The ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error is one of the most common issues that users encounter while browsing the internet. It generally indicates a problem with the connection between the user’s device and the website they are trying to access. While this error can arise from various issues, one of the most common culprits is DNS (Domain Name System) misconfiguration or DNS-related problems.

DNS serves as the phonebook of the internet, translating domain names  example.com into the IP addresses that computers use to communicate. When there's a DNS issue, your browser may fail to locate the website, leading to a connection reset or a failed connection.

In this knowledgebase, we will walk through the causes of ERR_CONNECTION_RESET due to DNS errors, methods to fix the issue, and best practices for preventing it from recurring.

Understanding ERR_CONNECTION_RESET

Before diving into DNS-specific solutions, it's important to understand what the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error signifies.

What Is ERR_CONNECTION_RESET?

This error appears when the connection between your browser and the website is unexpectedly interrupted. The error message typically reads:

This site can’t be reached. The connection was reset.

This indicates that your browser was able to establish a connection to the website’s server but failed to maintain it, causing the connection to reset before the content could load.

Possible Causes of ERR_CONNECTION_RESET:

• Network issues, such as faulty routers or firewalls.
• DNS server problems, like invalid or outdated records.
• Proxy settings that block or disrupt communication.
• Browser cache corruption or outdated browser settings.
• A website’s server may be experiencing issues.

Common DNS Errors Leading to ERR_CONNECTION_RESET

Since DNS errors can directly result in an ERR_CONNECTION_RESET, understanding how DNS works can help diagnose the problem.

DNS Misconfiguration

If your DNS settings are incorrect or outdated, your device may fail to resolve domain names into IP addresses, resulting in a connection reset. Misconfigured DNS settings can include:

• Incorrect DNS Server Address: If the DNS server your device is using is not functioning correctly or is misconfigured, the browser cannot resolve the website’s IP address.
• Expired DNS Cache: Over time, DNS entries stored in your device's cache can become outdated or corrupt, leading to DNS lookup failures.
• Wrong DNS Server: If your internet service provider (ISP) has issues with their DNS servers, or if you're using a custom DNS server that’s unreachable, the connection may be reset.

DNS Cache Corruption

Your system caches DNS records to speed up browsing by avoiding the need for repeated DNS lookups. However, this cached data can become corrupted or stale, leading to the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error. This often happens if a DNS record for a specific domain is incorrect or no longer valid.

DNS Server Downtime or Unavailability

If the DNS server your computer is querying is down or facing issues, the system might be unable to resolve domain names. The browser may report a connection reset as it can’t find the correct server for the website you're trying to visit.

DNS Propagation Delays

When DNS changes are made, such as when a website’s IP address is updated, it takes time for these changes to propagate across the internet. This can cause a temporary disruption in the DNS lookup process, leading to the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error.

How to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Due to DNS Errors

There are several solutions you can try to resolve DNS-related errors that trigger the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET issue. These methods can help restore connectivity to websites and fix DNS issues on your device.

Clear DNS Cache

If the DNS cache on your computer has become corrupted, clearing it can often resolve DNS lookup issues that result in the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error.

For Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click Start menu > Command Prompt (Admin)).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   ipconfig /flushdns
   

3. You should see a message confirming that the DNS cache has been successfully flushed.

For macOS:

1. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal).
2. Enter the following command for macOS:

   sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
   

3. Press Enter, and when prompted, enter your admin password.

Change DNS Servers

If your default DNS server (usually provided by your ISP) is slow or unreliable, switching to a public DNS server can help fix DNS-related connection reset issues. Popular, fast, and reliable public DNS servers include:

• Google DNS:
  • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
  • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare DNS:
  • Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
  • Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1
• OpenDNS:
  • Primary DNS: 208.67.222.222
  • Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.220

How to Change DNS Servers (Windows):

1. Open the Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click on Change adapter settings.
3. Right-click your network connection (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select Properties.
4. Scroll down and click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties.
5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter your preferred DNS servers (e.g., Google’s 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
6. Click OK and restart your computer.

How to Change DNS Servers (macOS):

1. Go to System Preferences > Network.
2. Select your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click Advanced.
3. Go to the DNS tab and click the "+" button to add a new DNS server.
4. Enter the new DNS server address (e.g., Google’s 8.8.8.8).
5. Click OK and then Apply.

Disable Proxy Settings

If your device is configured to use a proxy server, it might interfere with DNS requests, leading to connection resets. Disabling the proxy settings can help resolve the issue.

For Windows:

1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet.
2. Click on Proxy from the left-hand side.
3. Under Manual Proxy Setup, ensure that a proxy server is turned off.

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences > Network.
2. Select your network connection and click Advanced.
3. Go to the Proxies tab and uncheck any active proxy options.
4. Click OK and Apply.

Disable IPv6

In some cases, IPv6 (the newer internet protocol) can cause issues with DNS resolution, particularly if the DNS server doesn’t support IPv6 correctly. Disabling IPv6 can help resolve these issues.

For Windows:

1. Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
2. Right-click your network connection and select Properties.
3. Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
4. Click OK and restart your computer.

For macOS:

1. Go to System Preferences > Network.
2. Select your active network connection and click Advanced.
3. Go to the TCP/IP tab and change Configure IPv6 to Off.
4. Click OK and Apply.

Check for Malware or Firewall Blockages

Malware or incorrectly configured firewalls can disrupt DNS requests, resulting in connection resets. Scanning your system for malware and ensuring your firewall is properly configured can fix the issue.

For Malware Scan:

1. Use your antivirus software to perform a full system scan.
2. If you're using Windows, you can also use Windows Defender for a free scan.

For Firewall Check:

1. Make sure that your firewall is not blocking DNS queries or the browser you are using. You can temporarily disable the firewall and see if the issue persists.

Reset TCP/IP Stack

Sometimes, resetting the TCP/IP stack can help resolve DNS errors. This resets network settings to their default values, potentially fixing any issues related to the connection.

For Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   netsh int ip reset
   

3. Restart your computer.

For macOS:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type the following command to reset network settings:

   sudo ifconfig en0 down
   sudo ifconfig en0 up
   

Preventing ERR_CONNECTION_RESET in the Future

While the above methods will help fix the immediate ERR_CONNECTION_RESET issue due to DNS errors, it’s important to implement some best practices to prevent this error from occurring again in the future.

Regular DNS Cache Management

Make it a habit to clear your DNS cache periodically. This helps prevent issues caused by stale or corrupted DNS entries.

Keep Your DNS Server Reliable

Ensure that you're using a reliable DNS provider. Regularly check for DNS outages or issues with your chosen DNS server and consider switching to a more stable provider if needed.

Monitor DNS Propagation

If you’re making DNS changes to your website or servers, monitor the propagation status. Delayed DNS propagation can cause users to see connection errors temporarily.

Regular Security Scans

Run regular security scans to ensure your device and network are free from malware or any suspicious activity that could interfere with your DNS resolution process.

Usage Field for Fixing ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Due to DNS Errors

1. Website Accessibility and Browsing Experience

   • Purpose: The ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error often impacts the ability to access websites, disrupting the browsing experience. DNS-related issues like misconfigured DNS settings or DNS cache corruption can prevent successful website resolution, affecting access to various online services.
   • Usage: Businesses and website administrators should ensure DNS settings are correct and optimize DNS servers to maintain a smooth browsing experience for users.

2. Network Troubleshooting

   • Purpose: Users encountering the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error due to DNS issues need effective troubleshooting tools and strategies to identify and resolve problems quickly. This includes both local network configurations (like incorrect DNS settings) and external DNS servers.
   • Usage: Network administrators and IT teams often rely on troubleshooting DNS configurations to fix issues, ensuring reliable internet access for users without requiring reboots or external interventions.

3. Optimizing DNS for Stability

   • Purpose: Proper DNS configuration ensures that websites load correctly, and users don’t experience connection resets. Ensuring the DNS servers are properly configured and reliable is crucial for minimizing downtime.
   • Usage: Enterprises and large organizations should monitor DNS performance regularly and ensure that their DNS servers are configured to minimize disruptions, including connection resets.

4. User Experience (UX) in Multi-Regional Settings

   • Purpose: Users accessing websites from different regions can experience different DNS behaviors based on the location of DNS servers. DNS resolution issues can cause connection resets, leading to inconsistent browsing experiences.
   • Usage: Websites with international users need to optimize DNS configurations to handle multi-regional traffic without introducing latency or errors like ERR_CONNECTION_RESET.

5. Website Security

   • Purpose: DNS misconfigurations or outdated DNS cache can sometimes allow attackers to intercept or manipulate DNS queries. This could result in connection resets if malicious activity affects the DNS resolution process.
   • Usage: Security measures like DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT) are critical to ensuring the integrity and security of DNS resolution, especially in the context of preventing ERR_CONNECTION_RESET due to security vulnerabilities.

6. Ensuring Compatibility with Browsers and Devices

   • Purpose: DNS errors that cause ERR_CONNECTION_RESET often arise when browser or device settings conflict with DNS configurations. Different browsers may respond differently to DNS failures, causing issues specific to certain devices or networks.
   • Usage: Testing website access across various browsers and devices can help pinpoint DNS-related errors that lead to ERR_CONNECTION_RESET. Compatibility checks can ensure that DNS settings are optimized for all users.

7. Troubleshooting DNS-Related Connectivity Issues

   • Purpose: Troubleshooting DNS settings is essential when users encounter connection issues. A thorough understanding of DNS errors helps IT professionals quickly identify the root cause of problems like the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error.
   • Usage: Troubleshooting tools such as ping, nslookup, and traceroute can help diagnose DNS issues, while network configuration updates or DNS cache clearing can resolve the errors.

8. Remote Working and VPN Access

   • Purpose: In remote work environments, DNS resolution errors can often lead to connection resets. When users connect via VPNs or other networks, DNS settings may not propagate properly, causing interruptions.
   • Usage: Businesses should ensure their VPN infrastructure and DNS configurations support seamless connectivity, preventing ERR_CONNECTION_RESET when users are accessing internal resources.

9. Mobile Devices and DNS Configurations

   • Purpose: Mobile users often rely on cellular data networks or Wi-Fi connections that might use different DNS servers. Incorrect DNS settings on mobile devices can cause connection resets when trying to access websites.
   • Usage: Mobile users should verify that their DNS settings are correctly configured to avoid issues like ERR_CONNECTION_RESET. Ensuring that DNS errors are fixed on mobile networks can improve user access to websites.

10. ISP-Related DNS Issues

    • Purpose: DNS errors due to ISPs’ DNS servers or their routing methods can result in connection resets. If the DNS servers provided by an ISP experience downtime or are unreliable, users may frequently encounter the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error.
    • Usage: Switching to public DNS servers or contacting the ISP for DNS-related issues can resolve persistent connection resets related to faulty ISP DNS servers.

Technical Issue: Fixing ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Due to DNS Errors

The ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error caused by DNS problems typically indicates an issue with DNS configuration, such as misrouting, outdated cache, or unresponsive DNS servers. Understanding these underlying technical causes can help resolve the problem and restore normal browsing behavior.

1. Misconfigured DNS Servers: If the DNS settings are misconfigured, it could lead to DNS failures that trigger connection resets.
2. DNS Cache Corruption: Cached DNS records that are outdated or corrupted can lead to DNS errors and connection resets.
3. Unresponsive or Down DNS Servers: If the DNS server you're using is not responding, it will prevent successful DNS lookups, resulting in connection resets.
4. Incorrect Proxy or VPN Settings: Proxy servers or VPN configurations that interfere with DNS requests can lead to connection resets.
5. IPv6 Interference: Sometimes, IPv6 settings can cause DNS-related issues that result in connection failures, especially when IPv6 is improperly configured.
6. Firewall or Antivirus Blocking DNS Traffic: A firewall or antivirus software may block DNS queries or DNS traffic, resulting in connection resets.
7. Slow or Faulty Internet Connections: Poor network performance can cause DNS lookup delays, leading to resets.

Technical FAQ for Fixing ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Due to DNS Errors

What causes the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error due to DNS issues?

• Answer: DNS errors, such as misconfigured DNS settings, corrupted DNS cache, or using unreliable DNS servers, can lead to the browser failing to locate the website, causing the connection to be reset.

How can I clear the DNS cache to fix this error?

• Answer: You can clear your DNS cache by using the command prompt on Windows (ipconfig /flushdns) or the terminal on macOS (sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder). This will force the system to refresh DNS records and resolve potential cache-related issues.

What DNS servers should I use to avoid connection resets?

• Answer: You can use public DNS servers like:
  • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 (primary), 8.8.4.4 (Secondary)
  • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 (primary), 1.0.0.1 (Secondary)
  • OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 (primary), 208.67.220.220 (Secondary)

How do I change my DNS server settings to fix the error?

• Answer: To change your DNS server settings:
  • On Windows: Go to Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings > Right-click on your active network connection > Properties > Select Internet Protocol Version 4 > Use the following DNS server addresses.
  • On macOS: Go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > DNS tab > Add DNS servers.

Could a VPN or proxy server cause ERR_CONNECTION_RESET?

• Answer: Yes, a VPN or proxy server can interfere with DNS queries, causing issues like ERR_CONNECTION_RESET. Disabling the VPN or proxy server and testing the connection may resolve the issue.

Why is my DNS server causing the ERR_CONNECTION_RESET error?

• Answer: Your DNS server might be down, misconfigured, or unable to resolve domain names properly. Switching to a more reliable DNS server, such as Google or Cloudflare, can help mitigate these issues.

How can I fix DNS issues with IPv6 that may cause connection resets?

• Answer: Disable IPv6 settings on your device if your DNS server or network doesn’t support it properly. On Windows and macOS, this can be done through the network connection properties.

Can a slow or unstable internet connection lead to DNS-related connection resets?

• Answer: Yes, slow or unstable internet connections can delay DNS lookups, causing the browser to time out or reset the connection. Ensuring a stable and fast internet connection can resolve these types of errors.

How do I ensure my firewall or antivirus isn’t blocking DNS traffic?

• Answer: Check your firewall or antivirus settings to make sure they are not blocking DNS traffic. Temporarily disable the firewall or antivirus and see if the error is resolved. If so, adjust the settings to allow DNS traffic.

What steps should I take if the DNS-related connection reset persists?

• Answer: If the error continues, try:
  • Switching DNS servers (e.g., to Google or Cloudflare).
  • Clearing DNS cache regularly.
  • Disabling proxies or VPN services.
  • Testing on different devices or browsers.
  • Checking for malware or conflicting security software.