Overview:
Sometimes you might be connected to Wi-Fi, but specific websites refuse to load while others work fine. This issue can occur on both Windows and macOS and is often related to DNS, browser settings, or network configurations.
Common Causes
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DNS Resolution Issues – Your device may not be resolving website addresses correctly.
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Browser Cache or Extensions – Cached data or add-ons can block certain websites.
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Firewall or Antivirus Settings – Security software may restrict access to some domains.
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ISP or Router Restrictions – Your internet provider or office network might block or filter specific sites.
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SSL / Certificate Errors – Websites with outdated or misconfigured certificates may fail to load.
Troubleshooting Steps
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Clear Browser Cache
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In Chrome/Edge: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear Browsing Data.
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In Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All.
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Try Another Browser
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If websites open in another browser, the issue is browser-specific.
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Flush DNS Cache
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Windows: Open Command Prompt and run:
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macOS: Open Terminal and run:
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Change DNS Server
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Set DNS manually to Google (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
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On Windows: Control Panel > Network & Internet > Network Connections > Properties.
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On macOS: System Settings > Network > Advanced > DNS.
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Check Firewall/Antivirus
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Temporarily disable them to test if they are blocking websites.
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Restart Router/Modem
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Power cycle your network equipment to refresh the connection.
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When to Contact Support
If the problem persists after trying the above steps:
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Contact your IT administrator if you’re on an office network.
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Contact your ISP to check if they are blocking specific websites.
✅ Tip: If only one website doesn’t load, check if it is down for everyone using a service like OnlineOrNot >
