How to Fix Common DNS Errors: Quick Solutions for Domain Name Owners

You click your website link but nothing loads. Or worse, your business emails vanish into thin air. That sudden panic? It usually comes down to one thing, the DNS errors.

These small mistakes can cause big headaches. Your website may disappear from the internet, your emails might fail, and your customers could think your business is gone for good. So, it is real these DNS errors can quietly hurt your brand and traffic.

The good news is, most DNS problems aren’t as scary as they seem. With a few simple checks and the right guidance, you can get your domain working again in minutes. 

In this guide, you’ll learn what DNS errors are, what causes them, and how to fix the most common ones. I’ll also show you how Truehost helps you keep your domain stable and secure.

What Are DNS Errors?

DNS errors occur when the system that maps domain names to servers fails to give the right directions. In plain terms, the internet cannot find the server your domain should point to. The result looks like a “site not found” page, an email bounce, or a slow load.

These errors come from a handful of common causes. For example, nameserver entries can be wrong or missing. DNS records (A, MX, CNAME) may point to a server that no longer exists. Caching and propagation delays also create temporary mismatches where some users see the old site while others see the new one. 

The impact of DNS errors is immediate and real. For example your local customers can lose access, and international visitors see errors too. That means lost sales, missed messages, and damage to reputation. 

Common DNS Errors and How to Fix Them

When your website suddenly goes offline or emails start bouncing, chances are your domain is facing a DNS issue. These errors may sound technical, but once you understand their causes, they’re often simple to fix. 

Below are the most frequent DNS problems you’ll encounter and how to solve them step by step.

1) DNS Server Not Responding

This error means your browser’s request to reach the domain’s nameserver went unanswered. In short, your DNS server isn’t replying, leaving browsers unsure where to go.

It’s often caused by temporary network outages, a downed nameserver, or your Internet Service Provider (ISP) blocking certain DNS requests. Sometimes, local DNS caches on your computer can also create conflicts.

To fix this, start locally by restarting your router or clear your DNS cache using the command prompt, ipconfig or flushdns on Windows or sudo dscacheutil -flushcache on macOS.

If the issue continues, log in to your domain registrar, for example, Truehost and confirm that your nameservers are active and correctly configured.

As a test, you can switch your device to public DNS services such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) to check if the issue lies with your ISP.

2) DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

This is one of the most common DNS errors you’ll see in browsers like Chrome. It means “non-existent domain.” Simply put, the browser couldn’t locate the domain in the global DNS system.

This happens when a domain is expired, its nameservers aren’t responding, or there’s no valid A or AAAA record pointing to a hosting server. In some cases, typing mistakes like missing a letter in the URL also trigger this error.

To fix it, check that your domain registration is active and hasn’t expired. You can verify it using WHOIS lookup tools from ICANN or your registrar. Then, open your hosting control panel and confirm that the A record points to your server’s IP address. 

If you’ve recently made DNS changes, allow up to 24 or 48 hours for full propagation worldwide. Patience helps as the fix often resolves itself once the new DNS data spreads.

3) Misconfigured DNS Records (A, MX, or CNAME)

Another frequent issue occurs when your DNS records are set incorrectly. An A record might point to an old or wrong IP address, your MX record might be missing which causes email delivery failures, or your CNAME might be pointing to a non-existent subdomain.

Such misconfigurations often appear after server migrations, email platform changes, or copying settings from one provider to another. The website might load, but emails fail to send, or vice versa which is a classic sign of record mismatch.

Here, the fix is simple! Log in to your hosting or registrar dashboard, like Truehost’s DNS manager and review all active records. 

Ensure:

• The A or AAAA record matches your web server’s IP.
• The MX record must reflect your mail server’s hostname (e.g., mail.yourdomain.co.tz).
• The CNAME record should only be used for aliases, such as redirecting blog.yourdomain.co.tz to another host.

Additionally, use moderate TTL values (around 300 seconds) to make updates take effect faster if you plan to make more DNS edits soon.

4) High DNS Latency or Slow Load Time

If your site loads slowly even though the server is healthy, DNS latency could be the reason. Latency refers to how long it takes for DNS queries to reach your domain’s nameservers and return the right IP address.

This delay often occurs when your nameservers are hosted far from your visitors. For example, on servers in the U.S. while your main audience is in Tanzania. Also, large TTL values or outdated DNS infrastructure can make the situation worse.

To fix high latency, choose nameservers geographically closer to your users. For Tanzanian businesses, ensure your hosting provider uses Africa-based DNS nodes or global CDN-backed DNS networks..

5) Expired Domain or Incorrect Registrar Details

Sometimes, the problem isn’t technical at all. Instead, it could be your domain has simply expired or its contact details are outdated. When that happens, the registrar may suspend your DNS service until renewal or verification.

An expired domain causes all DNS lookups to fail because the domain is effectively inactive until it’s renewed. Similarly, if your WHOIS contact information is wrong or incomplete, registry policies may block changes to your DNS records.

To fix this, visit your registrar dashboard and check the domain’s status. If expired, renew it immediately to avoid deletion from the registry. Then confirm that all WHOIS and nameserver details are up to date.

How Truehost Solves Common DNS Error Issues

Truehost doesn’t just register domains but also helps you keep them running smoothly. In other words, Truehost is designed to prevent and fix DNS issues before they affect your business, especially for website owners in Tanzania.

To start, Truehost offers a simple and intuitive control panel. Inside it, you’ll find a DNS Zone Editor where you can easily view, add, or edit records such as A, MX, CNAME, and NS. Each change updates in real-time, helping you fix misconfigurations quickly without needing deep technical knowledge.

Beyond tools, Truehost uses local infrastructure to ensure speed and reliability. You get nameservers hosted strategically close to Tanzania, helping DNS changes propagate faster without delays. This means your updates, whether adding a subdomain or adjusting mail settings takes effect more quickly and perform better for local visitors.

Support is another area where Truehost stands out. The Truehost support team offers direct, friendly help in both English and Swahili, making it easier for Tanzanian users to get guidance that fits their needs. Whether it’s an “NXDOMAIN” error or a “DNS server not responding” issue, Truehost specialists can inspect nameserver logs, trace the fault, and help restore service in record time.

Additionally, Truehost continuously monitors DNS health with built-in propagation checks, WHOIS reminders, and domain expiry alerts, ensuring that common issues like expired domains or locked records don’t sneak up on you.

In short, Truehost gives you three things that matter most. That is control, local expertise, and dependable infrastructure, ensure low chances of DNS errors on your website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) How do you fix a DNS error?

To fix a DNS error, check your domain’s nameservers, A/AAAA/MX records, and registration status. Clear your DNS cache and wait for propagation. If it persists, contact your hosting provider or use DNS tools like Truehost to diagnose and resolve the issue quickly.

2) What are common types of DNS errors?

Common DNS errors include “DNS server not responding,” “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN,” misconfigured A or MX records, high DNS latency, and expired domains. These usually occur due to wrong DNS settings or unreachable nameservers.

Final Thoughts

DNS errors may seem small, but they can quietly break your website’s connection to the world. However, by understanding what causes DNS issues and fixing them early, you protect your site’s uptime, speed, and trust.

The good news is, with tools and support from Truehost, you don’t have to face DNS errors alone. The reliable infrastructure, easy DNS management, and local support ensure your domain always points where it should.

So, if you’re ready to keep your website online and error-free, explore Truehost’s DNS and domain services today and stay confidently connected.