Fixing “Can’t Connect to Server Unknown Host”

Hey there Dev! Are you having trouble connecting to a server and getting an error message that says “Can’t Connect to Server Unknown Host”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This error can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to access important data or work on a project with a tight deadline. In this guide, we’ll discuss how you can fix this error and get back to work.

Understanding the Error Message

Before we get into the different ways you can fix the “Can’t Connect to Server Unknown Host” error, let’s first understand what it means. This error message typically appears when your device (laptop, phone, tablet, etc.) is unable to establish a connection with a server because it doesn’t recognize the server’s hostname or IP address. Put simply, your device does not know where to find the server you’re trying to connect to.

There can be several reasons why this error occurs. It could be due to a problem with your network settings, a firewall issue on your device or network, or even a temporary glitch in the server you’re trying to connect to.

Now that we have a basic understanding of the error message, let’s move on to the different ways you can fix it.

Checking Your Network Settings

The first thing you should do when you encounter the “Can’t Connect to Server Unknown Host” error is to check your network settings. Make sure your device is connected to the internet and that your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection is working properly. You can do this by opening a web browser and trying to access a website. If you’re able to access the internet, but still can’t connect to the server, move on to the next step.

If you’re unable to connect to the internet, try restarting your device, Wi-Fi router, or modem. You can also try resetting your network settings to their default values on your device. Check your device’s user manual or online resources for instructions on how to do this based on your operating system.

Disabling Your Firewall

If your network settings are fine, the next step is to check if your device’s firewall is blocking the connection to the server. A firewall is a security feature that monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and can block certain connections that it deems harmful or suspicious.

To check if your firewall is causing the problem, try disabling it temporarily and then try to connect to the server again. If you’re able to connect without any issues, it means your firewall was indeed blocking the connection. You can then re-enable your firewall and configure it to allow connections to the server you’re trying to access. Check your device’s user manual or online resources for instructions on how to do this based on your operating system.

Clearing Your DNS Cache

If your network settings and firewall are not the cause of the error, the next step is to clear your device’s DNS cache. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it’s a system that translates domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses that your device can understand. A corrupted or outdated DNS cache can sometimes cause connection issues with a server.

To clear your DNS cache, follow the steps below based on your operating system:

Operating System	Steps to Clear DNS Cache
Windows	Open the Command Prompt by searching for it in the Start Menu or pressing Windows Key + X and selecting “Command Prompt”. Type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter. You should see a message that says “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache”.
MacOS	Open the Terminal application by searching for it in Spotlight or navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal. Type “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and press Enter. You will be prompted to enter your system password. Type it in and press Enter. You should see a message that says “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache”.
Linux	Open the Terminal application by searching for it in your application launcher or pressing CTRL + ALT + T. Type “sudo systemctl restart network-manager.service” and press Enter. You will be prompted to enter your system password. Type it in and press Enter. You should see a message that says “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache”.

Using a Different DNS Server

If clearing your DNS cache doesn’t work, you can try using a different DNS server. Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) usually provides you with a default DNS server that your device uses to resolve domain names. Sometimes, these default DNS servers can be slow or unreliable. By using a public DNS server like Google DNS or OpenDNS, you can sometimes improve your connection to the server you’re trying to access.

To change your DNS server, follow the steps below based on your operating system:

Operating System	Steps to Change DNS Server
Windows	Right-click the Start button and select “Settings”. Select “Network & Internet”. Select “Change adapter options”. Right-click your active network connection and select “Properties”. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties”. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the new DNS server addresses (e.g. 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google DNS). Click “OK” to save your changes.
MacOS	Open the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”. Select “Network”. Select your active network connection and click “Advanced”. Select the “DNS” tab. Click the “+” button and enter the new DNS server addresses (e.g. 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google DNS). Click “OK” to save your changes.
Linux	Open the Terminal application by searching for it in your application launcher or pressing CTRL + ALT + T. Open the resolv.conf file by typing “sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf” and pressing Enter. Replace the existing DNS server addresses with the new ones (e.g. nameserver 8.8.8.8 and nameserver 8.8.4.4 for Google DNS). Press CTRL + X to exit, then Y to save changes, and finally Enter to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why am I getting the “Can’t Connect to Server Unknown Host” error?

A: This error typically occurs when your device is unable to recognize the hostname or IP address of the server you’re trying to connect to. This can be due to a problem with your network settings, firewall settings, DNS cache, or temporary issues with the server you’re trying to connect to.

Q: Can I fix the error by restarting my device?

A: Restarting your device can sometimes help fix connection issues, but it’s not always a guaranteed solution. Make sure you try all the steps mentioned in this guide before resorting to restarting your device.

Q: Why does my firewall block certain connections?

A: Firewalls are designed to protect your device and network from potential threats. They monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic and can block connections that are deemed harmful or suspicious.

Q: Can using a public DNS server improve my connection speed?

A: Yes, using a public DNS server like Google DNS or OpenDNS can sometimes improve your connection speed by resolving domain names faster than your ISP’s default DNS server.

Q: Why do I need to clear my DNS cache?

A: A corrupted or outdated DNS cache can sometimes cause connection issues with a server. Clearing your DNS cache can help your device re-establish a connection to the server by forcing it to look up the domain name again.

Conclusion

There you have it, Dev! These are the different ways you can fix the “Can’t Connect to Server Unknown Host” error. Make sure you try all the steps mentioned in this guide, starting from the easiest (checking your network settings) to the more advanced (changing your DNS server). If none of these methods work, there could be a more serious issue with your device or network that requires professional help.

We hope this guide has been helpful to you. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments below. Happy connecting!