How to Fix DNS Errors on iPad (iPadOS)
Resolve DNS server not responding and website-not-loading errors.
Last verified: February 21, 2026
DNS errors on iPhone commonly present as Safari or apps refusing to load certain sites while the device reports it is connected to Wi-Fi. iOS respects per-network DNS settings configured in Settings > Wi-Fi > tap the i icon > Configure DNS, where switching from Automatic to Manual allows you to specify reliable resolvers like 8.8.8.8. iOS 14 and later also supports encrypted DNS profiles (DoH/DoT) which can be installed as configuration profiles — these provide both faster resolution and privacy benefits, though they also require ensuring the profile source is trusted.
Quick Steps
Follow in order for the fastest result.
- 1Forget and rejoin your Wi-Fi network to obtain fresh DNS assignments from the router.
- 2Set a reliable public DNS manually: Primary 8.8.8.8, Secondary 8.8.4.4, found in your network adapter or Wi-Fi settings.
- 3Restart the browser and test loading sites that previously failed.
Still Not Working?
Try these if the steps above didn't help.
- Disable any active VPN — VPNs can intercept and break DNS resolution.
- Restart the router to flush its own DNS cache.
- Test another browser to rule out a browser-specific DNS cache problem.
Verify the Fix
Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.
- Load 3–4 different websites, including ones that were previously unreachable.
- Confirm page load times are back to normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does iPad (iPadOS) have a built-in way to fix dns errors?
How long does it take to fix dns errors on iPad (iPadOS)?
Is it safe to fix dns errors on iPad (iPadOS)?
What should I do if fix dns errors doesn't work on iPad (iPadOS)?
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