DNS Isn't Resolving Xbox Server Names - 5 Ways To Fix It

The “DNS isn’t resolving Xbox server names” issue will prevent you from using your Xbox as intended. Luckily, there are a few ways to resolve this issue. Read on to find out more.

What Is "DNS Isn't Resolving Xbox Server Names"?

This issue occurs when your Xbox console cannot resolve a valid DNS address to connect to the Internet. It’s a common issue that usually appears when using a wireless network to access the Internet. 

So, what does DNS mean on Xbox? The DNS system is a naming database that maps alphabetical names to numeric Internet Protocol addresses, functioning like the Internet's phone book. If the DNS isn’t responding, you won’t be able to access the Internet; it’s as simple as that.

5 Ways to Fix It

This issue might seem a bit complex at first, but there are five different simple ways that will help you resolve it quickly and efficiently. 

1. Set the DNS Manually

Consoles come with default settings for setting up DNS, but this doesn’t mean you can’t do it manually. Try setting a Google address as the console’s DNS, and check if it works. If it doesn’t resolve the issue, you can change it to ‘set DNS automatically.’ 

1. Open your Xbox console, and go to Settings from the home page.

Source: windowsreport.com

2. Select Network, which is located beneath the sub-heading Console.
3. In the navigation pane on the left side of the screen, go to Advanced Settings.

Source: windowsreport.com

4. Select DNS settings at the bottom left side using your controls. 
5. Select Manual. 
6. You will have to change your Primary DNS address to 8.8.8.8 and click Enter. 

Source: windowsreport.com

7. Then, you will need to set the Secondary DNS address to 8.4.4.4.
8. In Wireless Settings, click on B to save your changes.

2. Reboot the Console and the Router

One of the first things you should do when the “DNS is not resolving Xbox server names” issue appears is to restart your console and router. In that way, all the network configurations will be lost, and they will take a fresh start. 

To reboot the console and router, do the following steps:

1. Press the Xbox logo on your console, and click on Restart console. Then pull out its power cable.
2. Unplug your router. 
3. Wait for a few seconds before plugging the power cables back into your console and router and turning both systems on. 

3. Restore the Router’s Default Settings

The problem could be connected to your router, as it may have memorized a wrong configuration, or some recent settings have caused improper functioning. You can try restoring your router's default settings to solve the problem.

Keep in mind that when you manually reset your router, it will lose the SSID (password), and your WiFi will be set to a default name, deleting your unique WiFi name.

Any Internet settings will also be removed. So, don’t use this method if you don’t know how to get those settings back or aren’t familiar with how your router works.

Here are the steps to fix the Xbox DNS error with this method:

1. On the back of your router, look for where it says Reset. Most routers don’t have a physical reset button that you can press. Instead, you will need to find a pin and press it inwards. 
2. Check if your Xbox console can connect to the Internet.

If you can’t restart your router manually, there’s an option to reset it via a web page that you can access by entering your default getaway IP address into the browser’s address bar. 

1. In your web browser, type in your router's IP address, which is usually found on the back of your router.
2. You will be asked to give a username and password to get access. First, try the default ones: admin/admin, but if that doesn’t work,  call your Internet provider.
3. Click on the Tools tab and System Commands on the left. 
4. Finally, click on the Restore Default Settings button.

4. Modify the Width Of Your Wi-Fi Channel

Changing your router to the 20 Mhz channel will help with your connectivity issues. Follow these steps to modify the width of your WiFi channel:

1. Press the Windows and R keys at the same time.
2. Type ipconfig in the empty field of the run dialogue box and tap Enter.

Source: windowsreport.com

3. Note the Default gateway number.
4. Type in the Default gateway number in your browser, and press the Return key.
5. Head to Wireless Settings, and find the Channel Width option.
6. From the drop-down menu, select 20 Mhz.

5. Try Using a Wired Connection

If none of the above methods worked for you, you could try connecting your router and console with a Ethernet cable.

You shouldn’t face such problems with a wired connection, but if the issue is still not resolved, this probably means that your console or router has internal damage. In such cases, you’ll need to visit a service center.

Bottom Line

If the DNS is not responding to Xbox server names, this is most likely due to a poor wireless connection. Try restarting or resetting your router. If that doesn’t work, try connecting the old-fashioned way by using a cable. But If nothing works, take your console and router to a professional to fix it.