Where to change DNS and why it matters

You change your DNS address in your device's network settings, not in your browser or router (though you can change it there too). DNS is the service that translates website names like google.com into the actual numbers your device needs to connect. Changing it means you're telling your device to use a different company's phone book instead of your internet provider's default one.

Most people change DNS to use a faster service, block ads, or access content their current provider blocks. Common alternatives include Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google (8.8.8.8), and Quad9 (9.9.9.9). The change takes effect when ready on that device, though it may take a few minutes for your browser to clear its memory of old addresses.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, you change DNS in Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi or Ethernet, then select your connection and edit DNS settings.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings > Network, select your connection, click Details, and change DNS servers in the DNS tab.
  • On iPhone and iPad, change DNS in Settings > WiFi, tap your network name, and scroll to DNS.
  • On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but usually lives in Settings > Network > WiFi, then tap your network and select Edit.
  • Changing DNS on your router affects all devices on that network at once, but requires you to log into your router's admin panel.

Changing DNS on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. If you use WiFi, click WiFi, then select Manage known networks and choose the network you're connected to. If you use a wired connection, click Ethernet instead. Either way, scroll down and click Edit next to DNS settings.

Toggle the switch next to "Automatic (DHCP)" to turn it off. You'll now see two blank fields for a preferred DNS server and an alternate DNS server. Enter the primary address in the first field — for example, 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare — and the secondary address in the second field, usually 1.0.0.1 for Cloudflare. Click Save. Your device will use the new DNS when ready.

If you want to revert to your provider's DNS, return to the same screen and toggle Automatic back on.

Changing DNS on Mac

Open System Settings and click Network on the left sidebar. Select your active connection — WiFi or Ethernet — then click Details. Go to the DNS tab at the top.

You'll see a list of DNS servers. Click the plus button at the bottom left to add a new server, then type the address you want to use. To remove your provider's default DNS, select it and click the minus button. Reorder the servers by dragging them if you want a specific one to be primary. Click OK when you're done.

Changing DNS on iPhone and iPad

Open Settings and tap WiFi. Find the network you're connected to and tap the info icon (a circle with an i) next to its name. Scroll down to DNS and tap Configure DNS. Select Manual to add custom servers.

Tap Add Server and enter the DNS address. You can add multiple servers by tapping Add Server again. To remove a server, swipe left on it and tap Delete. When you're finished, tap Save at the top right. The change applies only to that WiFi network — if you connect to a different network, it will use that network's DNS settings.

Changing DNS on Android

The exact steps depend on your phone's manufacturer, but the general path is Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi. Long-press the network you're connected to and tap Edit or Modify. Look for Advanced options or DNS settings.

If you see a DNS field, tap it and enter your preferred address. Some phones require you to change the IP settings from DHCP to Static first — if that's the case, do that, then fill in the DNS fields below. Save your changes. If your phone doesn't offer a DNS option in WiFi settings, you may need to change DNS at the router level instead, which will affect all devices on that network.

Changing DNS on your router

Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Log in with your router's username and password (often admin/admin, but check your router's label or manual if that doesn't work).

Look for a section called DNS, DHCP, or WAN settings. You'll see fields for primary and secondary DNS servers. Enter your preferred addresses and save. Every device that connects to this router will now use the new DNS, so you only have to change it once. The downside is that you can't use different DNS servers on different devices without changing the router setting again.

Testing your DNS change

To confirm your DNS change worked, open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and type nslookup google.com. The response will show which DNS server answered the request. On mobile, you can use a free DNS checker app from your device's app store, or visit a website like whatsmydns.net in your browser.

If the test shows your old DNS server is still being used, wait a few minutes and try again — changes sometimes take time to propagate. If it still shows the old server after 10 minutes, double-check that you saved your settings correctly and that you're testing the right device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing DNS make my internet faster?

It might, depending on your provider and location. Some DNS services like Cloudflare are built for speed and may respond faster than your provider's default. The difference is usually small — a few milliseconds — but noticeable if your provider's DNS is slow. The only way to know is to test before and after using a speed test site.

Can I use different DNS servers on different devices?

Yes, if you change DNS on each individual device. If you change it on your router instead, all devices use the same DNS. You can also mix both — set one DNS on the router and override it on specific devices by changing their individual settings.

What happens if I enter a DNS address that doesn't exist?

Your device will fail to translate website names and you won't be able to browse. Change it back to your provider's DNS or a known working address like 8.8.8.8. If you can't remember your provider's DNS, restart your device and toggle Automatic DNS back on.

Do I need to restart my device after changing DNS?

No. The change takes effect when ready on most devices. Your browser may take a few minutes to clear its cache of old addresses, so if a site doesn't load right away, wait a moment and try again.

Is it safe to change DNS?

Yes. Changing DNS to a reputable service like Cloudflare, Google, or Quad9 is safe. Avoid unknown or suspicious DNS addresses. If you change it and something breaks, you can always change it back to your provider's default.