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)

1. Go to **Settings** > **Network & Internet** > **Wi-Fi** 2. Tap your network > **Advanced** 3. Set IP settings to **Static**, then enter **DNS** fields

1. Open **System Settings** > **Network** > Wi-Fi 2. Select your network and tap **Details** 3. Scroll to the **DNS section** and enter your servers

1. Open **Settings** > **Network & Internet** 2. Click your **connection** > **Edit IP assignment** > **Manual** 3. Toggle **IPv4** and enter your DNS addresses

Network

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

Learn what causes DNS errors, how to fix them fast, and how to protect your DNS traffic with privacy tools

Author: Benjamin Nemeroff

May 8, 20256 mins Read

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DNS settings that are outdated or manually entered incorrectly, leading to failed lookups or no response at all
Malfunctioning routers or outdated network adapters that drop DNS requests before they reach the server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.

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

On iPhone (iOS)

Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
Tap the ⓘ next to your network
Tap Configure DNS > Manual
Add your preferred DNS servers (e.g., 1.1.1.1)

On Android

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi
Tap your network > Advanced
Set IP settings to Static, then enter DNS fields

On Mac

Open System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi
Select your network and tap Details
Scroll to the DNS section and enter your servers

On Windows 10/11

Open Settings > Network & Internet
Click your connection > Edit IP assignment > Manual
Toggle IPv4 and enter your DNS addresses

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.

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.

DNS: Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between DNS and IP addresses?

A DNS (Domain Name System) address is like the contact name in your phone, while an IP address is like the phone number. When you enter a website’s name — like nym.com — your device uses DNS to look up the actual IP address, such as 104.26.5.116, so it can connect. This process happens instantly, but if DNS fails, your browser won’t know where to go. That's why DNS errors can feel like the internet is broken.

Does changing DNS servers make the Internet faster?

Yes, sometimes. If your default DNS server (usually set by your ISP) is overloaded or slow, switching to a public DNS provider like Cloudflare or Google can improve speed. However, the improvement is typically in how fast sites start to load, not how fast your internet downloads content. Using a VPN with optimized DNS, like NymVPN, can also provide consistent performance while maintaining privacy.

How can I tell if DNS Is causing the problem?

If web pages aren’t loading but apps like Zoom or email still work, it might be a DNS issue. You can test this by typing an IP address directly into your browser. For example, try visiting http://142.250.72.14 (a Google IP). If that works but google.com doesn’t, your DNS isn’t resolving correctly. Switching DNS servers or restarting your router can often fix this.