Why is AT&T DNS Servers Not Responding? Complete Fix Guide

Have you ever encountered an error along the lines of AT&T DNS servers not responding? Do you have any idea how you can fix or resolve this?

Worry not, because, in this guide, we’ll not just assist you by giving you a few points of what this error is all about.

In fact, we will be going over a complete list of steps on how you can get over this problem quickly and easily!

If you’re experiencing an unresponsive DNS server, check if there’s currently a service outage. Change the web browser you’re using and deactivate the firewall and antivirus software. Then, try to use another DNS address. Perform to reset your hardware if the problem persists.

Before we get to the method of how it’s done, do you know the ins and outs of DNS servers? Are you aware of the usual culprits that make them fail? 

Common Reasons Why DNS Servers Fail

DNS, short for a Domain Name System, can be considered like the “phonebook” or the yellow pages of the internet.

When a DNS server fails, then it simply means that it’s not able to trace down concrete or real address.

Usually, these problems are caused by a device not being able to connect to an IP address, which could mean that there’s a problem with the internet connection.

Some of the usual causes of DNS failures include:

• Network outage or maintenance
• High loading times or connection overload
• Hardware failures
• DDoS attacks

That being said, how do I fix the “DNS server is not responding” error I’m receiving while connected to the AT&T network? Is it something that I can resolve and fix on my end?

Using the myAT&T App

The company was able to program an app that would help subscribers and clients to find resolutions to their problems.

Several users reported that the myAT&T app has been extremely helpful in fixing problems they have with the wireless internet.

To download the myAT&T app, you can do any of the following:

• Visit My AT&T App website  
• Text myATT and send to 556699

Once downloaded, open the app and log into your account. On the top-right part, click the Menu icon and navigate to Troubleshoot.

Select what you want to troubleshoot and follow the guided instructions.

In the event that you want to do it manually, here’s the process of how you can do it!

How to Fix AT&T DNS Servers Not Responding

Unlike other guides out there, we’ll be intricately giving you details of how you can fix this problem.

We will walk you through the comprehensive procedure of resolving this without the need to determine what the actual cause is.

So, how do I fix DNS server that isn’t responding?

Step #1: Check If There’s a Service Outage

The first thing to do is to determine if the problem is from your end or from AT&T’s end.

So, check for any service outage that could be happening currently before doing anything.

You can check outages by accessing AT&T Website or by contacting their customer support directly.

Step #2: Power Cycle Your Modem/Gateway

The next thing you want to do is to power cycle or reboot your AT&T modem. To do this, follow these simple and easy steps:

1. Unplug your modem/gateway from power.
2. Wait for 20 to 45 seconds before plugging it back in.
3. After that, wait for the device to reinitialize (about 3 to 5 minutes) before using it again.

Step #3: Try Using a Different Browser

A lot of experts say that this problem can actually be solved as fast and as easily as using a different browser as your default.

For instance, if you’re using Google Chrome as your default browser, use Microsoft Edge or Safari instead.

The culprit could be with the cached data on the browser you are using, so it will be helpful to rule it out.

Step #4: Disable Firewall and Antivirus Software

After that, what you want to do next is to disable or deactivate the firewall and antivirus software that’s active on the device you’re using.

These programs are known to be effective in safeguarding your device from threats. However, they can also be the cause of several network connectivity issues.

This step is applicable to both Windows and macOS devices.

To disable the firewall on macOS devices,

1. Go tothe Apple Menu > System Preferences.
2. From there, go to Security & Privacy > Firewall
3. Next go to Disable/Stop Firewall.
4. Disable Firewall

To disable it on Windows devices,

1. Click on Start > Settings > Update & Security.
2. Then, navigate to Firewall & Network Protection
3. From there proceed to Microsoft Defender Firewall.
4. Next turn it off.

In disabling or deactivating antivirus software, you’ll usually be able to toggle it within the program.

Step #5: Check All Hardware        

The next thing you want to do is to check all hardware that’s involved; check your PC/laptop and the gateway/modem as well as the router.

Unplug and replug all wires and cables that are present on the gateway and router to ensure that there are no loose connections on them.

After that, examine the devices and check if there are damages on the units.

Step #6: Use a Different DNS

Then, to continue with the process, try using different DNS settings on your AT&T gateway/modem.

This will be applicable if you’re using a different router (connected to your AT&T gateway/modem). Here’s the process of how you can change your DNS server:

1. On your computer/laptop go to Control Panel/System Preferences.
2. Navigate to Network/Connections.
3. Select Advanced/View More.
4. Choose the DNS tab.
5. Edit or change the DNS values depending on the DNS servers you want to use.

NOTE: You can use Open DNS or Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) for a better and more reliable connection.

Step #7: Hard Reset Your Gateway and/or Router

Lastly, hard reset your modem or gateway, along with your router (if you’re using one).

But how do I do this?

1. On your modem/gateway or router, locate the reset button.
2. This is usually at the back part of the device.
3. Using a SIM card pin or a paperclip, press and hold the button.
4. Wait for the lights to go off and turn back on again, and then release.

Once you’re done with these steps, the error of the DNS server being unresponsive should be gone!

By now, you’ll not have any trouble or problem accessing whatever website or webpage!

AT&T DNS Servers Still Not Responding, What Should I Do?

If the error is still there even after you’ve done this 7-step process, contact AT&T and let them know about the DNS failure.

Before contacting them, though, make sure you revert the DNS to AT&T’s DNS servers first.

Moreover, inform them about the steps you have done so they know what to expect and for them to be able to give you a better and more accurate resolution.

It will be their team determining whether or not the issue is with your hardware, how you’re connected to the DNS servers, or if you need a new gateway/modem or router.

Read Next: Why is AT&T Broadband Light Blinking Red?

If you see the DNS server error, check for outages and system maintenance instances. Then, reboot your modem/gateway or router. Disable all security software and try using a different DNS.

If the problems are still there, hard reset your modem. It’s also advisable to use the myAT&T app’s troubleshooting functionality to help you resolve this concern.

Conclusion

When you encounter the AT&T DNS servers not responding error, don’t panic! It’s usually something that’s solvable from your end.

If not, though, it’s something that AT&T needs to fix from their side of the map.