How to Solve DNS Lookup Errors in Domain Hosting

How to Solve DNS Lookup Errors in Domain Hosting
DNS (Domain Name System) lookup errors can be one of the most frustrating issues for website owners. A DNS lookup error occurs when the browser fails to retrieve the IP address associated with a domain name, meaning your website cannot be loaded. This can happen for several reasons, and understanding how to fix it is essential for keeping your website online and accessible to users.
In this blog, we’ll break down what DNS lookup errors are, common causes of these errors, and how you can resolve them effectively.
What Is a DNS Lookup Error?
When you enter a domain name (like www.example.com) into your browser, the DNS system translates that domain name into an IP address that servers use to locate and load the website. If there’s an issue with this translation process, you may encounter a DNS lookup error.
A DNS lookup error typically results in a browser error message such as:
“DNS server not found.”
“Server DNS address could not be found.”
“DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN.”
“Unable to resolve DNS.”
These errors indicate that the DNS server was unable to resolve the domain name into an IP address, preventing users from accessing the website.
Common Causes of DNS Lookup Errors
DNS Server Issues
Sometimes, the DNS server you’re using (whether it’s your web hosting DNS or a third-party DNS provider) may experience downtime or technical issues, leading to lookup failures.
Incorrect DNS Records
DNS records, such as A records, CNAME records, and MX records, must be configured correctly for your domain. If any of these records are incorrect or missing, your domain may not resolve properly.
DNS Propagation Delays
When you update your DNS settings (e.g., when you change hosting providers or modify DNS records), it can take time for these changes to propagate across all DNS servers globally. During this period, users may encounter DNS lookup errors.
Expired Domain Registration
If your domain name registration expires or if payment is not made to your domain registrar, your domain may stop resolving, causing DNS lookup errors.
Incorrect Local DNS Cache
Your computer or browser may have cached outdated DNS information. This can cause errors if the cached data is incorrect or no longer valid.
Firewall or Security Software
Firewalls or security software (like antivirus programs) on your computer or server may block DNS requests, leading to lookup failures.
Corrupted DNS Cache (on Local or Server Level)
Corrupted or outdated DNS cache, either on your local machine or on your web server, can also contribute to DNS lookup errors.
How to Solve DNS Lookup Errors in Domain Hosting
Now that we’ve covered the common causes of DNS lookup errors, let’s go through the steps to troubleshoot and fix them.
1. Check Your DNS Records
Verify DNS Records: Ensure that your domain’s DNS records are set up correctly. Common DNS records you should check include:
A Record: Points your domain to your server’s IP address.
CNAME Record: Points subdomains to another domain (e.g., www pointing to the root domain).
MX Records: Configures email servers.
NS Records: Specifies the authoritative name servers for your domain.
Use DNS lookup tools like MXToolbox or WhatsMyDNS to check if your DNS records are set up correctly.
2. Clear Your Local DNS Cache
On Windows:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns
Restart your browser and try accessing the site again.
On macOS:
Open the Terminal app.
Type the following command and press Enter:
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Enter your password if prompted, then try to visit the website again.
In Your Browser:
Clearing your browser cache can also help, as the DNS information may be cached in your browser. Go to your browser’s settings and clear the cache and cookies to reset DNS information.
3. Check DNS Propagation
If you recently made changes to your DNS records (such as switching hosting providers), it might take 24-48 hours for those changes to fully propagate across the global DNS system. During this period, some users may encounter DNS lookup errors.
Use a DNS propagation checker like WhatsMyDNS to check if the new DNS records have been updated globally.
4. Change Your DNS Server
If the DNS server provided by your hosting company is experiencing issues, you can switch to a more reliable DNS provider. Some popular public DNS servers include:
Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Primary) and 8.8.4.4 (Secondary)
Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 (Primary) and 1.0.0.1 (Secondary)
OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 (Primary) and 208.67.220.220 (Secondary)
Change your DNS settings either on your computer or within your router settings.
5. Check for Expired Domain Registration
If your domain registration has expired, you may see DNS lookup errors. Log in to your domain registrar account to check the status of your domain. If it has expired, renew your domain to restore access to your website.
6. Verify Your Firewall or Security Settings
Firewalls, antivirus software, or security plugins on your server or computer may block DNS requests. Ensure that your firewall is not blocking DNS queries or your domain’s IP address.
If you’re using a website firewall service like Cloudflare, make sure the settings are properly configured.
7. Restart Your Router or Modem
Sometimes, your internet connection’s DNS cache may cause issues. Restarting your router or modem can help refresh the connection and clear the DNS cache.
8. Contact Your Web Hosting Provider
If you’ve ruled out all of the above and still experience DNS lookup errors, contact your web hosting provider. There may be issues with your server, DNS settings, or domain configuration that need to be addressed on their end.
9. Test with a Different Device or Network
Try accessing your website from a different device or network. This can help determine if the issue is isolated to your local machine or network.
Prevention Tips for Avoiding Future DNS Lookup Errors
Use Reliable DNS Providers: Ensure that you’re using a reliable DNS provider with good uptime. If your hosting provider’s DNS is unreliable, consider using a third-party DNS service like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS.
Regularly Check DNS Records: Regularly monitor and verify your DNS records to ensure they are correctly configured, especially if you make changes to your domain or hosting setup.
Keep Domain Registrations Up to Date: Ensure that your domain registration is current and renew it on time to prevent any disruptions in service.
Set Up DNS Monitoring: Use a DNS monitoring service to alert you if there are any issues with your domain’s DNS records.
Implement SSL/TLS Certificates: Ensure your domain uses HTTPS and has an up-to-date SSL certificate to avoid security-related issues that could impact DNS resolution.
Conclusion
DNS lookup errors are typically caused by issues with DNS records, server configurations, or local caching problems. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this blog—such as checking your DNS settings, clearing the cache, switching DNS servers, and monitoring DNS propagation—you can usually resolve the issue quickly.
If you continue to face DNS lookup errors, contacting your hosting provider or DNS service provider is a good next step to ensure everything is functioning properly.
Do you have any other tips or experiences with DNS lookup errors? Share them in the comments below!

This blog covers practical steps for resolving DNS lookup errors, helping website owners troubleshoot and solve common DNS-related issues efficiently.