How to Change Your DNS Server on Windows, Mac, Mobile, and Routers

Changing your DNS (Domain Name System) server is one of the most effective and simplest ways to optimize your internet connection. While your Internet Service Provider (ISP) automatically assigns a DNS server, it is often not the fastest, most private, or most secure option available. By manually switching to a third-party provider like Cloudflare, Google, or Quad9, you can experience faster page load times, enhanced security against phishing, and improved privacy.

This comprehensive guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for changing DNS settings across every major operating system and router brand, alongside a technical breakdown of why this change matters.

Quick Reference: Top Public DNS Providers

If you are looking for the addresses to enter, here are the most reliable and fastest public DNS resolvers currently available.

Understanding DNS and Why You Should Change It

The Domain Name System (DNS) acts as the phonebook of the internet. When you type a URL like example.com into your browser, your computer doesn't inherently know where that website is located. It asks a DNS server to translate that human-readable name into a machine-readable IP address (e.g., 192.0.2.1).

1. Speed Improvements

ISP-provided DNS servers can be slow and overburdened. High-performance resolvers like Cloudflare utilize massive global networks (Anycast) to ensure that the "lookup" happens at a server physically close to you, reducing latency and making the web feel snappier.

2. Privacy Protections

Many ISPs log your DNS queries, creating a trail of every website you visit. This data can be sold to advertisers or monitored. Providers like Cloudflare and Quad9 have strict no-logging policies or anonymize your data, preventing your ISP from tracking your browsing habits at the DNS level.

3. Security and Filtering

Standard DNS doesn't filter out threats. Third-party DNS servers often include "threat intelligence" feeds. For example, Quad9 blocks known malicious domains, preventing your device from connecting to phishing sites or malware command-and-control servers before the page even begins to load.

4. Bypassing Restrictions

Sometimes ISPs use DNS to block specific websites at the request of governments or copyright holders. Using an independent DNS server often bypasses these basic level blocks.

How to Change DNS Server on a Router (Network-Wide)

Changing the DNS on your router is the most efficient method because it automatically applies to every device connected to your Wi-Fi—smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, and IoT devices—without needing to configure them individually.

General Steps for Most Routers

1. Access the Admin Interface: Open a web browser and type your router’s IP address. Common addresses include 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1.
2. Log In: Enter your admin username and password (usually found on a sticker on the router).
3. Find DNS Settings: Look for menus labeled WAN, Internet, or DHCP.
4. Enter Manual DNS: Change the setting from "Automatic" or "Get from ISP" to "Manual" or "Use these DNS Servers."
5. Save and Reboot: Apply the changes and restart the router to ensure all devices renew their connection.

Brand-Specific Instructions

ASUS Routers

1. Log in to the web interface (usually router.asus.com).
2. In the left sidebar, under Advanced Settings, click on WAN.
3. Select the Internet Connection tab.
4. Scroll down to WAN DNS Setting.
5. Set Connect to DNS Server automatically to No.
6. Enter your chosen IPs in DNS Server 1 and DNS Server 2.
7. Click Apply.

TP-Link Routers

1. Log in (usually tplinkwifi.net).
2. Go to Advanced > Network > Internet.
3. If your connection type is Dynamic IP, click on Advanced.
4. Select Use the following DNS Addresses.
5. Enter the Primary and Secondary DNS.
6. Click Save.

Netgear Routers

1. Log in (usually routerlogin.net).
2. Click on the Basic tab and select Internet.
3. Under the Domain Name Server (DNS) Address section, select Use These DNS Servers.
4. Enter the IPs in the Primary and Secondary fields.
5. Click Apply.

FRITZ!Box (Common in Europe)

1. Open fritz.box in your browser.
2. Navigate to Internet > Account Information.
3. Select the DNS Server tab.
4. Choose Use other DNSv4 servers.
5. Enter the preferred and alternative DNS addresses.
6. Click Apply.

How to Change DNS Server on Windows 11

Windows 11 has modernized its network settings, making it easier to manage DNS, including support for encrypted DNS (DNS over HTTPS).

1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
2. Navigate to Network & internet.
3. Click on your active connection (either Wi-Fi or Ethernet) at the top.
4. Scroll down to DNS server assignment and click Edit.
5. Change the dropdown from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual.
6. Toggle the IPv4 switch to On.
7. Enter the Preferred DNS (e.g., 1.1.1.1) and Alternate DNS (e.g., 1.0.0.1).
8. (Optional) For better security, change DNS over HTTPS connection to Encrypted only (DNS over HTTPS) if your provider supports it.
9. Click Save.

How to Change DNS Server on Windows 10

Windows 10 retains the classic Control Panel method, which is often more reliable for troubleshooting.

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
3. Click Change adapter settings in the left pane.
4. Right-click your active network adapter and select Properties.
5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click the Properties button.
6. Select the radio button: Use the following DNS server addresses.
7. Type in your Primary and Secondary DNS addresses.
8. Check Validate settings upon exit and click OK.

How to Change DNS Server on macOS

Apple’s macOS makes DNS changes straightforward through System Settings.

1. Click the Apple Menu and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions).
2. Click Network in the sidebar.
3. Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click Details... (or Advanced).
4. Navigate to the DNS tab.
5. Click the + (plus) button under the DNS Servers list.
6. Type in the IPv4 address of your chosen DNS server. Repeat for the secondary address.
7. Click OK, then click Apply to finalize.

How to Change DNS Server on Android

Android handles DNS in two ways: per Wi-Fi network or system-wide using the "Private DNS" feature (available on Android 9 and later).

Using Private DNS (Recommended)

This method works for both Wi-Fi and mobile data and uses DNS over TLS (DoT) for encryption.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet (or Connections).
3. Tap on Private DNS (it might be under "Advanced" or "More connection settings").
4. Select Private DNS provider hostname.
5. Enter the hostname of the provider:
   • For Cloudflare: one.one.one.one or 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com
   • For Google: dns.google
   • For Quad9: dns.quad9.net
6. Tap Save.

Per Wi-Fi Network (Older Method)

1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Long-press the connected network and tap Modify Network.
3. Expand Advanced options.
4. Change IP Settings from DHCP to Static.
5. Scroll down to the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields and enter your IPs.
6. Tap Save.

How to Change DNS Server on iOS (iPhone & iPad)

On iOS, DNS settings are configured per Wi-Fi network. If you want a system-wide change including cellular data, you must use a third-party app (like the Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 app).

1. Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the blue (i) icon next to your connected network.
3. Scroll down and tap Configure DNS.
4. Change the setting from Automatic to Manual.
5. Under DNS Servers, tap Add Server and enter your chosen addresses. Delete the existing ISP addresses if they remain.
6. Tap Save in the top right corner.

How to Change DNS Server on Linux

Most modern Linux distributions (like Ubuntu, Fedora, or Debian) use NetworkManager or systemd-resolved.

Using the Command Line (nmcli)

1. Identify your connection name:

   nmcli connection show
   

2. Set the DNS servers (replace "Wired connection 1" with your actual name):

   sudo nmcli connection modify "Wired connection 1" ipv4.dns "1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1"
   sudo nmcli connection modify "Wired connection 1" ipv4.ignore-auto-dns yes
   

3. Restart the connection:

   sudo nmcli connection up "Wired connection 1"
   

Using Desktop GUI (Ubuntu/GNOME)

1. Open Settings > Network.
2. Click the gear icon next to your connection.
3. Go to the IPv4 tab.
4. Turn off the Automatic toggle next to DNS.
5. Enter your addresses separated by a comma (e.g., 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1).
6. Click Apply.

What is DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT)?

Standard DNS queries are sent in plain text, meaning anyone on your network—or your ISP—can see which websites you are looking up, even if the website itself is encrypted (HTTPS).

• DNS over HTTPS (DoH): Wraps DNS queries inside standard HTTPS traffic. This makes DNS queries indistinguishable from other web traffic, making it harder for networks to block or monitor them. It is supported by Windows 11 and modern browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
• DNS over TLS (DoT): Uses a dedicated port and encryption protocol for DNS. This is the standard used by Android's "Private DNS" feature.

Both technologies significantly improve privacy by ensuring your DNS "requests" cannot be tampered with (DNS spoofing) or eavesdropped upon.

How to Verify Your DNS Changes

After following the steps above, it is important to verify that your device is actually using the new servers.

1. Use an Online Tool: Visit a site like browserleaks.com/dns or dnsleaktest.com.
2. Check the Results: These tools will show which IP addresses are resolving your requests. If you see "Cloudflare" or "Google" instead of your ISP's name, the change was successful.
3. Command Line Check:
   • Windows: Open Command Prompt and type nslookup google.com. The "Server" line will show the IP address of the DNS server currently in use.
   • Mac/Linux: Open Terminal and type dig google.com. Look for the "SERVER" section at the bottom of the output.

Troubleshooting Common DNS Issues

1. No Internet After Change

If you lose internet access after changing DNS, you likely entered the IP addresses incorrectly. Double-check for typos (e.g., 1.1.1.1 vs 1.1.1). If the problem persists, revert to "Automatic" to restore connectivity and try a different provider.

2. DNS Cache Issues

Sometimes your computer remembers old DNS data. You can clear this by "flushing" your DNS.

• Windows: Open CMD as Admin and type ipconfig /flushdns.
• macOS: Open Terminal and type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.

3. VPN Interference

If you use a VPN, it will likely override your system's DNS settings to prevent "DNS leaks." If you want to use a specific DNS while using a VPN, you must usually configure this within the VPN app's settings.

Summary

Changing your DNS server is a high-reward, low-effort optimization for your digital life. While the Router-level change is the most effective for households, individual device settings are crucial for laptops and mobile devices that connect to public Wi-Fi.

• For Speed: Choose Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
• For Reliability: Choose Google (8.8.8.8).
• For Security: Choose Quad9 (9.9.9.9).
• For Families: Choose OpenDNS.

By taking control of your DNS, you move away from the often slow and invasive defaults of your ISP and towards a faster, more secure internet experience.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use a third-party DNS server?

Yes, provided you choose a reputable provider like those mentioned in this guide. These companies have significant infrastructure and security protocols in place that often exceed those of standard ISPs.

Does changing DNS increase my download speed?

DNS only affects the time it takes to find a website, not the speed at which files are downloaded once the connection is established. However, because a typical webpage requires dozens of DNS lookups for various scripts and images, a faster DNS can make the overall browsing experience feel significantly faster.

Will changing DNS bypass a school or work block?

It can bypass blocks that are implemented solely via DNS redirection. However, if the network uses a sophisticated firewall or Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), changing the DNS alone may not be sufficient.

Do I need to change both IPv4 and IPv6 DNS?

Most networks still primarily use IPv4. However, if your ISP provides an IPv6 connection, it is best practice to update both to prevent "leaks" where your computer reverts to the ISP's DNS via the IPv6 protocol.