Learn how to proceed if pfSense DNS Resolver is not working. Our pfSense Support team is here to help you with your questions and concerns.

pfSense DNS Resolver Not Working | Troubleshooting

Running into DNS resolver errors on your pfSense firewall/router appliance can be frustrating. Especially when it disrupts your network’s connectivity.

The DNS resolver translates domain names into IP addresses and also plays a key role in seamless internet communication. Today, we are going to take a look at some of the common reasons for DNS resolver errors and how to fix them:

• To begin with, make sure the DNS resolver settings in pfSense configuration is correct. This includes ensuring that the DNS resolver service is enabled, the correct DNS servers are configured, and any firewall rules aren’t blocking DNS traffic.
• Then, check if the configured DNS servers are reachable and operational. We can use alternative DNS servers or contact a DNS service provider if there are issues.
• Make sure the firewall rules are not blocking DNS traffic. We can adjust rules if necessary to allow DNS traffic

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• Next, check the status of the DNS resolver service in the pfSense web interface. If it’s not running, try restarting the service.
• Furthermore, monitor system resources such as CPU, memory, and disk space. Inadequate resources will affect DNS resolver performance. Look for errors or warnings related to resource exhaustion in system logs.
• Clear DNS resolver cache to remove incorrect DNS records that might impede resolution.
• Then. ensure pfSense has proper network connectivity to reach DNS servers. Validate network configuration, routing, and interface settings to rule out connectivity issues.
• Also. confirm whether pfSense is configured to use DNS forwarder or resolver based on network requirements. Adjust settings to ensure proper DNS resolution.

Troubleshooting Guide

1. Before addressing DNS issues, confirm proper network connectivity by troubleshooting network connections.
2. Check which DNS service is active and configured in pfSense. We can check service status under “Status > Services”.
3. Then, make sure DNS servers are defined and reachable. Check settings under “System > General Setup” and verify connectivity through Ping tests.
4. Additionally, carry out DNS lookup tests to verify resolution capability. Adjust settings as needed.
5. Finally, confirm DNS configuration on client devices, ensuring they point to pfSense’s DNS resolver or forwarder. Adjust DHCP settings if needed and inspect firewall rules on LAN interface for potential restrictions.

With the above troubleshooting steps meticulously, we can easily diagnose and resolve DNS resolver issues on our pfSense firewall.

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Conclusion

In brief, our Support Experts demonstrated what to do if pfSense DNS Resolver is not working.