Guides / Network

When IPv6 works halfway: a DNS-first checklist

Separate name resolution, routing and browser preference problems.

REVIEWED · 2026-09-12 · 6 MIN

Receiving an IPv6 address only proves local assignment. DNS, the default route and public reachability can still fail independently.

Test three layers

  1. Resolution: does the name return an AAAA record?
  2. Routing: can the device reach a known IPv6 endpoint?
  3. Application: is the browser waiting on a broken IPv6 attempt before falling back?

Change one variable at a time. Restore automatic DNS first, then compare IPv4-only, IPv6-only and dual-stack names.

Leave a useful record

Record the step that actually fixed it, the device or browser version, and any temporary changes you reverted. That note is often more useful than another bookmark.