Free Guide to Changing DNS Settings on Devices

Understanding DNS and Why It Matters

DNS stands for Domain Name System. Think of it as a phonebook for the internet. When you type a website address like "google.com" into your browser, your device needs to find the actual computer where that website lives. DNS translates that human-readable address into a numerical IP address that computers understand. Without DNS, you would need to remember long strings of numbers instead of website names.

Your device connects to DNS servers automatically when you set up your internet connection. Most people use the DNS servers provided by their internet service provider (ISP). However, you have the option to change these servers to alternatives provided by other companies or organizations. Some people change their DNS for various reasons: faster browsing speeds, better filtering of unwanted content, improved privacy features, or to access services that work better with different DNS providers.

DNS settings exist on nearly every internet-connected device—computers, smartphones, tablets, and routers. Each device can have its own DNS settings, or they can inherit settings from your router. Understanding how DNS works helps you make informed decisions about which DNS servers might work best for your situation.

Common DNS providers include Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1), and OpenDNS. Each offers slightly different features. Some prioritize speed, others focus on blocking malicious websites, and some emphasize privacy by not logging your browsing activity.

Practical takeaway: Before changing your DNS settings, identify why you want to make the change. This will help you choose a DNS provider that matches your needs and ensure the change actually addresses what you're trying to accomplish.

Changing DNS Settings on Windows Computers

Windows computers allow you to change DNS settings through the Network Settings menu or through advanced network configuration options. The process varies slightly depending on whether you're using Windows 10 or Windows 11, but the general approach remains similar.

To change DNS settings on Windows 11, start by opening Settings. You can do this by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings" or by right-clicking the Start menu. Once Settings opens, navigate to "Network & internet" and then select "WiFi" or "Ethernet" depending on how you connect to the internet. Click on your current network connection. You'll see an option for "DNS server assignment." Click the "Edit" button next to it. Select "Manual" and toggle on IPv4. You'll see two fields where you can enter DNS server addresses. Enter your preferred primary DNS server in the first field and the secondary DNS server in the second field. Click "Save" when finished.

For Windows 10, the process is nearly identical but found in a slightly different location. Open Settings, go to "Network & internet," select your connection type, and then choose "Change adapter options." Right-click your active connection and select "Properties." Double-click "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)." Select the option "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter your preferred DNS servers.

If you want to change DNS settings for all devices on your network simultaneously, you can configure this at the router level instead of on individual computers. This approach means each device automatically uses the same DNS servers without needing individual configuration.

After making changes, you may want to restart your computer or wait a few minutes for the new settings to take effect. You can verify your DNS change by visiting websites like "whatismyipaddress.com" which will show you which DNS servers your computer is currently using.

Practical takeaway: Write down your new DNS server addresses before you start changing settings. Keep this information in a safe place so you can easily revert to your previous settings if needed.

Changing DNS Settings on Mac and Linux Systems

Mac computers store DNS settings in the Network preferences panel. To access these settings, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Preferences" (on older macOS versions) or "System Settings" (on newer versions). Click "Network" to open network settings. Select your active internet connection from the list on the left side—typically either "WiFi" or "Ethernet." Click the "Advanced" button, then select the "DNS" tab.

In the DNS tab, you'll see a list of DNS servers currently configured. Click the "+" button to add a new DNS server. Type the IP address of your preferred DNS server and press Enter. You can add multiple DNS servers by repeating this process. The order matters—your Mac will try the first DNS server in the list, then move to the second one if the first doesn't respond. To remove a DNS server from the list, select it and click the "-" button. After you finish making changes, click "OK" and then "Apply" to save your settings.

Linux systems offer multiple approaches to changing DNS settings depending on which distribution you use and how your system is configured. Many modern Linux distributions use a system called systemd-resolved. To change DNS settings on these systems, you typically need to edit the configuration file located at "/etc/resolv.conf" or "/etc/systemd/resolved.conf." This process requires using command-line tools and may require administrator permissions.

Different Linux distributions handle DNS differently. Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and other distributions each have slightly different approaches. Some use NetworkManager, others use systemd, and some older systems use different tools entirely. If you use Linux, consulting your specific distribution's documentation will provide the most accurate instructions for your system.

Practical takeaway: Document your original DNS settings before making changes. On Mac, you can take a screenshot of the DNS tab before editing. On Linux, save a copy of your configuration files before modifying them.

Changing DNS Settings on Mobile Devices

Smartphones and tablets use DNS servers configured through their WiFi connections. Most mobile devices automatically receive DNS settings from your WiFi router, but you can manually override these settings when needed.

On iPhone and iPad, open the Settings app and navigate to "WiFi." Tap the information icon next to your connected WiFi network name. Scroll down and look for "DNS" in the DHCP tab. Tap "DNS" and you'll see the current DNS servers. To change them, tap "Configure DNS" and select "Manual." Remove the existing DNS servers and enter your preferred servers. Enter the primary DNS server address, then add additional servers by tapping "Add Server." After entering all your preferred DNS servers, go back to save your changes.

On Android devices, the process varies depending on your device manufacturer and Android version, but the general approach is similar. Open Settings and navigate to "WiFi." Long-press or tap the information icon next to your connected network. Select "Modify network" or "Advanced options." Look for DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields. Enter your preferred DNS server addresses in these fields. Save or apply your changes. Some Android devices require you to toggle off "DHCP" or select "Static" before you can manually enter DNS addresses.

An alternative approach on mobile devices involves configuring DNS at the router level, which automatically applies to all devices connecting to that WiFi network. This approach works across all device types—iPhones, Android phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers all benefit from a single router-level DNS change.

If you use mobile data instead of WiFi, your DNS settings are controlled by your mobile service provider and cannot typically be changed directly on your device. Some VPN applications include DNS configuration options that work with mobile data, but these involve additional setup beyond basic DNS changes.

Practical takeaway: Take a screenshot of your current DNS settings before making changes on mobile devices. This provides a reference if you need to revert to your previous configuration.

Configuring DNS at the Router Level

Changing DNS settings at your router level offers an efficient approach if you want all devices on your home or office network to use the same DNS servers. Rather than configuring each device individually, you make the change once at the router, and every device that connects to that router automatically uses those DNS servers.

To access your router settings, open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common router IP addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Your router manual or the sticker on the router itself will list the correct address. You'll need to log in using your router's username and password. If you haven't changed these from