How to Fix Internet Not Working After Changing Dns

Changing your DNS settings can often improve your internet speed and security, but sometimes it can lead to connectivity issues where your internet stops working altogether. If you’ve recently modified your DNS and find that your internet isn’t functioning properly, don’t worry—this is a common problem with straightforward solutions. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix the issue, helping you restore your internet connection quickly and efficiently.

How to Fix Internet Not Working After Changing Dns

1. Verify Your DNS Settings

Before diving into complex troubleshooting, it’s essential to double-check your DNS configuration. Incorrect or incomplete settings can prevent your device from resolving domain names, leading to no internet access.

• Check your DNS server addresses: Ensure you’ve entered valid DNS addresses, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1), or others recommended by your ISP.
• Use the correct network interface: If you’re configuring DNS on a specific network adapter (Wi-Fi, Ethernet), verify that the settings apply to the active connection.
• Revert to automatic DNS: Temporarily switch back to ‘Obtain DNS server address automatically’ to check if the issue persists with default settings.

To verify or change DNS settings:

• On Windows: Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click your active connection, select Properties, then double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Check DNS settings here.
• On macOS: Open System Preferences > Network, select your active connection, click Advanced, then go to the DNS tab.

2. Flush DNS Cache and Reset Network Settings

Sometimes, stale or corrupt DNS cache can cause connectivity issues after DNS changes. Flushing the DNS cache forces your device to discard outdated information and fetch fresh data from the DNS server.

Flush DNS Cache

• On Windows: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

ipconfig /flushdns

• On macOS: Open Terminal and run:

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Enter your password if prompted. This clears the DNS cache.

Reset Network Settings

• On Windows: You can reset network settings by running commands:

netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
ipconfig /renew

• On macOS: Reset network interfaces by turning Wi-Fi off and on, or use network diagnostics tools.

After resetting, restart your device and check if the internet connection is restored.

3. Restart Your Router and Modem

Hardware glitches or temporary network issues can often be resolved by simply restarting your networking equipment. Power cycling resets your modem and router, clearing caches and re-establishing connections with your ISP.

• Turn off your modem and router.
• Unplug them from power sources.
• Wait for at least 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Plug them back in and turn them on.
• Wait for the devices to fully boot up and establish connections.
• Check your internet connection again.

If the problem persists, consider connecting your device directly to the modem with an Ethernet cable to rule out Wi-Fi issues.

4. Verify Firewall and Security Software Settings

Firewall or security software can sometimes block DNS traffic or internet access after DNS changes. Ensure that your firewall settings are not preventing DNS resolution or internet connectivity.

• Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus programs to see if internet access is restored.
• If disabling resolves the issue, reconfigure your firewall to allow DNS traffic (UDP port 53) and web traffic.
• Make sure your security software isn’t blocking your DNS server addresses.

Refer to your security software’s documentation for instructions on whitelisting DNS servers or adjusting network permissions.

5. Manually Set DNS on Your Device

If automatic DNS assignment isn’t working, try manually configuring DNS servers on your device. This ensures your device directly uses the specified DNS addresses, bypassing potential network issues.

• On Windows: Access network adapter properties, select IPv4 settings, and manually enter DNS addresses like 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
• On macOS: Go to Network preferences, select your connection, click Advanced, then DNS tab, and add your preferred DNS servers.
• On Android/iOS: Modify DNS settings within Wi-Fi network configurations, often under advanced options.

After setting DNS manually, restart your browser or device and test your internet connection.

6. Check for ISP or Network Outages

If all local troubleshooting steps fail, the issue might lie with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or broader network problems. Contact your ISP’s customer support or check their service status page for outages or maintenance notices.

Additionally, you can test your connection on another device or using a different network to determine if the problem is isolated to your device or network.

7. Revert DNS Settings to Default or Previous Configuration

If changing DNS caused the issue, and the above steps haven’t helped, revert to your original DNS settings. Sometimes, reverting to default or previously working DNS servers is the quickest way to restore connectivity.

• On Windows: Set DNS to ‘Obtain DNS server address automatically’ or re-enter your previous DNS addresses.
• On macOS: Remove custom DNS entries and revert to default settings.

After reverting, restart your device and check whether the internet connection is restored.

Summary of Key Points

Changing DNS settings can boost your internet experience but may sometimes result in connectivity issues. To fix internet not working after DNS changes:

• Verify your DNS configuration for correctness.
• Flush DNS cache and reset network settings.
• Restart your modem and router.
• Check firewall and security software permissions.
• Manually set DNS servers on your device.
• Confirm there are no ISP outages.
• Revert to default DNS settings if necessary.

By following these steps systematically, you can identify the root cause of the problem and restore your internet service efficiently. Remember, patience and methodical troubleshooting are key to resolving network issues caused by DNS modifications.