Why can’t I access certain websites or apps?

If your internet is working fine but some websites or apps won’t open, it’s usually not a complete network issue — it’s often caused by DNS errors, temporary blocks, browser cache, or device security settings.
Follow this guide to identify and resolve the problem quickly.

🧩 Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

🔹 Step 1: Check if the Website or App Is Down

• First, verify whether the website or app itself is facing an outage.
  Try visiting: https://downdetector.in or https://isitdownrightnow.com.
• If it shows “major outage” or “reported problems,” wait for the service to resume.

✅ Example: If YouTube or Netflix servers are temporarily down, no amount of router troubleshooting will fix it.

🔹 Step 2: Try on Another Device or Network

• Open the same website/app using another device (like your mobile).
• Or switch to mobile data temporarily.
• If it opens there, the issue is specific to your Wi-Fi or router settings.

🔹 Step 3: Clear Browser Cache or App Data

Outdated cookies and cached data can block certain websites.

On Browser:

• Open browser → Settings → Privacy → Clear Browsing Data.
• Select Cookies and Cached Files → Clear.
• Restart browser and try again.

On App (e.g., Netflix, Instagram):

• Go to Settings → Apps → App Info → Storage → Clear Cache.
• Reopen the app.

🔹 Step 4: Change DNS Servers

Sometimes DNS servers fail to resolve certain websites.
Switching to a faster, more reliable DNS usually fixes this.

Recommended DNS Servers:

How to Change:

• On Windows:
  Control Panel → Network → Adapter Settings → Wi-Fi → IPv4 → Enter DNS manually.
• On Android:
  Wi-Fi Settings → Modify Network → Advanced → DNS 1/DNS 2.
• On iPhone:
  Settings → Wi-Fi → “i” next to network → Configure DNS → Manual.

Restart your device afterward.

🔹 Step 5: Disable VPN or Proxy

VPNs and proxies can route your traffic through blocked or slow servers.

• Turn off any VPN, proxy, or firewall app temporarily.
• Try reloading the site or app again.

💡 Some apps (like banking or streaming apps) restrict access when VPN is active.

🔹 Step 6: Check Router Firewall or Parental Controls

If only a few websites or apps are blocked on all devices:

• Log in to your router (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• Check under Security → URL Filter / Access Control.
• Make sure no sites are accidentally added to the blocked list.
• Save and reboot router.

🔹 Step 7: Flush DNS Cache on Your Device

Your device might be holding onto outdated routing data.

For Windows:

1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. Type: ipconfig /flushdns
3. Press Enter and restart your browser.

For Android:

• Turn Airplane Mode ON for 5 seconds, then OFF.
• This refreshes your DNS and IP session.

🔹 Step 8: Test the Site via IP Address

To check if DNS is the culprit:

• Open Command Prompt and type: ping example.com
• If it returns a numeric IP (like 142.250.182.238), copy that IP and paste it in your browser.
  If the website opens by IP but not by name, your DNS configuration is the problem — switch DNS as shown above.

⚙️ Common Causes and Fixes

🧰 Still Can’t Access Certain Websites or Apps?

If you’ve tried all steps and some sites still don’t open:

• There might be regional routing issues or temporary IP restrictions.
  Our support team can test the route from your connection and fix it for you.

📞 022 697 18061
✉ support@mahekbroadband.in
📍 Shop No. 02, Balkrishna Apt, Musaji Galli Road, Vasai West – 401201

💡 Quick Tips

✅ Use Google or Cloudflare DNS for reliability.
✅ Avoid using free VPNs — they often block or slow down sites.
✅ Restart router weekly to refresh network routing.
✅ Keep browsers and apps updated.
✅ For OTT platforms (like SonyLIV or Zee5), log out and log in again after network changes.