookups or no response at all

• Malfunctioning routers or outdated network adapters that drop DNS requests before they reach the server

• Firewall or antivirus software settings that mistakenly block DNS traffic as a security precaution

• Public DNS servers that are overloaded and unable to respond in time

While some problems are temporary, others require you to manually update your settings or switch DNS providers.

Quick fixes for “DNS Server Not Responding”

If you’re seeing the “DNS server not responding” error, the good news is it’s often easy to fix. Below are some quick steps you can try. We'll start with the simplest solutions and move toward more advanced troubleshooting if needed.

1. Restart your device and router: Power-cycling clears temporary connection bugs.

2. Switch browsers: See if the issue is browser-specific.

3. Temporarily disable VPN or antivirus: If you’re not using a residential VPN, some software may block DNS traffic.

4. Flush your DNS cache

Windows: Open Command Prompt and run ( ipconfig /flushdns )

Mac: Open Terminal and run: ( sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder )

5. Change your DNS server

• 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

Or, use a VPN with private DNS routing for added protection and consistency.

How to change DNS settings on different devices

iPhone (iOS)

1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi

2. Tap the ⓘ next to your network

3. Tap Configure DNS > Manual

4. Add your preferred DNS servers (e.g., 1.1.1.1)

Android

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi

2. Tap your network > Advanced

3. Set IP settings to Static, then enter DNS fields

Mac

1. Open System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi

2. Select your network and tap Details

3. Scroll to the DNS section and enter your servers

Windows 10/11

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet

2. Click your connection > Edit IP assignment > Manual

3. Toggle IPv4 and enter your DNS addresses

What are DNS leaks and why should you care?

Even with the right settings, your device might still leak DNS queries. A DNS leak happens when your DNS requests bypass your secure setup and go straight to your ISP — or worse.

This often happens when:

• A VPN doesn’t securely route DNS traffic

• Your OS overrides DNS preferences

• An app (like a browser) uses its own DNS service

To test your setup, visit dnsleaktest.com. If it shows your ISP or a strange provider, you're leaking.

NymVPN includes DNS leak protection by default, helping ensure your requests don’t end up in the wrong hands.

Clean up old DNS configurations

Devices can store old or misconfigured network settings that interfere with DNS.

iPhone & Android: Forget unused Wi-Fi networks in Settings.

Mac: Go to Wi-Fi > Known Networks and remove old ones.

Windows: Use ( netsh wlan show profiles ) in Command Prompt to list and delete outdated profiles.

A clean setup improves reliability and minimizes connection conflicts.

How a VPN helps with DNS reliability

VPNs that include private DNS routing can:

• Encrypt DNS traffic so that it can’t be read, logged, or intercepted by your ISP, Wi-Fi providers, or third parties.

• Stop DNS hijacking or spoofing attempts, where attackers redirect your queries to fake sites over unsecured networks.

• Bypass censorship or ISP filtering that may block content at the DNS level.

• Avoid logging by your ISP or third parties, helping you maintain more consistent access and security.

With NymVPN, DNS requests are made to look like regular traffic and reduce blocks, tracking, or errors.

Still seeing DNS errors?

If none of the above works, try:

• Resetting your network settings

• Updating router firmware

• Testing another DNS provider

• Using a VPN like NymVPN to avoid local DNS entirely

• Contacting your ISP (as a last resort)

And for more on what your connection reveals, check out Nym's guides below to how to protect your privacy online from all untrusted third parties.