How to Test DNS Resolution
Learn how to test DNS resolution with nslookup, ping, and public DNS servers.
Beginner10 min
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Learn how to test DNS resolution with nslookup, ping, and public DNS servers.
Try our AI Troubleshooting Assistant for personalized help.
DNS (Domain Name System) resolution is the process of translating a website name, such as google.com, into an IP address that computers use to communicate.
For example:
google.com -> 142.250.190.14
If DNS resolution fails, websites may not load even when your internet connection is working.
Common symptoms include:
Open Terminal or Command Prompt and run:
nslookup google.com
Successful result:
Server: 192.168.0.1
Address: 192.168.0.1#53
Non-authoritative answer:
Name: google.com
Address: 142.250.190.14
This confirms DNS is resolving the domain name correctly.
Failed result:
DNS request timed out.
timeout was 2 seconds.
Another failed result may look like this:
*** Can't find google.com: Server failed
This indicates a DNS problem.
Run:
ping google.com
Successful result:
Pinging google.com [142.250.190.14] with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 142.250.190.14
Notice that the hostname was converted into an IP address.
Failed result:
Ping request could not find host google.com.
This usually means DNS resolution is failing.
Test using a public DNS server.
Google DNS:
nslookup google.com 8.8.8.8
Cloudflare DNS:
nslookup google.com 1.1.1.1
If these work but your router's DNS server does not, the issue is likely with your ISP or local DNS server.
Windows:
ipconfig /all
Look for DNS server entries like:
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . : 8.8.8.8
1.1.1.1
macOS:
scutil --dns
Alternative macOS command:
networksetup -getdnsservers Wi-Fi
Linux:
cat /etc/resolv.conf
Flush DNS Cache:
Windows:
ipconfig /flushdns
macOS:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Change DNS Servers:
Try switching to:
Restart Network Equipment:
If nslookup successfully returns an IP address, DNS resolution is working correctly. If it fails, focus on your DNS server settings, router configuration, or ISP DNS service.
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