DNS Server Not Responding Spectrum – Find Out Why

When the web browser cannot connect to the site, you might get an error message “DNS server not responding”. This generally occurs because the DNS server fails to detect the hostname and direct to IP addresses accurately.

Other than this, if there is a misconfigured network adapter or incorrect DNS server address, then also DNS server not responding Spectrum error can occur. DNS helps to access websites on the internet while using a web browser. Through this directory, domain names or hostnames are translated into Internet Protocol addresses.

So, irrespective of Windows or Mac OS, this problem can occur. The most basic way to troubleshoot the problem is to switch to a different browser and check whether the problem gets resolved. You can create any other web browser as a default one and update it to verify whether the source of the connection problem is the browser.

Otherwise, let’s drive into alternative troubleshooting methods that can fix the DNS server issue. 

7 Ways to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Spectrum

If you are unable to open any site, and the site is not going through any downtime, then it is a typical DNS server error. So, apply these DIY hacks to understand whether the problem is on your end or the Spectrum router.

1. Check for network problems 

To fix the DNS server not responding to Spectrum error, you need to run a network diagnostic. This will help to detect network issues and errors.

To run Windows network diagnostic

Here are the steps that you need to follow for Windows 10:

• Go to the Control Panel, select Network and Internet, and click on Network and Sharing Centre.
• Now, under the “Change your networking settings” option, select the option “Troubleshoot problem”. 
• Next, select “Additional Troubleshooters”, select the option Internet Connections and finally, choose Run the troubleshooter.
• Keep patience and wait for the troubleshooting process to complete.
• In case any error is detected, then you have to follow the onscreen prompts to repair the issue.

To run Wireless Diagnostic on Mac 

Here are the steps to run the wireless diagnostic feature on Mac OS:

• Check the apps that are open and close them immediately.
• Now, connect to the network which is creating the problem, pull down the Option key, and select the Wi-Fi status icon from the menu bar. 
• Next, select Open Wireless Diagnostic and follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
• Wait for the scanning process to complete, and it will examine the network connection. 
• In the Summary window, click on the Info icon to learn more about each entry on the list.

2. Deactivate antivirus and firewall on the device

Often, an antivirus and firewall settings on your PC can lead to a DNS error. So, try to temporarily deactivate your anti-virus and firewall program to fix the issue.

On your Windows PC

• Go to the Start menu and select Settings.
• Next, click on Update and Security > Windows Security, and finally select Virus and Threat Protection.
• Now, disable the feature temporarily and check whether it fixes the DNS server error.

On your Mac 

• Go to System Preferences and select Security and Privacy.
• Next, click on the option Firewall and disable the option.
• Rerun to the Network Diagnostic to detect the problem.

You can also try to configure the anti-virus and firewall program or get the latest version before you reactivate them.

3. Try to connect to a different device 

Keeping the home network stable on Spectrum and the site that was creating the problem and the web browser through which you were trying to access, use a different device. If you find that the new device is able to access the web page through the same network, then the root cause is your primary device.

However, if you cannot visit the website even on the other device, then to verify, switch to mobile data and check whether the connection is stable. If you find the connection is still falling, then the problem is on the websites, and you need to wait till the maintenance work is complete.

4. Restart the computer in safe mode 

If the computer is not working properly, then it can lead to a DNS error. In this situation, first, restart the computer for which you have to turn off the computer. Unplug the cables, keep it idle for 30 seconds, and plug in the cables to start the computer.

If this is not enough, you have to limit the files the operating system uses for running the devices. So, restart your computer in safe mode.

Steps to start a computer in safe mode on Windows:

• Go to Start, click on the Power option, and then press the Shift key and select Restart 
• A new window will appear, “Choose an option”, here you have to select Troubleshoot.
• Click on the Advanced option, and next, you have to select the Startup Settings option.
• Click on Restart, and now go to the keyboard press F5 and select the option “Safe mode with networking”.

Steps to start the computer in safe mode on Mac”

• Click on the Apple menu and choose Shut Down.
• Now, wait for the device to shut down properly and keep it idle for 10 seconds.
• Next, power on the Mac and, at the same time, hold down the Shift key.
• You will find the login screen and get a notification that you have entered the safe mode.

If you find that keeping the network connection the same, the website is working in Safe Mode, then any third-party software installed on your computer might be leading to the DNS server not responding on Spectrum. So, you need to verify all the third-party software and delete the unwanted ones.

5. Disable other connections

If there is any unused connection on your device, then you can try to disable it. This will clear the restrictions caused by them and also resolve the DNS server not responding issue.

Here are the steps to disconnect the additional network connection of Windows:

• Go to Control Panel and select Network and Internet network.
• Select Network and Sharing Centre, and from the left column, select Change Adapter Settings.
• When the Network Connection page appears, on the option Local Area Connection, you have to right-click and select the Disable option.
• If there are multiple connections, you have to right-click on all of them and select the Disable option.

To disable network connections on Mac:

• You have to go to the Apple menu, select System Preferences and click on Network.
• Now, select each of the unused networks one by one from the left side of the screen.
• Click on the minus (-) button, and this will disconnect the connection.
• Finally, restart the browser and try to access the website once again.

6. Restart the Spectrum modem or router 

Restarting the Spectrum router will help to clear the cache, which fixes the DNS server problem. So, press the power button of the router to turn it off and then unplug the cables from the power source. Wait for 30 seconds and keep the device idle. Now, press the power button to restart the router. If this does not work, then you can try to factory reset the router to is default settings.

7. Change the DNS server address

This is the last step that you can apply if the above solutions are not enough. Your ISP has configured your home network to obtain the DNS server address automatically. If this server is not responding, then either the configured DNS serve is incorrect, or it does not exist. 

So, to temporarily solve the problem, you can get a DNS address for free from Cloudflare or Google Public DNS.

To set the DNS server on Windows:

• Get to the network connection page through the Windows search box. Type “ncpa.cpl” and hit the Enter key.
• Next, right-click on the connection that is working at present and click on Properties.
• Now, select Internet Protocol Version 4 on the Properties window and right-click on it.
• Select Properties from the drop-down option on the Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties page. Tick the box beside “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Use the following DNS server address”.
• In the preferred DNS server field and alternate DNS server field, you have to type in your desired DNS server address.
• Click on the option “Validate settings upon exit” box and select OK.
• Finally, restart your computer, and it will get connected to a new DNS server.

To set the DNS server on Mac:

• Go to the Apple menu and select System Preferences and Network.
• Next, select the primary network connection, choose Advanced, and select DNS.
• Now, add a new DNS by clicking on the “+” button.
• Finally, click on OK and Apply. This will reset your Internet connection and also solve the problem.

Does the Spectrum router have an Ethernet connection?

Yes, Spectrum offers reliable and high-performance fiber for a stable Ethernet connection. It also increases bandwidth and grants up to 100 Gbps service to expand to new locations.