How to Troubleshoot DNS Issues

What is DNS?

DNS translates domain names (like kingswooddigital.com) into IP addresses that computers use to communicate. If DNS fails, your website or email may become unreachable.

Common DNS Issues

Website not loading or showing a DNS error
Email delivery failures
Intermittent access to services
DNS propagation delays after changes

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check Domain Registration & Expiry

Verify your domain is active and not expired (use your domain registrar’s dashboard)

2. Confirm DNS Records

Use tools like MXToolbox or DNS Checker to view current DNS records
Ensure A, CNAME, MX, and other records are present and correct

3. Check Nameserver Settings

Confirm your domain points to the correct nameservers (e.g., WP Engine, Cloudflare)
Update nameservers if you’ve recently changed hosts

4. Flush Local DNS Cache

On Windows: Open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /flushdns
On Mac: Open Terminal and run sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

5. Test from Multiple Networks

Try accessing your site from different devices/networks to rule out local issues

6. Check DNS Propagation

After changes, DNS can take up to 48 hours to update globally
Use DNS Propagation Checker to monitor progress

7. Contact Support

If issues persist, reach out to your hosting provider or DNS manager for help

How to Update DNS Records
Understanding DNS Propagation
Setting Up Cloudflare for Your Website

Need More Help?

If you need further assistance, contact Kingswood Digital support for personalized troubleshooting.