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Client Fix 1.7-1.12 'Unknown Host Error/Can't Resolve Host Name' All Platforms

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colin350's Avatar colin350
Level 50 : Grandmaster Sweetheart
29
Over the past few minecraft releases, there has been a known bug regarding connectivity issues. More specifically, for versions: 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, and 1.12. This bug has nothing to do with mojang/microsoft, or the source code of minecraft, it's actually directly related to your system (computer), router, and/or modem. This doesn't have to do with your version of minecraft.

This bug, is commonly referred to as the "Unknown Host" error. With this, you are unable to join the server you want to play on and as a result, you become frustrated. After checking that the IP that you entered was correct, you're unsure what the root cause of the problem is, why it's happening to you, and how quickly you can resolve this issue so you can join the server you've been longing to join.

Well, you've come to the right place! Here, I will be offering my solution(s) to this problem.

However, before you dive in, ask a friend who isn't the server host and the server host to see if that server is actually up and running and working for other people. If it is, and you are still given this error, then read further:

Other to VPN or using a different network, there is an alternative way to fix this issue.

My solution(s) below modify your DNS network settings on your local system. MacOSX, Linux, and Windows solutions are provided. If you are in need of assistance with a specific configuration (especially with Linux or Windows) just comment below.
Mac OSX
1. Go to System Preferences and choose Network.

2. Under Network, make sure that Wireless is selected (if using an ethernet cable, please select ethernet on left side).

3. Select Advanced and then go to the DNS Section of this menu.

4. Navigate to the + sign below the 'DNS Servers' Section, click it.

5. There, type in 208.67.222.222 or 208.67.220.220 (you may add both, but one should work alone)

6. If this does not work, Click Cancel, and then at the bottom click Revert.
Windows
Dialup Users:
1. Go to My Computer>Dialup Networking.
2. Right-click your internet connection and select Properties.
3. A window will open - click the Server Types tab. Click TCP/IP Settings.

Other Users:
1. Go to Control Panel>Network Connections and select your local network.
2. Click Properties, then select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
3. Click Properties.

Once at the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties:

1. Click Advanced, and Navigate to the DNS Tab

2. Add the DNS Servers of 208.67.222.222 or 208.67.220.220 (you may add both, but one should work alone)

3. If these steps do not work, you may visit the following link and enter the above servers when requested: Windows 10 and below
Linux/Unix/BSD
I have not used Linux/Unix systems in awhile, but this will help you to add the name servers using the shell/terminal. You do not need to do the steps after ADDING THE NAMESERVERS. THE NAMESERVERS LISTED AT THE LINK ARE THE SAME AS : 208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220

Help / Steps: Linux/Unix/BSD

All research has been found/done on my own. If you have any specific questions, especially with MacOSX, please feel free to message me or comment below.

If the information above has not worked for you, please, before commenting / messaging, read through the other comments to see if someone else has had or is having a similar issue. My general comment response time is a few days.

When commenting, please be as specific as possible. I want to help as best as I can and that requires clear questions.

If even after my response there has been no help, I recommend trying VPN and / or changing your external IP address, either through VPN or by switching routers / locations.

Furthermore, I hope this article was helpful to you.
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1
10/18/2019 6:57 am
Level 1 : New Miner
scottmaxyoda1
scottmaxyoda1's Avatar
if you any of you are still encountering this problem the main thing to fix is to use you local ipv4 on you pc where the server is located this works, if you want you use you dns server/ public ip you have to use a vpn or play on a different router not in your house. As well make sure it is online like for example i use this site which tells me info of my server https://mcsrvstat.us/
1
10/21/2018 11:36 am
Level 3 : Apprentice Miner
Pastafied
Pastafied's Avatar
im using mac, and i am unable to type in the dns section
1
10/08/2017 1:21 pm
Level 1 : New Miner
GenuineCactus
GenuineCactus's Avatar
It won’t let me add to IPv4 or IPv6 addresses. The + & - options are greyed out. I’m on the latest version
1
07/22/2017 3:09 pm
Level 1 : New Miner
Vesko22
Vesko22's Avatar
So my friend has issues with connecting to my server as it says "Unknown host". But tis is just for my server. I checked if it I can connect through other PCs other than mine (the hosting one) and it didn't work as well. So, what can be wrong with my server? I track my IPv4 every day, change it in the router's forwarding and in the properties file. We both don't have the bought version of Minecraft (we are cheap scrubs :D), but I run it with online mode being set on false, so I have no idea what the problem is. Please help. Any support is wellcomed, because we've done so much progress, that I don't think we'll accept giving it up.
1
07/11/2017 6:01 pm
Level 1 : New Miner
Eddexmen
Eddexmen's Avatar
So I followed what you said and it didn't work with a new dns. I can connect to hypixel and cube craft and basically any other server than the one i want to and i know its typed right and i know the server is up. vpn didn't not help either but im not sure what it really is and it is strange because i have ran this server on my internet before but i have a new computer now and this is the first time i have ever had problems using this server and it sucks because i just spent money on the server lol, but i cant try another network because it is a PC and not a laptop. Any help is appreciated let me know if you need more info. Im on windows 10. If you have any good free vpn please let me know also.
1
06/14/2017 8:08 am
Level 1 : New Miner
Danztheman
Danztheman's Avatar
I'm running windows 10 and I did all of the steps but it still won't work what do I do
1
06/18/2017 1:07 am
Level 50 : Grandmaster Sweetheart
colin350
colin350's Avatar
You need to be a bit more specific. Which steps? Have you tried VPN? Have you tried another network?
1
06/02/2017 3:17 pm
Level 1 : New Miner
B_Gamer27
B_Gamer27's Avatar
hello there,

i did all the things you asked but i still can't join my friends 1.11.2 server. I got Windows 10.

is there another way to fix this problem, I am totally lost. my friend won't give me his IP address in numbers please i really want to play on this server.
1
06/08/2017 2:13 pm
Level 50 : Grandmaster Sweetheart
colin350
colin350's Avatar
Can you confirm that you are receiving an: "Unknown host" or "Can't resolve hostname" error? Are you able to join other networks (such as hypixel)?

Does another person who isn't the host have the ability to join? Are you the only one experiencing this issue?

Have you tried using a different internet source (go to a friends house and try, or use free public wifi)? Have you tried VPN?

To me it seems you have only pondered the solution in the spoilers. I want you to answer these questions so please bear with me. If you've already done those things, answers should be quick and easy.
1
05/12/2017 9:50 pm
Level 1 : New Crafter
Mianiacal
Mianiacal's Avatar
i cant find "internet protocol anywhere ;-;
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