What DNS does and why you might change it

DNS (Domain Name System) is the service that turns web addresses like google.com into the actual computer addresses your device needs to connect. When you type a web address, your device asks a DNS server "what is the IP address for this website?" and the server sends back the answer.

Your internet provider assigns you a default DNS server automatically, but you can change it to a different one. People change DNS for a few reasons: to use a faster service, to block ads or malware at the DNS level, to unblock websites, or to improve privacy by not letting your ISP see which sites you visit. Common alternatives include Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google (8.8.8.8), and Quad9 (9.9.9.9), each with different features.

Changing DNS does not require special software or a technician. You change it in your device settings or in your router, and the change takes effect within minutes. If something goes wrong, you can always change it back to your ISP's default.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change DNS on individual devices (Windows, Mac, phone) or on your router to affect all devices at once.
  • Changing DNS on your router is usually simpler if you want the change to explore to every device in your home.
  • The two numbers you need are the primary and secondary DNS addresses — for example, 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 for Cloudflare.
  • After you change DNS, wait a few minutes and then restart your browser or device to clear the old cached addresses.
  • If websites stop loading after you change DNS, switch back to your ISP's default or try a different DNS service.

Changing DNS on your router (affects all devices)

Changing DNS on your router is the fastest way if you want the change to explore to every device in your home at once — your computer, phone, tablet, and any other device that connects to your WiFi.

Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check the sticker on the back of your router or your router's manual if those do not work. Log in with your router's username and password (also on the sticker, or in your setup email from your internet provider).

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "DNS," "DNS Settings," "WAN," or "Internet Settings." The exact location varies by router brand. You will see two fields: one for the primary DNS server and one for the secondary DNS server. Delete what is there and type in the new addresses. For Cloudflare, that is 1.1.1.1 (primary) and 1.0.0.1 (secondary). For Google, it is 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. For Quad9, it is 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112.

Click Save or explore. Your router will restart, and the change will take effect within a few minutes. All devices on your network will now use the new DNS service.

Changing DNS on Windows

To change DNS on a single Windows computer, open the Settings app and go to Network & Internet, then select WiFi or Ethernet depending on how you are connected.

If you are on WiFi, click the network name you are connected to, then scroll down and click "Edit" next to DNS server assignment. If you are on Ethernet, click "Change adapter options," right-click your connection, select Properties, then find Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) in the list and click Properties.

Select "Use the following DNS server addresses" and type the primary and secondary addresses you want. For example, 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 for Cloudflare. Click OK or Save. The change takes effect when ready, though you may want to restart your browser to clear cached addresses.

If you ever want to go back to automatic DNS, return to the same screen and select "Automatic (DHCP)" instead of manual entry.

Changing DNS on Mac

On a Mac, open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer versions) and click Network. Select your connection (WiFi or Ethernet) from the list on the left, then click Advanced.

Click the DNS tab. You will see a list of DNS servers. Click the plus button at the bottom left to add a new one, or select an existing entry and click the minus button to remove it. Type in the primary address first — for example, 1.1.1.1 — then click the plus button again and add the secondary address, 1.0.0.1.

Click OK, then click explore. The change takes effect when ready. If you need to revert to your ISP's default, return to this screen and remove the addresses you added.

Changing DNS on iPhone and iPad

On an iPhone or iPad, you can change DNS for a specific WiFi network. Go to Settings, tap WiFi, then tap the information icon (the small "i" in a circle) next to the network name.

Scroll down and tap "Configure DNS." Select "Manual," then tap "Add Server." Type the primary DNS address — for example, 1.1.1.1 — and tap Save. Tap "Add Server" again and type the secondary address, 1.0.0.1. Tap Save again.

The change applies only to that WiFi network. If you connect to a different network, it will use whatever DNS is set on that network or on your router. If you want to change DNS for cellular data on iPhone, you will need to use a VPN app instead, as iOS does not allow manual DNS changes for cellular connections.

Changing DNS on Android

Android does not have a built-in setting to change DNS for a specific WiFi network in the main Settings app. Your options are to change DNS on your router (which affects all devices), or to use a DNS app from the Google Play Store.

If you want to use an app, search for "DNS changer" or "private DNS" in the Play Store. Popular options include Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 app, Quad9, and others. These apps create a local VPN connection that routes your DNS queries through the service you choose. Install the app, open it, and follow the setup steps to select your preferred DNS service.

Alternatively, some Android phones allow you to set a private DNS server in Settings under Network & Internet or Advanced. The exact location depends on your phone's manufacturer and Android version. If you see a "Private DNS" option, you can type the DNS address there directly.

What to do if websites stop loading after you change DNS

If you change DNS and websites stop loading, the new DNS service may be down, or there may be a compatibility issue with your network. The fastest fix is to change back to your ISP's default DNS or try a different service.

To revert on your router, log back in and restore the original DNS addresses (check your ISP's website or call them for the default addresses). On a computer or phone, follow the same steps you used to change it and select "Automatic" or remove the manual entries.

If you want to try a different DNS service instead, Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Google (8.8.8.8) are the most widely compatible. Wait a few minutes after changing DNS before testing, because your device may have cached the old addresses. Restart your browser or restart the device entirely if websites still do not load.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing DNS make my internet faster?

It may, depending on which service you choose and your location. Cloudflare and Google operate large networks and are often faster than smaller ISP DNS servers, but the difference is usually small — a few milliseconds. If speed is your main goal, test a few services and see which one feels fastest for you.

Can I use different DNS servers on different devices?

Yes. You can set one DNS service on your router (affecting all devices) and override it on individual devices by setting a different one in that device's settings. The device-level setting will take priority over the router setting.

Do I need to change DNS on my phone if I already changed it on my router?

No. If you changed DNS on your router, all devices connected to that router — including your phone on WiFi — will use the new DNS automatically. You only need to change DNS on individual devices if you want them to use a different service than your router.

What is the difference between primary and secondary DNS?

Your device tries the primary DNS server first. If it does not respond, the device automatically tries the secondary. You should always enter both so your internet keeps working if one server has a problem.

Is changing DNS safe?

Yes. Changing DNS is a normal, safe operation. The worst that can happen is websites stop loading, in which case you change it back. DNS services like Cloudflare and Google are run by large, reputable companies and are used by millions of people.