What if a small tweak could make your internet faster, safer, and more private? That's exactly what changing your DNS server can do.

Your DNS is the hidden engine behind every website you visit. If you're using your router's default DNS server – typically provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) – you could be handicapping yourself.

This page will explore why you should consider changing it and how to do it on your specific device.

What Do DNS Servers Do?

When you type a web address into your browser, your request is sent to a DNS server. The DNS server checks its directory to match the domain name you entered with its corresponding IP address. Once found, your computer can connect to the website and load it on your browser.

As such, a DNS server is essentially a database that holds records of domain names and their IP addresses, serving as an intermediary between you and the website you want to visit. The DNS server you use can affect how fast or reliably websites load.

Why Change DNS Servers?

  1. Faster Speed: Some DNS servers respond faster than others, improving page load speeds and the overall browsing experience.
  2. Better Security: Some DNS services offer security features like malware protection, the blocking of phishing sites, and encryption protocols such as DNSSEC, to prevent cyber attacks and snooping.
  3. Enhanced Privacy: Most DNS servers – particularly those offered by your ISP – do not respect your privacy. Switching to a DNS provider that doesn’t log your data helps keep your browsing habits anonymous.
  4. Content Filtering: Certain DNS providers allow users to block specific types of content (like ads, adult content, and gambling sites), making them ideal for parental control.
  5. Increased Reliability: It's no use having a fast and secure DNS server if it is frequently down. Some DNS providers offer increased reliability with consistently high server uptimes.

How to Change Your DNS on Windows 11

  1. Navigate to Start > Settings > Network & Internet.
  2. Choose your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
  3. Select Hardware properties.
  4. Scroll down to DNS server assignment and click Edit.
  5. Select Manual and toggle IPv4 to On.
  6. Enter your Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS address.
  7. Click Save.

Note: It is best to configure your DNS settings to both Wi-Fi and Ethernet to ensure they are applied regardless of your connection type. 

How to Change Your DNS on Windows 10

  1. Navigate to Start > Settings > Network & Internet.
  2. Click Change adapter options.
  3. Right-click on your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
  4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  5. Select the option to Use the following DNS server addresses. 
  6. Enter your Preferred DNS Server and Alternate DNS Server addresses.
  7. Click OK.

Note: It is best to configure your DNS settings to both Wi-Fi and Ethernet to ensure they are applied regardless of your connection type. 

How to Change Your DNS on Mac

  1. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner and navigate to System Settings > Network.
  2. Choose your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
  3. Click Details and navigate to the DNS tab.
  4. Click the (+) button at the bottom of the DNS Servers section and enter your preferred DNS server address.
    1. It's recommended to add two – the first being your preferred DNS address and the second being your alternate DNS address.
  5. Click OK.

To remove a DNS address, select it and press the (-) button. To swap your primary and secondary DNS addresses, simply drag and re-order.

Note: This change only applies to the specific Wi-Fi network you are connected to. You will have to follow these steps each time you change Wi-Fi network. To configure DNS settings across all Wi-Fi and Ethernet networks, utilize a dedicated DNS service such as Control D, or a VPN.

How to Change Your DNS on Linux

The exact instructions may vary depending on your Linux distribution, but the steps typically follow: 

  1. Navigate to System > Settings > Network.
  2. Choose your active connection (Wi-Fi or Wired), and click the gear icon next to it.
  3. Navigate to the IPv4 tab and scroll to the DNS section.
  4. Select Manual and enter your preferred DNS servers.
  5. Click Apply to save.

Note: You may need to restart your system before the changes take effect.

How to Change Your DNS on Your Router?

Changing the DNS on your router will apply the new settings to all devices connected to your network, including computers, phones, and smart home devices. It's a great way to save time if you want to change DNS on multiple devices.

The exact instructions may vary depending on your router, but the steps typically follow:

  1. Open a browser and type your router's IP address into the URL bar (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). 
  2. Log in with your admin credentials.
  3. Look for a WAN or Internet settings section.
  4. Locate the DNS settings field and enter your preferred DNS servers.
  5. Save your settings and reboot your router to apply the changes.

How to Change Your DNS on ChromeOS

  1. Navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security.
  2. Choose your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
  3. Scroll to Select DNS Provider and select Add custom DNS server provider from the dropdown.
  4. Enter your preferred DNS server hostname.
  5. Click anywhere next to the DNS address field to save your changes.

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

  1. Navigate to Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap the (i) next to your connected network.
  3. Navigate to Configure DNS > Manual > Add Server.
  4. Enter your Primary and Secondary DNS server address.
  5. Tap the red minus (-) to delete existing/old DNS server addresses from the list.
  6. Tap Save.

Note: This change only applies to the specific Wi-Fi network you are connected to. You will have to follow these steps each time you change Wi-Fi network. To configure DNS settings across all Wi-Fi and Ethernet networks, utilize a dedicated DNS service such as Control D, or a VPN.

How to Change Your DNS on Android

  1. Navigate to Settings > Private DNS.
  2. Tap Private DNS provider hostname.
  3. Enter your preferred DNS server hostname.
  4. Tap Save.

Which Third-Party DNS Server Should You Use?

Now that you know how to change your DNS server, how do you choose which server to change to? Let's break down some of the most popular options on the market.

Control D

Control D is a specialized, security and privacy-focused DNS management service that gives you granular control over what is (and isn't) resolved on your network. It differs from all other DNS resolvers on this list in that it provides unmatched customizability. 

They offer free DNS servers with ready-to-use configurations (both first-party and third-party), or you can tailor your own configuration with basic-level Filters. You can mix and match between any of the following:

  • Malware
  • Ads & Trackers
  • Phishing
  • Adult Content
  • Dating
  • Drugs
  • Gambling
  • Government Sites
  • Social

Alternatively, choose from a paid plan for granular control that allows you to block and redirect 1,000+ apps and services, create Custom Rules, view analytics data, and much more.

Based on independent DNSperf data, Control D ranks in the top three for speed, uptime, and quality, making it an excellent choice for those who want customizability, reliability, and speed without compromising on privacy.

Try Control D for free

Google Public DNS

Google Public DNS is perhaps the most popular DNS service in the world and is used by millions of people. They promise speed and reliability and have one of the largest infrastructures out there. However, it's Google, and you will have to sacrifice privacy. 

For instance, Google keeps a log of IP addresses that use its servers for a day or two. They also log information about ISPs and city-level locations, which can be stored longer. As such, if privacy is important to you, you may want to look elsewhere.

Gcore DNS

Gcore's public DNS servers have over 180+ PoP locations worldwide and rank highly for quality and uptime. However, their speed is lagging and is twice as slow as some of the other options on this list, which means browsing the web may feel frustratingly sluggish.

Cloudflare DNS

Cloudflare DNS is another popular DNS service, thanks to its speed. It boasts some of the fastest raw DNS resolution speeds on the market and does not log your IP address – it anonymizes your source IP address, which it deletes within 24 hours.

However, it should be noted that they do not protect against attacks that don't directly involve DNS servers, such as malicious links and websites, and they leave something to be desired regarding server quality and uptime. Considering this, Cloudflare is best suited for those who prioritize low latency.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, changing your DNS server is a simple process that can have a huge impact on your internet experience. It's important to choose a DNS provider that consistently delivers high speeds, improves your security posture, and protects your privacy. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily change your DNS settings on any device or router.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does it matter which DNS server you use?

Yes, not all DNS servers are built the same. While your default DNS server provided by your ISP does the job, they aren't as fast or as secure as those from a reputable third-party provider. Look for a provider that offers fast, reliable, and secure connections for optimal performance.

Is it OK to change DNS settings?

Yes, changing DNS settings often improves your internet experience, offering faster speeds or additional features like content filtering, additional security, and enhanced privacy.

Is it safe to use 3rd party DNS?

Yes, it's generally safe if you choose a reputable and reliable DNS provider offering enhanced privacy and security features.

Is 1.1.1.1 still the fastest DNS?

No, at the time of writing this article, 1.1.1.1 is not the fastest DNS service available, according to DNSPerf.

What are the benefits of changing my DNS server?

Changing your DNS server can improve browsing speed, enhance security, provide better privacy, and allow for features like content filtering or bypassing geo-restrictions.

What factors should I consider when choosing a DNS server?

Consider speed, uptime, connection quality, and whether they offer security features (like ads and malware blocking) and content filtering capabilities. Also, consider the service's privacy policy.

How does DNS affect my internet speed?

DNS can impact your internet speed because a faster DNS server resolves domain names quicker, reducing the time it takes to load websites, especially on slower or congested networks.