DNS problems prevent your device from translating website names (like "google.com") into IP addresses, causing "no internet" errors even when Wi-Fi appears connected. The most effective solutions involve changing DNS server settings, clearing cached data, and troubleshooting network hardware. Public DNS servers like Google’s (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1) often resolve these issues immediately, while router restarts and driver updates address deeper connectivity problems.

Key fixes to try first:

• Change DNS servers to Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) in your network settings ^[1][6][7]
• Restart your router by unplugging it for 30+ seconds to clear its cache ^[3][4]
• Flush DNS cache using commands like ipconfig /flushdns in Windows Command Prompt ^[3][5]
• Update network drivers or roll back recent Windows updates if issues started after an update ^[2][7]

Step-by-Step Solutions for Wi-Fi DNS Problems

Immediate Fixes: DNS Server Changes and Cache Clearing

Start with the simplest solutions, as incorrect DNS settings or corrupted cache cause most issues. Public DNS servers are faster and more reliable than default ISP-provided ones.

Change your DNS server manually:

1. On Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Hardware Properties, then edit DNS settings to enter 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) ^[1][6].
2. On Mac: Open System Preferences > Network > Advanced > DNS, add the new servers, and click OK ^[7].
3. On routers: Access the admin panel (usually via 192.168.1.1) and update DNS settings under WAN or DHCP configurations ^[4].

Clear the DNS cache to remove corrupted data:

• Windows: Open Command Prompt as admin and run:

ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset

• Mac/Linux: Use terminal commands:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache  Mac
sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches  Linux

Restarting the router clears its DNS cache too—unplug it for 30+ seconds before reconnecting ^[3][8].

Advanced Troubleshooting: Drivers, Conflicts, and Resets

If basic fixes fail, deeper issues like outdated drivers, software conflicts, or misconfigured settings may be the cause.

Update or reinstall network drivers:

• Open Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (Mac), locate your Wi-Fi adapter, and select Update driver ^[2][7].
• If updates fail, uninstall the driver and restart—Windows will reinstall it automatically ^[5].
• For persistent issues, download the latest driver directly from the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, Qualcomm, Broadcom) ^[10].

Disable conflicting software or features:

• Temporarily turn off firewalls, antivirus programs, or VPNs, as they may block DNS requests ^[3][7].
• Disable IPv6 in network adapter settings if it’s causing conflicts (common in older routers) ^[3][2].
• Turn off Windows Peer-to-Peer Feature via:

Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks > [Your Network] > Properties > Disable "Allow Windows to manage this connection"

Reset network settings as a last resort:

• Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset ^[5].
• Mac: Delete all network preferences via:

System Preferences > Network > Select Wi-Fi > (-) to remove > Apply

• Router: Perform a factory reset (press the reset button for 10+ seconds) if other devices also face issues ^[4].

If problems persist after these steps, contact your ISP to check for outages or misconfigured DNS records on their end ^[4][10].