What is a private DNS server?
A private DNS server is designed to protect your DNS queries. Whenever you type a human-friendly website address into your browser, your computer or smartphone translates it into a machine-friendly IP address to reach the site. While this is usually done through unencrypted public DNS servers provided by your internet service provider (ISP), a private DNS makes the process more secure.
Some public DNS servers log your browsing data and use it for targeted ads or online tracking. Meanwhile, a private DNS server encrypts your DNS requests, preventing third parties from peeking into your online activity, logging your data, or carrying out a cyber attack on your device.
Differences between private and public DNS servers
Comparing private and public DNS might help you better understand how private DNS works and what you can do to resolve that "Private DNS server cannot be accessed" issue.
| | Private DNS servers | Public DNS servers |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | More private than a public DNS server. Logs little to no data. | Often logs DNS requests for analytics, user profiling, and advertising purposes. |
| Security | Requests are encrypted using DNS-over-TLS, DNS-over-HTTPS, and DNSCrypt protocols. Less prone to tampering, interception, and tracking by third parties. | Lacks encryption, making DNS requests vulnerable to interception by ISPs or hackers. |
| Setup | Setup requires manual configuration, such as entering a custom DNS hostname in device settings. | It’s usually automatic, with default settings determined by the ISP. |
| Speed | A well-optimized private DNS server speeds up website loading times. | Loading times vary depending on your ISP and the number of people using the public DNS server. |
| Access restrictions | You can limit the private DNS access to trusted users only. | A public DNS server is available to anyone. |
What is the "Private DNS server cannot be accessed" issue?
The "Private DNS server cannot be accessed" issue usually means that your computer cannot connect to your private DNS server. This can be pretty annoying and cause disruptions to your personal or business operations and block access to critical services or resources.
It's important to know why the "Private DNS server cannot be accessed" message appears. While the main reason you get this message is incorrect DNS configuration, other factors can cause this error, too.
Common reasons for private DNS server access issues
If you lack technical knowledge, troubleshooting private DNS access issues can be challenging. But worry not — we're here to help. Follow these tips to resolve the "Private DNS server cannot be accessed" issue.
- Incorrect DNS settings. Check the DNS settings for any misconfigurations. For example, your private DNS provider hostname could be incorrect — even the slightest typo can prevent your device from connecting to the private DNS server.
- Network connectivity problems. Poor Wi-Fi signal and mobile data interruptions can interfere with the DNS request transmission. Your DNS settings might be correct, but if the network connection is unstable, queries won't be able to reach the private DNS server.
- DNS server downtime. Another reason your device might be unable to resolve DNS queries is if the DNS server goes offline for maintenance, upgrades, or unexpected outages. If the server is down, you can't do much until it's back online.
- Security software interference. Firewalls, antivirus programs, or VPNs may consider private DNS traffic suspicious and block it. In addition, your security software may conflict with DNS-over-TLS or DNS-over-HTTPS protocols, disrupting a connection with the private DNS server.
- ISP blocking. If your ISP blocks DNS traffic, your DNS server won't work. Some ISPs, especially in countries with restrictive internet policies like China or Russia, do this to enforce internet censorship.
- DNS server overload. Sometimes free or popular private DNS servers can reach their capacity when too many users query them at the same time.
How to fix the "Private DNS server cannot be accessed" issue on Android, iPhone, Mac, and Windows devices
Try the following tips if you can’t access private DNS on your Android, iPhone, Mac, or Windows device.
- Correct the private DNS hostname. Make sure your private DNS hostname is spelled correctly and corresponds to a valid DNS server.
- Restart your router. Sometimes your device can't connect to a private DNS server because your router is glitching. Turn off your router, wait for 30 seconds, and then turn it back on.
- Check your internet connection. Switch to mobile data or try a different Wi-Fi network to resolve the error if it is related to network connectivity.
- Disable your security software. Turn off your VPN and proxy and try connecting to a private DNS network again.
- Update your operating system. Latest software updates include bug fixes and improvements that could resolve DNS-related issues. Update your operating system as soon as the newest update is out.
- Flush the DNS cache on your Wi-Fi router. Resetting or flushing your router's DNS cache can help solve private DNS connectivity problems by removing outdated or corrupted DNS records.
- Check private DNS server settings. Make sure your private DNS server is configured correctly and supports DNS-over-TLS and DNS-over-HTTPS protocols.
- Restart your device. Sometimes a good old restart is all it takes to fix DNS issues.
- Try a different DNS provider. If all else fails, try changing to a different DNS server, like Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, or NordVPN's private DNS.
Online security starts with a click.
Stay safe with the world’s leading VPN
