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Fix DNS that will not resolve

We'll check DNS settings, try different DNS servers, and clear cache—so DNS resolves or we tell you when to call support.

Troubleshooting · Wi‑Fi & networking
10–25 min
What you'll need
  • Router and device
  • Access to router and device settings
Step 1 of 5

Quick triage — pick your path

Quick triage — pick your path

Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

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Steps

Goal: Check internet, DNS settings, and cache so DNS resolves.

  • Confirm the device has internet (e.g. ping 8.8.8.8).
  • Try different DNS servers (8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1) on the router or device.
  • Clear the DNS cache on the device and restart the router.
  • Good: DNS resolves and you can reach sites by name. Bad: DNS still will not resolve—check VPN or call ISP.

Internet check

Goal: Confirm the device has internet.

  • Ping an IP address (8.8.8.8) or open a site by IP. DNS needs internet to work.
  • Good: Device has internet. Bad: No internet—fix connectivity first.

DNS server change

Goal: Try different DNS servers.

  • Set DNS to 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) on the router or device.
  • Good: DNS resolves. Bad: Still fails—clear cache or check VPN.

When to get help

Call your ISP or the manufacturer if:

  • DNS still will not resolve after trying different servers and clearing cache.
  • The ISP DNS may be down.

Verification

  • You can reach websites by name (e.g. example.com).
  • nslookup example.com or dig example.com returns an IP.
  • No “DNS server not responding” errors.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm internet Check device can reach internet (ping IP).
  2. Try different DNS Use 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1 on router or device.
  3. Restart and clear cache Restart router and device, clear DNS cache.
  4. Check VPN/firewall Disable VPN or firewall temporarily.
  5. Call support ISP or manufacturer support if all steps fail.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • DNS servers currently set
  • Steps already tried

Does the device have internet (can you ping 8.8.8.8)?

No internet means DNS cannot resolve.

Ping 8.8.8.8 or open a site by IP. Good: device has internet. Bad: no internet—fix connectivity first.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Fix internet connectivity

Get the device online first. Check router, modem, and cables. DNS cannot work without internet.

Done

Try different DNS servers

ISP DNS may be down or slow.

Set DNS to 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1 on the router or device. Good: DNS resolves. Bad: still fails—clear cache, check VPN.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

DNS works

DNS is resolving. You can reach sites by name.

Done

Clear DNS cache and restart

Flush the DNS cache on the device. Restart the router. Good: DNS resolves. Bad: still fails—disable VPN, or call ISP.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would DNS stop resolving?
Your device or router may be using DNS servers that are down, blocking, or misconfigured. VPNs, proxies, or firewalls can also intercept DNS. A bad or stale local cache can make it look like DNS is broken when connectivity is fine.
Should I change DNS on the router or on my device?
Changing DNS on the router applies to all devices on the LAN. Changing DNS on one device only affects that device—useful to test before changing the whole network. Try 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1 temporarily to see if resolution returns.
When should I call my ISP about DNS?
Call if you still cannot resolve names after trying other DNS servers, restarting the router, clearing cache, and ruling out VPN or firewall—and you have confirmed the device can reach the internet by IP (e.g. ping 8.8.8.8). The problem may be upstream on the ISP side.

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