Nothing is more aggravating than opening your browser only to discover that a website doesn’t perform as expected. Now that we’re in 2017, we’ve come to anticipate that technology will be seamless and error-free.
As of right now, that isn’t possible. As you might have guessed from the title, this article goes into great depth about a DNS issue that prohibits you from visiting some web pages.
Regardless of what device or operating system you’re using, you may be affected by this problem. Hence, I will demonstrate how to resolve this annoying issue on the Mac desktop operating system, Google Chrome web browser, and Android smartphone.
It’s important to know what the DNS stands for in order to understand this problem. Having said all of that, let me now continue.
What Is The DNS?
Users can access their domains’ IP addresses using the DNS, which stands for Domain Name Server. Consequently, when this error message is displayed, your device is notifying you that it is unable to decipher the URL.
In a nutshell, “Dns is like the hamster that runs the Internet.” This is a quote by David Ulevitch.
By default, your computer uses the DNS settings on your router or modem. If you don’t alter it, your Internet service provider will use this DNS.
Method 1: Perform a Hard Reset of Your Router
This is a step I initially mentioned in my Nintendo Wii Error Codes essay, and even though it’s so simple that anyone can do it, you should give it a shot. It’s possible you’ll be shocked by how often this works.
Simply turn off and unplug your router or modem for approximately a minute until you remember how to do it, and then turn it on and plug it back in. In order to fix this problem, all you need to do is to reset it.
Method 2: Reset Chrome on Your Computer
Resetting Google Chrome is another simple task that you might do. In this stage, you’ll use your web browser instead of your modem to connect to the Internet.
Regardless of the operating system or device, this is the same procedure. Just open Chrome, type chrome:/settings/resetProfileSettings in the URL bar, and then click Enter. If you get a pop-up like the one below, click reset, and the issue should go away.
Method 3: Renewing Your IP Address
Consider this procedure to be analogous to hitting the Refresh button on a slow-loading web page.
In this case, we are dealing with your IP address instead of a URL. In order for this tip to be as effective as possible, it must be followed by the next one, which goes hand in hand.
Mac
Follow these steps to get a new IP address for your Mac.
Step 1: To begin, and as has been suggested in other articles, click on the Apple button and then select System Preferences from the menu that appears.
Step 2: Open Network when you’re done. Again, select the network you are connected to and click the Advanced button to get to the settings page.
Step 3: Select TCP/IP from the available menus. Renewing your IP address is as simple as clicking on Renew DHCP Lease.
Android
Smartphones demand extensive coding skills to renew your Internet Protocol (IP) address. Renewing it through your network, or whichever PC is connected to it, is an easy option for the average person.
With this approach, things are considerably easier. Ipconfig, a free Android app, can assist you do this if there is no other option.
Method 4: Clear Your DNS Cache
All current and attempted visits to websites are stored in your DNS cache, which is a database. This error may be fixed by flushing or clearing the cache.
Because your system will check its local cache to guide you to a website in the event of a DNS server change, your local cache will be erroneous as a result. If this is the case, then resetting your DNS cache may be the solution.
Mac
To accomplish this on a Mac, you’ll need to enter some code. You’ll need to open Terminal to accomplish this. Finder->Applications->Utilities->Terimal can be used to access Terminal. It’s time to type in a special code that will cleanse your cache fully.
If you’re using a different software version on your Mac, the code you enter will be completely different. If you’re unsure what to put in, check out this post from DreamHost.com for a comprehensive list.
Google’s Web Browser
Using Google Chrome to clear your DNS cache is a lot easier than doing it on your machine, in my opinion.
Step 1: Enter chrome:/net-internals/#DNS into the search bar and press Enter to access the DNS information. A menu is displayed on the left-hand side of the screen. Go with DNS. You’ll find a button labelled “Clear Host Cache” on the DNS page. All you have to do now is select it.
Step 2: As you can see, using a PC is a lot more complicated than using a Mac. However, if you use many browsers and want to wipe your entire computer, the Mac technique is still a feasible option. You can only clear the DNS for Google Chrome using this method.
Android
Open Google Chrome or your preferred web browser on your Android smartphone to begin the DNS cache procedure on your device.
Step 1: Using the menu button, select Settings from a drop-down list that displays. When you select Privacy, you’ll see a new menu appear. Clear Browsing Data is an option that can be selected.
Step 2: Cache, Cookies, and site data should all be examined at this final phase. Finally, tap the Clear button, and your DNS has been flushed.
5. Change Your DNS Server Address
It has already been established that one of the most common causes of this problem is an outdated DNS configuration.
Most of the time it’s best to have your primary DNS address as 8, and a backup address of 8, at either 8, or 4, in the range 8.8, or 4. If necessary, you can correct it after completing this step.
Mac
Step 1: System Preferences, then Network, is where you begin. The network you’re connected to should be selected, and then Advanced should be selected. Pops up a window with many tabs. Choose the DNS server.
Step 2: 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4 can be used to replace any of the mentioned addresses. Afterwards, click OK.
That’s all there is to it when it comes to modifying your DNS. You should keep in mind that the numbers I gave you are the best ones, and many times those are already pre-set on your Mac.
In the event that is the case, then the DNS configuration is not the issue at hand At the very least, you’ve been confirmed, which allows you to narrow down the possibilities for what’s generating the mistake.
Android
Android devices also make it simple to customise the DNS server to your preference.
Step 1: Begin by accessing the device’s Settings. Decide on Wi-Fi as your network connection method. When a menu appears, select Modify network by pressing and holding the current network’s button for a few seconds.
Step 2: Make sure the Show advanced options checkbox is checked if it is not already. Static should be entered in place of Dynamic in the IP settings. DNS 1 now has 8.8.8.8 and DNS 2 now has 8.8.4.4. Finally, click Save.
Reconnecting to the network and re-testing is always a good idea.
Conclusion
Most people don’t even realise that their devices have a DNS server, despite the fact that it is a very useful piece of software. It is in charge of translating a domain name into your computer’s IP address, which is one of its most critical responsibilities.
You can see why if something goes awry, your web browser will suffer a serious malfunction. This issue will not go away on its own, therefore you must follow the instructions in this article to correct it.
Because I know you’re eager to fix the situation as soon as possible, there are a number of possible solutions on the table. It’s crucial, though, to exercise patience when dealing with such blunders.
Keep trying even if your initial attempt to fix it fails. The items on this list are arranged in descending order of how long they take, starting with the quickest. A total of 15-20 minutes would be required to complete all five of these answers.
It’s well worth the time and effort, as you’ll be eradicating a bug that will recur indefinitely. Your internet service provider may be able to help you if everything else fails.
