What DNS does and why you might change it

DNS (Domain Name System) is the service that translates web addresses like "google.com" into the numerical addresses your computer actually uses to find websites. When you type a URL into your browser, your computer asks a DNS server "where is this website?" and gets back an IP address.

Most people use the DNS servers provided by their internet service provider automatically. You might change to a different DNS provider if your current one is slow, if you want better privacy, if you need to block certain websites, or if you're troubleshooting a connection problem. Common alternatives include Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google (8.8.8.8), and Quad9 (9.9.9.9).

Changing DNS does not require calling your ISP or waiting for a technician. You can do it yourself in your device settings or router settings in about five minutes. The change takes effect immediately or within a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change DNS on a single device (computer, phone, tablet) or on your router to change it for all devices at once.
  • Changing DNS on your router affects every device connected to that router, while changing it on one device affects only that device.
  • You need two pieces of information to make the change: the primary DNS address and the secondary DNS address provided by your chosen DNS service.
  • The change takes effect immediately, though it may take a few minutes for websites to load as your device learns the new addresses.

Changing DNS on Windows

Open the Settings app and go to Network & Internet, then select WiFi or Ethernet depending on how you connect. Click on your current network name, then scroll down and select "Edit" next to DNS server assignment. Change the setting from "Automatic" to "Manual" and toggle on IPv4. Enter the primary DNS address in the first field and the secondary DNS address in the second field, then save.

If you connect by Ethernet cable, the path is slightly different: go to Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet, click your connection, then follow the same steps under "DNS server assignment."

To verify the change worked, open Command Prompt and type nslookup google.com. The result should show the DNS server you just entered.

Changing DNS on Mac

Open System Preferences and go to Network. Select your connection (WiFi or Ethernet) from the left side, then click Advanced. Go to the DNS tab and click the plus sign to add a new DNS server. Enter the primary address, press Enter, then add the secondary address the same way. Click OK, then Apply.

To check that the change took effect, open Terminal and type scutil --dns. Look for your new DNS server in the list under "resolver #1" or the first entry.

Changing DNS on iPhone or iPad

Go to Settings > WiFi, then tap the information icon next to your network name. Scroll to DNS and tap "Configure DNS." Select "Manual" and tap "Add Server." Enter the primary DNS address, then tap "Add Server" again for the secondary address. Tap Save when finished.

This change only affects the WiFi network you just configured. If you connect to a different WiFi network, it will use that network's DNS settings unless you configure it separately. Cellular data uses your carrier's DNS and cannot be changed on iPhone.

Changing DNS on Android

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, then tap and hold your network name and select "Modify Network." Tap "Advanced Options" and change "DHCP" to "Static." Scroll down to the DNS fields and enter the primary and secondary DNS addresses. Tap Save.

Like iPhone, this change applies only to the specific WiFi network you configured. You will need to repeat the process for each network you use regularly.

Changing DNS on your router

Changing DNS at the router level affects every device connected to that router without requiring individual changes on each device. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar. Log in with your router's username and password — these are often printed on a sticker on the router itself or in your setup paperwork.

Look for a section called "DNS Settings," "WAN Settings," or "Internet Settings" — the exact name varies by router brand. Enter the primary and secondary DNS addresses in the fields provided, save the settings, and the router will restart. This usually takes one to three minutes, and all devices will begin using the new DNS once the router comes back online.

If you cannot find the DNS settings or do not have your router password, check the router manufacturer's support website or the manual that came with it. Most router makers publish step-by-step guides for their specific models.

Finding your DNS server's address

Before you make any changes, you need to know what DNS addresses to enter. The service you choose will provide both a primary and secondary address. Write these down or keep them in a note before you start changing settings.

Cloudflare's free DNS is 1.1.1.1 (primary) and 1.0.0.1 (secondary). Google's is 8.8.8.8 (primary) and 8.8.4.4 (secondary). Quad9 is 9.9.9.9 (primary) and 149.112.112.112 (secondary). Each service has different features — Cloudflare emphasizes speed and privacy, Google integrates with Google services, and Quad9 includes malware blocking. Check the provider's website to see which features matter to you.

Troubleshooting DNS changes

If websites do not load after changing DNS, the most common cause is a typo in one of the addresses. Go back to your settings and double-check that you entered the numbers exactly as provided. A single digit wrong will prevent the change from working.

If you entered the addresses correctly but still have problems, try restarting your device or router. Some devices cache DNS information and need a restart to clear it. On Windows, you can also open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns to clear the cache manually.

If changing DNS does not fix the problem you were trying to solve, change back to automatic or your ISP's DNS and try a different approach. DNS changes are reversible — you can always switch back in the same settings menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing DNS make my internet faster?

It might, depending on your ISP's DNS servers and which provider you switch to. Some DNS services are optimized for speed, while others prioritize privacy or security. The difference is usually small — a few milliseconds — but worth trying if your current DNS seems slow. You can always switch back if you do not notice improvement.

Is changing DNS safe?

Yes. Changing DNS does not affect your security or expose your computer to risk. You are simply telling your device to use a different service to look up web addresses. The worst that can happen is websites do not load, which you can fix by switching back to your ISP's DNS.

Do I need to change DNS on every device?

No. If you change DNS on your router, every device connected to that router will use the new DNS automatically. If you only want to change DNS on one device, change it in that device's settings instead. Changing it on your router is faster if you want the change to apply everywhere.

What if I forget what DNS address I changed to?

You can check your current DNS settings on Windows by opening Command Prompt and typing ipconfig /all, or on Mac by opening Terminal and typing scutil --dns. Both will show you which DNS server your device is currently using. If you want to go back to your ISP's DNS, set it to "Automatic" in your network settings.

Can I use multiple DNS providers at once?

You can set a primary and secondary DNS address, which is standard practice. If your primary DNS server is unavailable, your device will automatically use the secondary one. Both addresses should be from the same provider or compatible providers for best results.