Troubleshoot DNS issues

Troubleshoot DNS issues

Common DNS problems and their solutions

DNS problems can cause your website to be inaccessible, email not to work, or services not to connect correctly. This guide shows you how to identify and fix the most common problems.

Problem 1: Domain doesn't resolve (site doesn't load)

Symptoms:

• Browser shows "This site can't be reached"
• "DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN" error
• Domain doesn't respond to ping

Solutions:

1. Verify DNS records are configured

• Log in to DNS panel and verify there's an A record for the main domain (@)
• Verify that the IP is correct
• Check for syntax errors

2. Verify DNS propagation

• Use tools like whatsmydns.net or dnschecker.org
• Verify that changes have propagated
• Wait up to 48 hours if you just made changes

3. Verify nameservers

whois yourdomain.com

Verify that nameservers are correct and active.

4. Clear local DNS cache

Windows:

ipconfig /flushdns

macOS:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

Linux:

sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches

Problem 2: Domain points to wrong IP

Symptoms:

• Domain loads but shows incorrect content
• Ping shows a different IP than expected

Solutions:

• Verify that the A record has the correct IP in the DNS panel
• Save changes if you modified them
• Wait for propagation to complete
• Clear your computer's DNS cache
• Verify from different locations or DNS servers

Problem 3: Subdomains don't work

Symptoms:

• Subdomain doesn't load
• "Host not found" error

Solutions:

• Verify that an A or CNAME record exists for the subdomain
• Check that the subdomain name is written correctly (without the full domain)
• Verify there's no conflict between A and CNAME records
• Wait for DNS propagation to complete

Problem 4: Email doesn't work

Symptoms:

• Emails not received
• Emails bounce
• "Mail server not found" error

Solutions:

1. Verify MX records

nslookup -type=MX yourdomain.com

Verify that MX records are configured.

2. Verify mail server is accessible

• Verify that the MX server hostname has an A record
• Try pinging the mail server
• Verify that mail ports are open

3. Verify SPF, DKIM, DMARC records

• Configure these records to improve deliverability
• Verify with tools like mxtoolbox.com

Problem 5: "DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN" error

Solutions:

• Verify that the domain is active and not expired
• Check that nameservers are configured correctly
• Verify that A records exist for the domain
• Wait for propagation to complete if you just made changes
• Try from another browser or device
• Verify your internet connection

Problem 6: Very slow DNS propagation

Solutions:

• Reduce TTL before making changes (300-600 seconds)
• Verify that changes are saved correctly
• Use DNS services with fast propagation (Cloudflare, etc.)
• Wait the necessary time (up to 48 hours is normal)

Diagnostic tools

Useful commands:

# Verify A record
nslookup yourdomain.com

# Verify MX record
nslookup -type=MX yourdomain.com

# Verify CNAME record
nslookup -type=CNAME www.yourdomain.com

# Verify TXT record
nslookup -type=TXT yourdomain.com

# Verify from specific DNS server
nslookup yourdomain.com 8.8.8.8

# With dig (Linux/macOS)
dig yourdomain.com
dig MX yourdomain.com
dig TXT yourdomain.com

Online tools:

• whatsmydns.net - Verifies DNS propagation
• dnschecker.org - Verifies DNS records globally
• mxtoolbox.com - Complete DNS and email diagnostics
• intoDNS.com - Complete DNS configuration analysis

Verify correct DNS configuration

Basic checklist:

• ✅ A record for main domain (@)
• ✅ A or CNAME record for www
• ✅ MX records for email (if using email)
• ✅ SPF record (if using email)
• ✅ Nameservers configured correctly
• ✅ TTL configured appropriately

Preventive tips

• ✅ Verify configuration before saving changes
• ✅ Backup your current DNS configuration
• ✅ Document the changes you make
• ✅ Use low TTL during changes, then increase it
• ✅ Regularly verify that DNS records are correct
• ✅ Monitor your domain expiration

Need help?

If after following these steps the problem persists, open a ticket from the billing.baires.host panel or contact us for support. Include the results of diagnostic commands to help us identify the problem faster.

You can also reach us through our social media:

• Instagram: @baires_host
• Discord (active support): https://discord.gg/dzjauatAFN
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/baires.host