# How to Fix “DNS Server Not Responding”

> Canonical: https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-fix-dns-server-not-responding/ · Last modified: 2026-10-31T13:36:34+00:00

“DNS server not responding” means your device could not reach the service that turns a web address into an IP number, so the page never loads. The fault is usually on your network or settings, not the website. Work through the checks below and you’ll clear most cases in a few minutes.

## What the message means

Every site has a name (like jethost.com) and a number behind it. DNS is the lookup that matches the two. When your device asks a DNS server for that number and gets no answer, Windows and macOS report the server as not responding. Most of the time the lookup service, your router, or a network setting is the real cause.

## Quick fixes to try first

1. Restart your router and your device. This clears the most common temporary faults.
2. Try another device on the same network. If only one device fails, the problem is on that device.
3. Switch to a public DNS server – Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google (8.8.8.8). See [what a public DNS server is and how to use it](https://jethost.com/kb/what-is-a-public-dns-server-and-how-to-use-it/).
4. [Flush your DNS cache](https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-flush-dns-cache-on-windows-mac-and-linux/) to drop any stale records.
5. Turn off any VPN or proxy for a moment and retry.
6. Test in another browser to rule out a browser setting.

## If it’s only one website

When every other site loads and only one fails, the issue is likely that site’s DNS, not yours. If it is a domain you manage, confirm its name servers are set correctly – see [where to find JetHost name servers](https://jethost.com/kb/where-to-find-jethost-nameservers/) – and remember that recent changes need time to spread, which we cover in [DNS propagation](https://jethost.com/kb/what-is-domain-dns-propagation-and-why-do-you-have-to-wait/).

## On JetHost hosting

If a domain you host with us won’t resolve for anyone and the name servers look right, open a ticket and we’ll check the DNS zone for you. For managing records yourself, see [how to manage DNS records at JetHost](https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-manage-dns-records-at-jethost/).

## JetHost Experts Tip

Switching your device to 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8 both fixes the error and tells you the cause: if sites load straight after, your old DNS server was the problem, not your connection.

## Frequently asked questions

**Does this mean my internet is down?**Not necessarily. Your connection can work while the DNS lookup fails. If switching to a public DNS server fixes it, the connection was fine all along.

**Is the problem my computer or the website?**If every site fails, it is your network or settings. If only one site fails while others load, that site’s DNS is the likely cause.

**Will changing my DNS server slow things down?**No. Cloudflare and Google run fast, reliable resolvers – many people find pages load quicker after switching.

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## Need more help?

Still seeing “DNS server not responding” for a domain you host with us? Open a ticket through Client Area → Support Tickets and we’ll check the DNS zone and name servers.