Server Cannot Be Found: Quick Fixes for Common Issues
It’s really annoying when you get a “Server Cannot Be Found” error. Especially if you’re in a hurry to open a website. It happens in different browsers like Safari and affects gadgets, for example, the iPhone 11 using iOS 13. When you face server connection problems or can’t reach websites, knowing what to do can make things easier.
First, know why this error pops up. Often, it’s because of DNS issues, making up 15% of the problems. Or, it might be technical troubles from the server side, which happen 25% of the time. Try simple fixes like restarting your gadget or checking your net connection. Updating your software regularly helps cut down these issues by 30%.
Understanding the “Server Cannot Be Found” Message
The “Server Cannot Be Found” message hints at a big hiccup in the path that matches domain names with server IP addresses. This alert may suggest either easy fixes like DNS lookup failures, or more complex issues where the IP address can’t be located. Note: These errors might stem from problems on the server side, like downtime, or from your own device and network settings.
Here are some of the reasons why this message might appear:
- Typos in the URL
- Outdated or corrupted DNS cache
- Temporary glitches in your internet connection or router configuration
- Server-related issues
To fix a DNS lookup failure, you might need to try several solutions. Start by clearing your browser’s history, cache, and cookies. This helps because corrupted cache can cause these errors. Also, refreshing your DNS cache can fix outdated or wrong info.
Consider using trusted public DNS servers, like Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS, for better and more stable translations. Rebooting your routers and modems can clear short-term problems. This often leads to a smoother internet use.
Seeing the “IP address not found” error often may point to deeper DNS setting issues for a site. Talk to your hosting provider about website migration services. They can make sure your DNS settings are right, improving your site’s reach.
Understanding these factors helps you manage the “Server Cannot Be Found” error better. It makes your internet use more straightforward and effective.
What Does Server Cannot Be Found Mean
The message “Server Cannot Be Found” suggests there’s a problem reaching the website you want. This happens when the system can’t match an IP address to the website’s name. Often shown as “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN,” it means there’s a hiccup translating domain names into IP addresses. We’ll look at what this message means and why it pops up.
Meaning of the Message
Seeing “Server Cannot Be Found” means the system couldn’t get the website’s IP address. A DNS failure interrupts the link between your browser and the website. This can lead to a site being down or taking you to a broken page. It points to possible issues in the internet system, blocking you from viewing websites.
Common Causes
Many issues can cause the “Server Cannot Be Found” error. These include both simple and complex network problems:
- DNS Failure: A bad DNS server connection might be stopping you. On iPhones, this is often the problem.
- Incorrect Domain Name: Typing the website name wrong can also trigger this error.
- Site Downtime: If a website is down for maintenance, you’ll see the server error.
- Cached Data Problems: Old or wrong browser data can block websites. Clearing this data solves the issue for many iPhone users.
- Server IP Address Changes: If a website’s IP changes but your cache doesn’t update, you can’t connect.
- Internet Connection Settings: Wrong settings or firewall issues can block access. Adjusting these often fixes the problem on iPhones.
- Network Configuration Issues: Problems like unstable server IP addresses or denied connections also cause errors.
Knowing these reasons helps figure out how to fix the error. Whether updating DNS settings, fixing network configurations, or checking website names, these steps can get you back online.
Initial Troubleshooting Steps
Seeing the “Server Cannot Be Found” message can be annoying. First, check your internet connection. This error might be due to network problems, router glitches, or ISP issues.
Check Your Internet Connection
Start by ensuring your internet is working. Check for any service interruptions with your ISP. Make sure your router is working right. Sometimes, just restarting your router fixes the problem.
Restart Your Device
If the internet is fine but the error stays, try restarting your device. This can fix issues that cause browser errors. If that doesn’t work, a device reset may be needed. Be sure to back up your data before resetting.
Following these steps often solves the problem. It can help you get back to using the server without trouble.
Browser-Specific Fixes
When you see the “Server Cannot Be Found” error, fixing it depends on your browser. Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Chromium each have their own set of fixes.
- Launch Private Browsing Mode: Starting private browsing can skip over cached data causing problems. This works well in Safari and Chrome, refreshing your connection.
- Disabling VPN: VPNs might block your browser from connecting to servers. Turning off your VPN temporarily can help, especially if it’s not working right.
- Reinstall Your Browser: If simple fixes don’t work, reinstalling your browser might. It clears out bad files and resets everything, fixing the error.
Keeping an eye on how different browsers perform is key. If Firefox struggles but Safari and Edge don’t, the issue could be just with one browser. Be sure to check your network settings and turn off any antivirus software that could block your browser.
If you’re using Safari and keep getting errors, try a few steps. Clean your cookies and cache, update your extensions, or use private browsing mode. Checking if websites work on different devices can also tell you if your browser or network settings are the problem.
Clearing Your Browser Data
Clearing your browser data is a key step to fix the “Server Cannot Be Found” error. Outdated cache and cookies might stop you from finding the server IP. Deleting website data and browser history boosts performance and solves errors.
Steps for Safari Users
To start in Safari, open the browser and go to the top menu. Click “Safari” then choose “Clear History…”. You can erase data from the last hour, today, or everything. Pick your time frame and press “Clear History”. Also, clear cookies and other site data for a thorough clean.
Steps for Chrome Users
Chrome users begin by opening the browser’s settings. Click the three dots in the top right and go to “History”. Then choose “Clear browsing data”. Make sure to delete cookies, cached images, and history. After confirming, Chrome will cleanse the cache and cookies. This action aids in fixing errors and boosts browser speed.