DNS can't connect to the network

DNS unable to connect to the network: Causes and Solutions

Domain Name System (DNS) is the backbone of the internet, which translates human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into computer-usable IP addresses. Without a working DNS connection, devices are unable to access the internet.

Causes of DNS unable to connect to the network

• Network issues: Check if your network connection is stable. Ensure that your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network or an ethernet cable, and that there are no physical connection problems.
• DNS server problems: Your DNS server might be down or overloaded. Try using different DNS servers, such as Google’s 8.8.8.8 or Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1.
• Firewall or antivirus software: Firewalls or antivirus software might be blocking DNS requests. Temporarily disable these programs to see if that resolves the issue.
• Router settings: Make sure your router is properly configured to use the DNS servers of your choice. Check your router’s DHCP settings or manually enter the DNS addresses.
• ISP restrictions: Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may restrict or block access to certain DNS servers. Contact your ISP to resolve this.
• Malware: Malware can modify DNS settings or hijack DNS requests. Scan your device with an anti-malware program and remove any infections.

Solutions for DNS unable to connect to the network:

1. Check network connection

• Try restarting your router and modem.
• Run a network diagnostic test to check if there are any issues with your connection.
• Try using a different network (e.g., switch to a mobile hotspot).

2. Change DNS servers

• Open your network settings.
• Locate the DNS settings and manually enter new DNS server addresses (e.g., 8.8.8.8 and 1.1.1.1).
• Save the changes and restart your device.

3. Disable firewall or antivirus software

• Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software.
• Try to access the internet.
• If the issue is resolved, re-enable your firewall or antivirus software and configure it to allow DNS requests.

4. Check router settings

• Log in to your router’s admin console.
• Navigate to DHCP settings or DNS settings.
• Ensure that your router is using the DNS servers of your choice.
• Save the changes and reboot your router.

5. Contact your ISP

• If you have tried all the above solutions and the issue persists, contact your ISP.
• They can check for network problems or other restrictions.

6. Scan for malware

• Scan your device using an anti-malware program.
• Remove any detected infections.
• Reboot your device and check if the DNS connection is restored.

Additional tips:

• Flush DNS cache: Type “ipconfig /flushdns” in Command Prompt to flush the DNS cache.
• Reset Winsock: Type “netsh winsock reset catalog” and “netsh int ip reset reset.log” in Command Prompt to reset the Winsock Catalog and the IP stack.
• Update network drivers: Check and install the latest network drivers for your device.