DNS server not responding: How to fix it [5 easy steps]

Encountering a "Service Unavailable" error when browsing? This comprehensive guide provides easy solutions to fix DNS failures on your Mac and prevent future interruptions.

This guide explains how to troubleshoot DNS issues, offering actionable steps for a quick fix.

iStat Menus, available on Setapp, provides comprehensive system statistics, including network details, to enhance your Mac experience.

Understanding DNS Errors

Before diving into solutions, let's understand the Domain Name System (DNS). DNS translates website addresses (like example.com) into IP addresses (numerical addresses computers use). DNS failures occur when this translation process fails.

Common causes of DNS errors include router malfunctions, incorrect network settings, outdated drivers, malware, outdated browser caches, and DNS server outages.

Troubleshooting DNS Errors

Here's how to resolve "service unavailable" DNS errors on your Mac:

1. Restart Your Mac and Router: This simple step often resolves temporary glitches. Restarting your Mac clears DNS caches, and restarting your router can fix network configuration problems.

2. Try a Different Browser: If the issue persists, try another browser. This helps determine if the problem lies with a specific browser's cache or settings.

Tab Finder, a Setapp app, manages open tabs across multiple browsers for improved workflow.

3. Clear Browser and DNS Cache: Outdated DNS records in your browser's cache or your system's DNS cache can cause errors.

   • Safari: Clear Safari's website data through Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data.
   • Terminal: Use sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder (macOS 10.10.4 and later) or sudo discoveryutil mdnsflushcache (macOS 10.9 and earlier) in Terminal to flush the DNS cache.

CleanMyMac, another Setapp app, provides a user-friendly way to clean your Mac's cache, including browser caches.

4. Change DNS Settings: Use a public DNS server like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) as a temporary fix if your default DNS server is unavailable. Access DNS settings through System Settings > Network > [Your Network] > Details > DNS.

5. Disable Network Interferences: Bluetooth and other wireless devices can interfere with Wi-Fi. Temporarily disabling them might resolve the issue.

AirBuddy, a Setapp app, helps manage Bluetooth devices on your Mac.

Preventing Future DNS Issues

Regular maintenance prevents future problems:

• Regularly flush your DNS cache.
• Keep your macOS and browser updated.
• Restart your router periodically.
• Clear browser caches and cookies.
• Monitor network activity using apps like iStat Menus.

iStat Menus provides real-time monitoring of network activity and other system resources.

Conclusion

By following these steps and utilizing helpful apps like those available on Setapp, you can effectively troubleshoot and prevent "Service Unavailable" DNS errors on your Mac. Setapp offers a free 7-day trial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The FAQ section is omitted for brevity, but it could be easily reconstructed from the original text.

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