How to Fix DNS Problems in WordPress
WordPress Hosting & Domain Guides
How to Fix DNS Problems in WordPress
DNS issues can cause your WordPress website to go offline, load incorrectly, break HTTPS, block emails, or show “server not found” errors. This guide explains the most common DNS problems and how to fix them step-by-step, even if you are not technical.
1
Common DNS Problems in WordPress
These issues affect domain, hosting, SSL, and email.
- Website not opening (DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN)
- Domain not pointing to hosting
- “Server IP address could not be found”
- SSL not working due to DNS mismatch
- Emails not delivered due to wrong MX records
- Wrong nameservers applied
- Slow DNS propagation
Most of these problems happen due to incorrect nameservers or wrong DNS records.
2
Fix 1: Check & Update Nameservers
Your domain must point to your hosting.
If your website is not opening, first verify the nameservers.
Steps:
- Login to your domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Hostinger, Google Domains etc.)
- Open your domain’s DNS or Nameserver settings
- Make sure the nameservers match your hosting provider
Example:
- Hostinger: ns1.dns-parking.com / ns2.dns-parking.com
- Bluehost: ns1.bluehost.com / ns2.bluehost.com
- SiteGround: ns1.siteground.net / ns2.siteground.net
After saving, wait for DNS propagation (10 minutes to 24 hours).
3
Fix 2: Correct Your A Record (IP Address)
Website won’t open if A record is wrong.
Your domain must point to your hosting server’s IP address.
Steps:
- Go to your DNS Zone editor
- Edit the A Record for @
- Enter your hosting server IP (you’ll find it in your hosting dashboard)
- Save changes
Example A Record:
- Host: @
- Points to: 123.45.67.89
- TTL: 300
If using Cloudflare, make sure the orange cloud is ON (Proxy) for best performance.
4
Fix 3: Check CNAME & ‘www’ Redirection
Without this, your https://www version may not work.
Add this record to support the www version of your website:
- Host: www
- Type: CNAME
- Points to: yourdomain.com
This ensures both:
- https://yourdomain.com
- https://www.yourdomain.com
…load correctly.
5
Fix 4: Correct Your MX Records (Email Issues)
Wrong MX records = email not working.
If emails are not receiving, update MX records based on your provider:
Zoho Mail:
- mx.zoho.in (10)
- mx2.zoho.in (20)
- mx3.zoho.in (50)
Google Workspace:
- ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (1)
- ALT1.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (5)
- ALT2.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (5)
- ALT3.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (10)
- ALT4.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (10)
Make sure no old MX records remain — remove duplicates.
6
Fix 5: Clear DNS Cache (Local & Global)
Old cached records may still show errors.
Clear browser DNS cache:
- Chrome: chrome://net-internals/#dns → “Clear host cache”
Flush local DNS (Windows):
ipconfig /flushdnsFlush DNS (Mac):
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponderClear Cloudflare DNS cache:
- Go to Cloudflare → Caching → Purge Cache
7
Fix 6: Disable Cloudflare Temporarily (If Errors Continue)
Cloudflare misconfiguration causes many DNS issues.
Switch the orange cloud (Proxy) to grey (DNS Only).
This helps you verify whether the issue is due to Cloudflare caching, SSL mode, or DNS proxy.
8
Fix 7: Check for DNS Propagation
New changes may take time.
Use these tools:
- dnschecker.org
- whatsmydns.net
If not all locations show updated records, wait a bit longer.
Need Help Fixing DNS or Hosting Issues?
SiteCrafted provides done-for-you domain, DNS, SSL, business email, and hosting setup with every ready-made website. Your website becomes 100% stable and secure.
