The error message prevents users from accessing the website, but it, in most cases, doesn’t have to do with the website at all. Rather, the error is related to misconfigured browser settings, the presence of conflicting applications, or issues with the current DNS server. Many came across the error in these cases:

504 DNS lookup failed FortiGate: Users with the FortiGate firewall have reported encountering the error frequently, and disabling the firewall did the trick. DNS lookup failed VPN: When encountering the error while using a VPN, switching to a reliable VPN should fix the error.

So, let’s find out how you can fix the DNS lookup failed error on your browser in the following sections, and all about the error itself.

What does it mean when DNS failed?

A DNS failed error basically indicates the inability to connect to the corresponding IP address of the website. It could be to problems with the DNS server itself, misconfigured network settings, or third-party applications conflicting with it. In most cases, the solutions are simple and things are up and running in a jiffy. Many recommend switching to public DNS servers, such as that of Google, to eliminate errors like these.

Quick Tip:

If Google Chrome persists in showing you the error message even after you tried all troubleshooting solutions, you should try using a different browser instead. Opera is a great alternative. Not only is it incredibly powerful and lightweight, but it is also extremely stable, receiving updates after updates that are constantly maintained in peak condition.

Why do we need DNS?

Every website on the Internet is assigned an address, which consists of a string of numbers and characters. To simplify things for users, websites are also assigned a domain name. For instance, https://windowsreport.com/, is the domain name and not the IP address. Now, while people understand the domain name, computers, on the other hand, use the assigned IP address. This is where the DNS (Domain Name System) server comes into the picture. When you enter the domain name in the address bar of the browser, it locates the corresponding IP address and opens the website. And when the DNS fails, the website won’t open.

What to do if the browser stops working after DNS fail?

1. Clear cookies and cache

If the manual method seems like too much of a hassle, you could always opt for a third-party PC cleaner. This type of tool will scan your browser for unnecessary clutter and let you know what can be removed. Alongside cleaning your browser, dedicated cookie cleaners generally include other PC optimization tools such as registry cleaners and startup editors. On top of that, some browser cleaners will help you remove unwanted toolbars and plugins, remove spam/useless emails, and more. We recommend Fortect from the list of software we tested, which performs thorough cleaning, as one of the best tools for this task. Fortect makes it simple to get the most out of your computer because PC maintenance has to be at the top of the priority list. Furthermore, if you can tune up your computer on a regular basis, you’ll be more satisfied with its overall performance. Once done, check if the DNS lookup failed error on the browser is fixed.

2. Open the Internet Connections Troubleshooter

Once done, check if the DNS lookup still fails intermittently on the browser. If that’s the case, head to the next method.

3. Change the DNS Server

4. Flush the DNS

Flushing the DNS cache is a straightforward potential resolution for the DNS lookup failed error on browsers.

5. Restart the Network Stack

Some users might need to restart a corrupted network stack to fix the DNS lookup failed error on the browser.

How do I find my DNS server?

The above resolutions will probably resolve the DNS lookup failed error for most users so that they can open webpages in Chrome and other browsers, whenever the error is encountered Also, find out what to do when seeing the Your DNS server might be unavailable error message in Windows 10/11. Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.

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