In this blog post, I’m sharing the ultimate guide to quickly fixing the “Private DNS server cannot be accessed” issue. Whether it’s a first-time error or a recurring problem, this step-by-step guide will help you resolve it in no time. With practical screenshots and proven solutions from real user experiences, you’ll find everything you need to get your internet connection back on track.
DNS servers are essential because they translate website names (like google.com) into the IP addresses that computers use. A private DNS server adds an extra layer of security, but if it becomes inaccessible, it can disrupt your internet connection completely.
How To Fix The Private Dns Server Cannot Be Accessed
When I encountered issues with the “Private DNS server cannot be accessed” error on my Android, I went through various solutions before finding a combination that worked best for me. Here’s a detailed explanation of each fix, along with tips from fellow users and their experiences.
Fix 1. Use IP Addresses Instead of Hostnames
One of the simplest ways to bypass DNS resolution issues is by using the IP addresses of DNS servers instead of the hostname. This removes the need for resolving a domain name (like dns.google) into an IP address, which can cause delays or even failures in connection. By inputting DNS servers directly like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), I was able to fix the problem and connect without any issues.
Steps I Followed:
Open Wi-Fi network settings.
Manually set the DNS server to IP addresses like 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
User Feedback:
u/Somar2230: “You can’t put dns.google in the DNS settings. You need to use the IP address which is 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4. DNS translates the domain names into IP addresses; if you use a domain name for the DNS settings, there is no way for it to get the IP address.”
This method bypasses potential issues with DNS name resolution and makes the connection faster.
Fix 2. Disable Private DNS and Use Default DNS
If Private DNS isn’t playing well with your network, especially on Wi-Fi, disabling it and reverting to your ISP’s default DNS server might resolve the issue. Private DNS uses DNS-over-TLS, which may not always work properly in every network environment. When I faced issues with slow or intermittent connections, turning off Private DNS helped stabilize my connection.
Steps:
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS.
Select Off to revert to your ISP’s DNS server.
User Comment: u/Photographer-97007: “A poor-quality connection isn’t necessarily DNS, although slow DNS can look like a poor connection.”
Switching off Private DNS removes any complications from DNS-over-TLS, letting your phone use a simpler and often faster DNS resolution method.
Fix 3. Switch to Another DNS Provider (Cloudflare, OpenDNS, NextDNS)
If Google DNS isn’t working, trying another DNS provider like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), OpenDNS (208.67.222.222), or NextDNS can resolve the issue. Different networks often perform better with certain DNS providers due to routing or blocking issues. After switching from Google DNS to Cloudflare, I saw an immediate improvement in connection speed and stability.
Steps:
Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS.
Select Private DNS provider hostname and enter:
Cloudflare: 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com
OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222
User Feedback: u/tamudude: “Yes, I moved to OpenDNS 😀. EDIT: I meant NextDNS.”
This worked well when I needed a DNS that worked better with my particular network configuration.
Fix 4. Manually Type DNS Hostname Instead of Copy-Pasting
Sometimes when copying and pasting DNS hostnames, hidden characters or formatting errors can cause issues. Manually typing the hostname removes this risk. This was a small tweak that worked wonders for me. I had copied the hostname previously and encountered an error. Once I typed it in, everything worked smoothly.
Steps:
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS.
Choose a Private DNS provider hostname.
Manually type the DNS hostname (e.g., dns.google or 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com).
u/lostcowboy5: “Just trying to cover the Ts here. Did you do a copy and paste of the domain? If so, try manually typing it in” Source.
Manual input helps avoid hidden formatting issues and ensures everything is entered correctly.
Fix 5. Set Router DNS to Google or Another DNS Provider
Setting your DNS at the router level ensures that all devices connected to your Wi-Fi benefit from the same DNS server. This was one of the more permanent fixes I found—by setting my router to Google DNS or Cloudflare, I ensured that every device on my network had stable DNS resolution.
Steps:
Log into your router’s admin page (typically 192.168.1.1).
Navigate to DNS settings under Network or Advanced Settings.
Enter Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS.
This setup works network-wide and can resolve DNS issues across all connected devices.
Fix 6. Disable Random MAC Address for Your Wi-Fi
Android’s feature to randomize MAC addresses for security can sometimes cause issues with certain routers. Disabling this feature for your home network can prevent conflicts with your router’s security settings. Once I disabled the random MAC address feature, my connection stabilized.
Steps:
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
Tap on your Wi-Fi network.
In Advanced settings, change MAC Address Type to Use Device MAC.
User Comment: u/Somar2230: “You might want to turn off the random MAC address for your home Wi-Fi network.”
Disabling the random MAC address feature ensures the router recognizes your device consistently.
Fix 7. Upgrade Your Router
If you’re still having issues and have tried everything, the problem might lie with your router. Upgrading to a high-quality third-party router solved many of my connectivity issues, especially with handling advanced networking features like DNS-over-TLS.
Comment: u/Photographer-97007: “I swapped it out for a Nighthawk R6700 and couldn’t be happier.”
A router upgrade can make a significant difference in connectivity, especially in larger homes with many connected devices.
These fixes helped me resolve the “Private DNS server cannot be accessed” error and improved my overall connection stability. Each fix is rooted in real-world experience, so hopefully, one of these solutions works for you too. If you need further help, feel free to drop a comment!
Common Issues Related to the “Private DNS Server Cannot Be Accessed” Error
Error/Issue
Description
User Comment
“Private DNS server cannot be accessed” Error
Device is connected to Wi-Fi, but the DNS server is unreachable, leading to loss of internet access.
“My phone has been saying it’s connected to Wi-Fi without internet and if I click on my network, it says ‘Private DNS server cannot be accessed’.” — u/suddensnoozing
Wi-Fi Connected Without Internet
Device connects to Wi-Fi but shows no internet access, often along with the “Private DNS server cannot be accessed” message.
“The issue now is that my phone will randomly say connected without internet, and when I look at my Wi-Fi network, it says ‘private DNS server cannot be accessed.'” — u/Somar2230
Intermittent Connection Drops
The connection works at first but frequently drops, showing no internet access for periods of time.
“It would eventually connect again, but then it would also disconnect and keep doing that.” — u/suddensnoozing
Error Using AdGuard or Custom DNS
Connection fails or becomes intermittent when using custom DNS servers like AdGuard, often showing the DNS server cannot be accessed.
“I change Private DNS to dns.adguard-dns.com and get the error ‘Private DNS server cannot be accessed.'” — u/tamudude
Poor Connection Without DNS Settings
Without custom DNS, the internet connection is slow or unstable, leading users to rely on Private DNS, which in turn causes errors.
“My connection is garbage without the DNS server. My video calls are laggy and poor quality, and now it’s saying ‘private DNS server cannot be accessed.'” — u/suddensnoozing
Specific DNS Provider Failures
Some DNS providers, like AdGuard, cause connection failures, while others (e.g., NextDNS) work without issues.
“I keep getting the error ‘Private DNS server cannot be accessed’. However, NextDNS works without issues.” — u/tamudude
This table summarizes the specific issues and related comments users have experienced with “Private DNS server cannot be accessed” errors.
Additional Considerations
Firewall or Security Settings: Check if any firewalls or security software are blocking access to the DNS server.
DNS Server Load: If the DNS server is overloaded, it may be temporarily unable to handle requests.
DNS Server Maintenance: The DNS server might be undergoing maintenance or updates, causing temporary downtime.
Conclusion
If you are unable to access your private DNS server, it’s important to troubleshoot the issue promptly to restore internet connectivity. By following the steps outlined in this article and seeking assistance from network administrators or DNS server providers, you can identify and resolve the underlying problem.
So, that’s it for today’s blog post! Today, we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing you with all the ways that can help fix the “Private DNS cannot be accessed” issue on most Android devices. This generally happens when using any kind of ad blocker or VPN, and sometimes it’s hard to determine the root cause of the problem. To fix it, you’ll need to try all of these fixes one by one. I’ve also included all the necessary screenshots and some user comments to make the process more relatable for you. I hope you found the information helpful, and if you did, definitely let us know in the comment section below!
Kunal Kashyap, the tech guru behind FixItKunal.com, simplifies complex tech issues with clear and user-friendly guides. With expertise in Android, iOS, and more, his tutorials empower users to tackle tech problems confidently. Kunal's engaging style makes technology accessible to both beginners and experts. Beyond tech, he explores psychology and keeps up with tech and business trends awarded by the Government and Namita Thapar.
