What is a DNS Error? Causes, Types, and How to Fix Them

Imagine opening your browser to visit a website, but instead of getting the desired page, an error pops up on your screen saying something like ‘Origin DNS Error’ or ‘DNS Server Not Responding’.

A DNS error happens when your device cannot translate a website name (like google.com) into the IP address it needs to connect. Without this translation web page simply won’t load in your browser.

In this comprehensive guide, I will explain what ‘DNSerror’ means, its types, why they occur, and the practical steps you can take to fix them so you can get back online without any hassle.

What is DNS? 

DNS (Domain Name System) is basically the contact book of the internet. Instead of remembering long strips of numbers (IP addresses), you just need to type a web address like xyz.com. DNS then translates that name into the correct IP address, allowing your browser to load the website.

What is a DNS Error?

A DNS error appears when your device fails to make that translation. In layman’s terms, your computer knows the name of the site you want to visit, but can’t find its exact location on the Internet.

‘DNS_error’ is different from HTTP status codes (like Error Code 522 and 409 Conflict Error). Simply put, imagine this situation as typing a friend’s name into your phone, but the contact details are missing, so you can’t reach them. 

That is exactly what a DNS server error is. The system that connects names to addresses is not working, leaving the site unreachable.

What are the Common Causes of DNS Errors?

DNS errors usually happen when something blocks your device from reaching the server that translates domain names into IP addresses. Here are the most common reasons behind the issue:

• Unstable or poor internet connection: A weak or interrupted internet connection can stop your device from reaching the DNS server. Even a short disconnection can trigger DNS server errors, though it often fixes itself once the connection is stable again.

• Problems with your DNS provider: If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or a third-party DNS provider is down, your device won’t be able to connect. 

• Firewall or antivirus restrictions: Sometimes, security tools mistakenly block DNS requests as a precaution. Temporarily disabling your firewall or antivirus can help you test if that is the cause.

• Router or modem issues: Outdated firmware, hardware glitches, or wrong router settings can also block DNS requests. Restarting, resetting, or updating your router often resolves this.

• Incorrect DNS settings: If your device is set to the wrong DNS server address, websites may fail to load. Reconfiguring your network with the correct settings usually fixes the problem.

• Outdated or corrupted network drivers: Drivers act as a bridge between your device and the internet. If they are old or broken, ‘DNS_errors’ can appear.

In short, these errors often come down to connectivity problems, misconfigured settings, or temporary outages. Some fixes are in your control (like updating drivers or adjusting settings), while others depend on your ISP or DNS provider.

Different Types of DNS Errors Explained

A DNS error can show up in different ways. Each type points to a specific problem; understanding the error helps you fix it faster. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. DNS Server Not Responding

This error means your computer reached out to a DNS server, but got no reply. It may show messages like ‘DNS server isn’t responding’ or ‘Server DNS address could not be found’. In many cases, it is caused by network issues, misconfigured DNS settings, or server-side blocks.

2. DNS Lookup Failed

A lookup failure occurs when the DNS server cannot find the domain you type. If you see ‘DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN’ or Address not found’, it usually means the domain name is incorrect, expired, or missing proper DNS records.

3. DNS Resolution Timeout

This one is similar to the 504 Gateway Timeout error. Sometimes the server is simply too slow to reply. When that happens, your browser gives up and shows errors like ‘Connection timed out’ or ‘Resolving host…’. This can occur due to heavy traffic, poor connectivity, or an overloaded DNS server.

4. SERVFAIL (Server Failure)

In this case, the domain exists, but the DNS server cannot process the request. It can happen due to misconfigured settings, DNSSEC validation issues, or overloaded servers.

5. REFUSED Errors

This appears when a DNS server actively blocks the request. It usually happened due to firewall rules, security restrictions, or server policies that prevent unauthorized queries.

6. Cloudflare Specific Errors

If you use Cloudflare, you may see errors like:

• Error 1016 Origin DNS Error: This means that Cloudflare can’t reach your website’s origin server because the DNS records (like A or CNAME) are missing or not correctly configured.
  
• Error 1001 DNS Resolution Error: This one is usually tied to custom domains or CNAME issues, often caused by incorrect setup or delays in DNS propagation.

Plus, there are many other less common errors like FORMERR (the DNS query was sent in the long format) and YXDOMAIN/YXRRSET (due to duplicate or conflicting DNS records).  By recognizing the type of error you are dealing with, you can quickly learn how to fix DNS errors without wasting effort.

How to Fix DNS Errors Quickly?

You don’t need to be a tech expert to solve most DNS issues. A few quick checks and adjustments can usually bring your internet experience back to normal. Here are some of the best fixes you can try:

1. Restart Your Computer and Router

A simple restart can fix the problem. So, the first step you should take is to turn off your computer and unplug your modem or router for about 30 seconds before switching them back on. This clears temporary glitches and refreshes the connection between your device and the DNS server.

2. Try a Different Web Browser

Sometimes the issue is with your browser, and not the network. Try to open the same website in another browser. If you are using Chrome, try to switch to Firefox or Edge. If it works there, update or reinstall your default browser to avoid a “DNSError” in the future.

3. Test on Another Device

Try using another device on the same network, like your phone or tablet, to open the same website. If it loads properly, your main device may have some configuration issues. If it does not, the router could be the main culprit. You can also try using mobile data to check if the site works outside your network.

4. Disable Extra Network Connections

Too many active connections can sometimes confuse the system. Turn off all unused networks, such as VPNs or extra adapters. On Windows 10 or Windows 11, you can do this by accessing Network Connections in the Control Panel. Here, just right-click on unused connections and then click on Disable.

If you are using a Mac, go to System Settings > Network and just switch off any connection you don’t need.

5. Start Your Computer in Safe Mode

Sometimes your computer’s system files get in the way of connecting to the internet. Starting your device in Safe Mode helps because it loads only the basic files needed to run the system. This is one of the quickest Error 1016 Origin DNS Error fixes you can try. Plus, this makes it easier to check if extra software or settings are causing the issue.

• On Windows: 
  • Click the Windows icon, hold the Shift key, and select Restart.
  • Then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.

    

  • Now, press 4 to start Safe Mode, or 5 to start Safe Mode with Networking.

    

  If you are using Windows 7 or earlier, just restart your computer and keep pressing F8 before Windows loads. Next, you will see an option to select Safe Mode.

• On macOS: 
  • Shut down your Mac completely.
  • Next, press and hold the power button until you see the loading startup options.
  • Now, just press and hold the Shift key, and then click on Continue in Safe Mode.

    

Once in Safe Mode, try opening the website again. If it works, the problem is probably occurring due to third-party apps, like antivirus software.

6. Flush the DNS Cache

Your computer stores details of websites you visit (like IP addresses) in a temporary memory called the DNS cache. If this data is outdated or wrong, you may see DNS errors. Clearing or flushing the cache forces your computer to fetch fresh records from the internet.

If you want to clear the cache on Windows 10 and above, just search for ‘cmd’, open the Command Prompt as an administrator, and type: ‘ipconfig/flushdns’. Then press Enter, and you will see a confirmation message for the same. 

If you are on macOS, open Terminal from Spotlight search, and type: ‘sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder’. Next, enter your password when prompted, and your cache will be flushed.

After you are done with this, try loading the same website again to see if the issue is gone.

7. Temporarily Turn Off Antivirus or Firewall

Security software is essential, but sometimes it mistakenly blocks internet access. If DNS errors persist, try turning off your antivirus or firewall for a while.

If you are on Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security> Firewall & network protection > Disable firewall for all networks. 

On macOS, open System Settings > Network > Firewall, and disable it. 

Once disabled, check if the website opens properly. If it does, your antivirus settings may need some adjusting. And, don’t forget to turn protection back on after troubleshooting.

8. Change Your DNS Server Address

By default, your internet connection uses the DNS server provided by your ISP. If their server goes down, your browsing will stop working. A quick fix is to switch to a public DNS service like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4) and Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1).

On Windows:

• Type ncpa.cpl in the search box and open Network Connections.
• Right-click your active network and click on Properties.

  

• Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and go to Properties.

  

• Under General, select Use the following DNS server addresses.
• Enter the public DNS addresses from Google or Cloudflare in the fields of the preferred and alternate DNS servers.

  

• Validate settings upon exit and click on OK.

On Mac:

• Go to System Settings and click on Network.
• Select your main connection and click on Details.

  

• Open the DNS tab, click on the + icon to add a new DNS.
• Enter your preferred public DNS and then click on OK > Apply.

  

After changing the DNS addresses, restart your computer and check if things are back on track.

9. Disable IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)

Sometimes, websites don’t work well with IPv6, the newer internet protocol. So, switching to IPv4 can help fix these DNS errors.

On Windows, go to Network Connections, right-click your network, and click on Properties. Then, uncheck Internal Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and click OK.

On a Mac device, access your Network settings, select your current network, click on details, and go to TCP/IP. Next, click on configure IPv6, and choose Link-Local only. 

If you want to completely disable IPv6 on Mac, open Terminal and type: ‘networksetup -setv6off Ethernet && networksetup -setv6off Wi-Fi’.

10. Update Network Adapter Drive on Windows

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can also trigger DNS errors. Updating them will ensure smooth communication between your PC and network devices. Here’s how you can do it (only on Windows):

• Open Device Manager from Windows Search.
• Expand the Network adapters option.
• Right-click your active adapter and click on the Update driver option.

  

If you are unsure, update all adapters in the list. And, if updating does not help, try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver.

If none of these 10 fixes solves the issue, the problem may be with your internet provider. So, the last option you have is to contact your ISP and tell them your issue in detail.

Best Practices to Prevent a DNS Error in the Future

The easiest way to deal with DNS problems is to stop them before they happen. A few small steps can make your connection more stable and secure. Here’s how you can avoid these errors:

• Keep systems updated: Regularly update your operating system, router, firmware, and other network devices. Updates often fix bugs, patch security holes, and improve compatibility with DNS servers.

• Use trusted DNS providers: Switch to reliable services like Google DNS, OpenDNS, or Quad9. They offer faster response times, better uptime, and stronger protection against cyberattacks compared to many default ISP servers. 

• Set up backup DNS servers: Configure both a primary and a secondary DNS. If one goes down, the other keeps your connection running without any interruptions.

• Enable DNSSEC: This adds a layer of security that prevents DNS spoofing and fake redirects.

• Monitor your DNS health: Use tools like Cloudflare Analytics or Google Public DNS logs to track performance and detect issues early.

• Update antivirus software: Make sure your security tools are updated and not blocking legitimate DNS requests by mistake.

By staying proactive with these measures, you can stay away from most DNS errors and enjoy a faster and more reliable internet connection.

Final Thoughts

I tried to cover almost everything important to tackle any type of DNS error. I know these errors can feel disruptive, but they are usually easy to fix once you know the cause. Just follow the solution and tips given in this article, and you will be able to handle any situation. 

Don’t slow down because of DNS issues. Tackle them smartly and enjoy your uninterrupted connection. And if you like the information, please share this blog with someone who may find it useful.