Top 10 Ways to Fix “DNS Isn’t Resolving Xbox Server Names” Error

Top 10 Ways to Fix “DNS Isn’t Resolving Xbox Server Names” Error.As a gamer, there is nothing more frustrating than getting ready to play your favorite online Xbox game only to be stopped by the dreaded “DNS does not resolve Xbox server names” error. What does this even mean?But don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. We will walk you through the main ways to fix this DNS error so you can get back to playing as soon as possible.Please note that all screenshots in this guide are for Xbox Series S, but the steps apply to both Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles, although the exact menu labels may vary.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

The first thing to do when troubleshooting this error is to check your internet and network connectivity. Make sure your Xbox console is properly connected to your wireless network or wired connection.If you’re using Wi-Fi, check your console’s wireless settings to make sure they’re set up correctly. If using a wired connection, make sure the cable is properly connected. Try downloading the web browser on another device connected to the same network to see if your internet connection is working properly or if the problem is with your Xbox console.You can also use the built-in Xbox Network Connectivity Test by going to Profile & System> Settings > General > Network Settings > Check network connection.

2. Restart Your Modem and Router

If your internet connection is working properly, the next suspect on the list could be your modem or router. These devices are generally reliable, and can sometimes malfunction causing network-related headaches such as the “DNS does not resolve Xbox server names” error.First, find your modem and router. It can be two separate devices or a two-in-one device. Once detected, unplug the power cable from each device.After turning off, let them rest a little. A minute should do its job. This allows you to erase any temporary data (such as IP address assignments and routing tables) stored in the device’s memory, making room for a fresh start when power is restored.After a minute, reconnect the devices. When they download, they will go through a startup procedure, establishing a new connection with your ISP and remapping network information.

3. Fix DNS Settings

If rebooting your modem and router doesn’t work, check your DNS settings. The Domain Name System (DNS) is like an Internet phone book that translates domain names into IP addresses. If your Xbox is unable to resolve Xbox server names, it may be due to incorrect DNS settings.Go to your Xbox console settings, then General > Network > Advanced Settings and then DNS Settings. Select manual settings and enter DNS addresses.Make sure your primary DNS address and secondary DNS address are set correctly. If you don’t know what to set them to, you can use the reliable and free Google DNS. Google’s primary DNS address is 8.8.8.8 and the secondary is 8.8.4.4.You can use other DNS servers besides Google DNS, such as Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220). There are many free DNS servers to choose from.

4. Change Your Router’s DNS Settings

If you’ve manually set your DNS settings on your Xbox and they’re not working, you may need to change your router’s DNS settings. To do this, you need to access your router’s configuration page. Open a web browser on a device connected to the router (such as Windows, Mac, or Android) and enter the router’s IP address. This address is usually in the form “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.0.1”, often labeled “default gateway number”, but you can find the exact address in your router’s manual.On the configuration page, look for the DNS settings option. Similar to the Xbox settings, you can set the primary DNS and secondary DNS to Google DNS if you don’t know which to use.Keep in mind that changing the router’s DNS settings can affect other devices on the network, so you should proceed with caution and write down the original settings in case you need to restore them.Note. Some modern routers also offer a mobile application that can be used to change its settings instead of the web interface.

5. Update Your Router’s Channel Width

When it comes to wireless connectivity, not all settings are the same. While your router’s default settings may be optimal for general Internet browsing or video streaming, they may not be suitable for your Xbox console’s needs. This is especially true when we talk about WiFi channel width.In the Wi-Fi world, “channel width” refers to the range of frequencies that a Wi-Fi network can use. The wider the channel, the more data it can transmit at a time, which is great. Well, it’s not exactly that simple. While a larger channel width can theoretically provide higher speeds, it can also be more susceptible to interference and congestion, especially in crowded areas with many competing devices in that frequency band.Xbox consoles can sometimes have issues with channel widths over 20 MHz. So, how to adjust the channel width of the router?First, you need to access your router settings, as we described above in point number four. Once you have entered your router’s configuration page, you will need to find the WiFi settings. This can usually be found in the Wireless Network menu or something similar.In the WiFi settings, find the “Bandwidth” or “Bandwidth” option. You should see an option to change this value to 20 MHz. If currently set to a higher value, reduce it to 20 MHz and then save the changes.Note. Some newer routers may no longer have this option, especially if you are using mesh routers which are much more advanced and dynamically manage bandwidth and operating frequency. .

6. Clear Your Xbox Caches

If you are having DNS issues on a Windows machine, simply open a command prompt, type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter. Unfortunately, Xbox does not have such a convenient way to shake out problematic DNS data. Instead, we have to use somewhat crude workarounds to get a similar result.Sometimes referred to as a “hard reset”, rebooting the console can clear the caches. Turn off your console and unplug it. Leave it unplugged for at least a few minutes, then plug it back in. When it’s off, press and hold the power button a few times. When you turn it back on, your cache should be cleared and your console performance should be faster when loading!

7. Restore Default Settings

You can try restoring your console settings to default as a last resort. This should be done with care as it will erase all data and settings. However, this will restore any network settings that might be causing the Xbox Server Names error to their default values. To do this, go to System > Console Information > Reset Console. Select Reset and Remove All to confirm.

8. Contact Your ISP or Microsoft

If you’ve tried all of the above and the error still occurs, it might be time to call in the cavalry. Your ISP may have DNS server issues that need to be fixed, or there may be an issue on Microsoft’s part with the Xbox servers. Either way, contacting your ISP or Microsoft may help you resolve the issue.The “DNS does not resolve Xbox server names” error can be a problem for any gamer, but as we have seen, there are several ways you can try to fix it. With patience and troubleshooting, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to your Xbox game in no time!