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Likely fix

Fix: DNS error when website will not load

A DNS error means your device cannot translate the website name into the server address it needs to connect to.

Quick answer

Check the domain spelling, restart the router, turn off VPN or private DNS, and try another DNS provider if the problem continues.

Important warning

If you recently changed DNS records for a domain, the website may fail for some users until DNS propagation finishes.

Try this

  1. 1 Check that the domain name is typed correctly.
  2. 2 Try opening a different website.
  3. 3 Restart your browser.
  4. 4 Restart your device.
  5. 5 Restart your router.
  6. 6 Turn off VPN, proxy, or private DNS temporarily.
  7. 7 Try the website on mobile data.
  8. 8 If you own the domain, check that DNS records still exist and point to the right server.

Common causes

Domain name is mistyped.

DNS provider is failing.

DNS cache is stale.

VPN or private DNS is misconfigured.

Domain expired or DNS records were removed.

New DNS changes have not propagated yet.

What to check next

  • Check the spelling of the domain.
  • Check whether the site works on mobile data.
  • Check whether other domains work.
  • Check whether VPN or private DNS is enabled.
  • Check DNS records if you own the website.

FAQ

What does a DNS error mean?

It means your device could not find the server address for the website name.

Can DNS changes make a website stop loading?

Yes. Wrong DNS records, removed records, expired domains, or propagation delays can stop a website loading.

What is DNS propagation?

DNS propagation is the time it takes for DNS changes to update across different networks and DNS resolvers.

Related fixes

Fix: No websites load

If no websites load, the problem is probably your internet connection, WiFi, router, DNS, VPN, or device network settings rather than one specific website.

Fix: Only one website is not loading

If only one website fails, the issue may be the website itself, your browser cache, DNS cache, VPN, firewall, or the site blocking your network.

Fix: Website works for others but not me

If a website works for others but not you, the cause is usually your browser cache, DNS cache, VPN, firewall, network, device settings, or IP being blocked.

Fix: Website loads on mobile data but not WiFi

If a website loads on mobile data but not WiFi, the problem is likely your WiFi network, DNS, router, firewall, VPN, or the website blocking your home or office IP address.

Fix: Website shows security or SSL warning

A browser security warning usually means the SSL certificate is expired, invalid, not trusted, mismatched, or your device clock is wrong.

Fix: 404 page not found

A 404 error means the server is reachable, but the specific page URL does not exist at that address.