What DNS does and why you might change it

DNS is the system that translates web addresses you type (like google.com) into the numerical addresses computers actually use. When you change your DNS, you're telling your device to use a different service to do that translation. Most people use the DNS their internet provider assigns automatically, but you can switch to a different one — often for better speed, privacy, or to block certain websites.

The most common reasons to change DNS are to use a privacy-focused service like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Quad9, to block malware and adult content with a family-friendly DNS, or to troubleshoot connection problems. Changing DNS does not require a technician or a new router — you do it through your device's network settings, and the change takes effect within minutes.

This guide covers the three places where DNS actually lives: your individual device, your router (which affects all devices on your network), and your internet provider's servers. Most people change it at the device level first, since that's the fastest to test and easiest to undo.

Key Takeaways

  • DNS translates web addresses into numerical addresses, and changing it means using a different service to do that translation.
  • You can change DNS on a single device through its network settings, or on your router to change it for all devices at once.
  • Common alternative DNS services include Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google (8.8.8.8), and Quad9, each with different privacy and filtering features.
  • Changes take effect within minutes, and you can switch back to your provider's DNS just as easily if the new one causes problems.

Changing DNS on Windows

On Windows, DNS settings live in the network adapter properties. Open the Settings app, go to Network & Internet, then select your connection type (Ethernet or Wi-Fi). Click on the network you're connected to, then scroll down and click "Edit" next to DNS server assignment.

Change the dropdown from "Automatic (DHCP)" to "Manual", then turn on the IPv4 toggle. You'll see two fields: one for the primary DNS server and one for the secondary. Enter your new DNS addresses here — for example, 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare's primary and 1.0.0.1 for the secondary. Click Save. Windows will explore the change when ready; you don't need to restart.

To verify the change worked, open Command Prompt and type nslookup google.com. The result should show the new DNS server's address, not your provider's. If you want to revert, go back to the same settings and change the dropdown back to "Automatic (DHCP)".

Changing DNS on Mac

On Mac, DNS settings are in System Settings under Network. Click your active connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi), then click "Details" or the gear icon. Find the DNS Servers section and click the plus button to add a new server. Type the primary DNS address (for example, 1.1.1.1) and press Enter, then add the secondary address the same way.

Click "OK" or "explore" to save. The change takes effect when ready. To check that it worked, open Terminal and type nslookup google.com — you should see the new DNS server listed in the response. To remove a DNS server, select it in the list and click the minus button.

Changing DNS on iPhone and iPad

On iOS and iPadOS, you change DNS through Wi-Fi settings, not cellular — DNS over cellular requires a different setup. Go to Settings, tap Wi-Fi, find your network, and tap the info icon next to it. Scroll down to DNS and tap "Configure DNS". Select "Manual", then tap "Add Server" and enter your new DNS address.

You can add multiple servers by tapping "Add Server" again. Tap "Save" when you're done. This change only affects that specific Wi-Fi network; if you connect to a different network, it will use that network's DNS unless you change it there too. To revert, go back to the same screen, tap "Configure DNS", and select "Automatic".

Changing DNS on Android

Android's DNS settings vary by manufacturer and Android version, but the general path is Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS. Some phones call it "Private DNS" and others call it "DNS over TLS". Tap the field and enter your DNS provider's address — for Cloudflare, that's 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com (note the dots instead of periods).

If your phone doesn't have a Private DNS option, you may need to change DNS through your Wi-Fi settings instead. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, long-press your network, tap "Modify", then look for "IP settings" or "Advanced options". Change it from DHCP to Static, then enter the DNS addresses manually. The exact steps depend on your phone's manufacturer, so check your device's support page if these steps don't match your screen.

Changing DNS on your router

Changing DNS on your router affects all devices connected to it, so you only have to do it once instead of on each phone, laptop, and tablet. Log into your router's admin page — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser's address bar. You'll need your router's username and password, which are often printed on the router itself or in the manual.

Once logged in, look for a section called "DNS Settings", "DHCP", or "WAN Settings" — the exact location varies by router brand. You'll see fields for primary and secondary DNS servers. Clear the existing addresses and enter your new ones, then save and reboot the router. The change takes effect after the reboot, usually within two to three minutes.

Changing DNS on the router is more permanent and affects everyone on your network, so make sure everyone agrees before you do it. If the new DNS causes problems, you can always log back in and revert to your provider's DNS or try a different service.

Common DNS services and what they do

Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) is fast and privacy-focused — it doesn't log your browsing history. Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) is also fast but does collect some data. Quad9 (9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112) blocks malware and phishing sites automatically. OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220) offers family filtering to block adult content.

Each service has different trade-offs. Privacy-focused services log less data but may be slightly slower. Filtering services block more sites but might accidentally block something you need. The best approach is to try one for a few days — if it causes problems or feels slower, switch to another. There's no penalty for changing, and you can always go back to your provider's DNS.

What to do if changing DNS breaks something

If you change DNS and suddenly can't reach certain websites or your connection feels slower, the new DNS service may be blocking those sites or having performance issues. The fastest fix is to switch back to your provider's DNS or try a different service. You don't need to call anyone — just go back to the same settings screen and revert the change.

If you changed DNS on your router and now nothing works, log back in and check that you entered the addresses correctly. A single typo will break DNS for the whole network. If you can't remember your router's password, you can reset it to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, though that will erase any other settings you've customized.

If you changed DNS on a single device and it's still having problems, restart the device. Sometimes the old DNS information is cached in memory, and a restart clears it. If the problem persists after a restart, try switching to a different DNS service — Cloudflare and Google are good defaults to test with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing DNS make my internet faster?

It might, but not usually by much. Some DNS services are faster than others, and if your provider's DNS is slow or overloaded, switching can help. The best way to find out is to try a fast service like Cloudflare or Google for a few days and see if you notice a difference. If you don't, switching back won't hurt.

Can I use different DNS on different devices?

Yes. You can change DNS on individual devices without touching your router, so each person on your network can use a different service. This is useful if one person wants privacy-focused DNS and another wants family filtering. Just change each device separately through its own network settings.

What happens if I enter a DNS address wrong?

Your device won't be able to reach websites, because it can't translate web addresses into numerical addresses. If this happens, go back to the same settings screen and either fix the typo or revert to automatic DNS. You don't need to restart or call anyone — just correct the setting and you're back online.

Do I need to change DNS on both my device and my router?

No. If you change it on your router, all devices automatically use that DNS. If you change it on a single device, only that device uses the new DNS. Pick one or the other depending on whether you want the change to affect everyone or just yourself.

How long does it take for a DNS change to take effect?

Usually within a few minutes on your device or router. If you're changing DNS for a website you own, it can take up to 48 hours for the change to spread across the internet, but that's a different kind of DNS change. For your personal device or router, you should see the new DNS working right away.