How Do I Switch DNS?

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How To Change Your DNS Settings: A Comprehensive Guide

Changing your Domain Name System (DNS) settings is a straightforward process that can dramatically improve your internet speed and security; this guide will show you how do I switch DNS? on various devices.

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Introduction: Understanding DNS and Why It Matters

The internet, at its core, relies on IP addresses to locate and connect devices. However, memorizing long strings of numbers is impractical for humans. This is where the Domain Name System (DNS) comes in. Think of it as the internet’s phonebook. When you type a website address (like google.com), your computer queries a DNS server to translate that human-readable domain name into the correct IP address.

By default, your internet service provider (ISP) assigns DNS servers to your devices. While these servers typically work, they may not always be the fastest or most secure options available. Switching to alternative DNS servers can offer several advantages.

Benefits of Switching DNS Servers

There are compelling reasons to explore changing your DNS settings. These include:

Increased Speed: Some DNS servers are simply faster than others, leading to quicker website loading times.
Improved Reliability: Public DNS servers often have better uptime and redundancy than ISP-provided servers.
Enhanced Security: Certain DNS providers offer built-in security features, such as protection against phishing and malware.
Circumventing Censorship: In some regions, ISPs may block access to specific websites via DNS filtering. Using a different DNS server can bypass these restrictions.
Parental Controls: Some DNS services provide options to filter content, making them ideal for families.

The Process: Changing DNS on Different Devices

How do I switch DNS? The specific steps vary depending on your operating system and device. Here’s a breakdown for common platforms:

1. Windows:

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Open the Control Panel.
Go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
Click on “Change adapter settings.”
Right-click on your active network adapter (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select “Properties.”
Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.”
Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
Enter your preferred primary and secondary DNS server addresses.
Click “OK” to save your changes.

2. macOS:

Open System Preferences.
Click on “Network.”
Select your active network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi).
Click on “Advanced…”
Go to the “DNS” tab.
Click the “+” button to add new DNS server addresses.
Enter your preferred primary and secondary DNS server addresses.
Click “OK” to save your changes.

3. Android:

Most Android devices do not allow you to change the system-wide DNS settings directly. You can change it within the Wi-Fi connection settings by long pressing on the connected network, selecting “Modify network” then expanding the “Advanced options”, change IP settings to static. However, this isn’t recommended on shared or public networks.
Alternatively, you can use a VPN app that allows you to specify DNS servers.
Some newer Android versions may allow changing the DNS under “Private DNS” in settings.

4. iOS (iPhone/iPad):

Open the Settings app.
Tap on “Wi-Fi.”
Tap on the “i” icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network.
Scroll down to “Configure DNS.”
Tap “Manual.”
Tap “+ Add Server” to add new DNS server addresses.
Enter your preferred primary and secondary DNS server addresses.
Tap “Save” to save your changes.

5. Router:

Access your router’s configuration page by entering its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) in your web browser. Refer to your router’s manual for specific instructions.
Log in using your router’s username and password.
Locate the DNS settings, which are usually found under “WAN,” “Internet,” or “Network.”
Enter your preferred primary and secondary DNS server addresses.
Save your changes and reboot your router.

Table: Popular Public DNS Servers

Provider	Primary DNS (IPv4)	Secondary DNS (IPv4)	Primary DNS (IPv6)	Secondary DNS (IPv6)
Google Public DNS	8.8.8.8	8.8.4.4	2001:4860:4860::8888	2001:4860:4860::8844
Cloudflare	1.1.1.1	1.0.0.1	2606:4700:4700::1111	2606:4700:4700::1001
OpenDNS	208.67.222.222	208.67.220.220	2620:119:35::35	2620:119:53::53

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

When switching DNS settings, users sometimes encounter issues. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Typos: Double-check that you’ve entered the DNS server addresses correctly. Even a single digit error can prevent proper resolution.
Incorrect Network Adapter: Ensure you’re modifying the DNS settings for the active network adapter.
Firewall Interference: Some firewalls may block access to specific DNS servers. Ensure your firewall is configured to allow DNS traffic.
Router Reboot: After changing DNS settings on your router, rebooting it is often necessary for the changes to take effect.
Cache Clearing: Sometimes, your computer may have cached old DNS information. Clear your DNS cache to ensure you’re using the new settings. In Windows, use the command ipconfig /flushdns in the command prompt. In macOS, use sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.

How to verify the new DNS settings

You can easily verify if you are using the new DNS servers with online tools such as whatsmydns.net. This website allows you to check the DNS servers being used for a specific domain name, giving you immediate verification of your new settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to switch DNS servers?

Yes, switching DNS servers is generally safe, as long as you choose a reputable provider. Stick to well-known options like Google Public DNS, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS, which have established security measures in place. Avoid using unknown or untrusted DNS services.

Will changing DNS affect my internet speed?

Yes, it can improve your internet speed. Some DNS servers are faster and more efficient than others, resulting in quicker website loading times. However, the actual impact depends on your current DNS server and the alternative you choose. Experimenting with different options is recommended.

How do I clear my DNS cache?

Clearing your DNS cache removes temporarily stored DNS records, ensuring your computer uses the most up-to-date information. In Windows, open the command prompt as administrator and run the command ipconfig /flushdns. In macOS, open Terminal and run sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.

What is the difference between primary and secondary DNS servers?

The primary DNS server is the first server your computer queries for DNS resolution. The secondary DNS server acts as a backup. If the primary server is unavailable, your computer will automatically switch to the secondary server to resolve domain names.

Can I use more than two DNS servers?

While you can add more than two DNS servers in your network settings, your operating system typically only uses the primary and secondary servers. The others may be used in very rare or specialized cases, but are not guaranteed to be used in a load-balancing scheme.

How often should I change my DNS servers?

There’s no set frequency for changing your DNS servers. However, if you experience slow internet speeds or suspect DNS-related issues, switching to a different provider can be a helpful troubleshooting step. You can also monitor the performance of your current DNS server and switch if you notice significant slowdowns.

Does changing DNS affect my streaming services?

In some cases, switching DNS can improve the performance of streaming services by routing you to faster and more reliable servers. However, it can also occasionally cause issues if the DNS server is not properly configured or if the streaming service is blocking access from certain DNS servers.

Will changing DNS on my router affect all devices on my network?

Yes, changing the DNS settings on your router will affect all devices connected to your network, as they will all use the router’s DNS configuration. This is the easiest way to change DNS for all devices at once.

Can I revert back to my original DNS settings if I don’t like the new ones?

Yes, you can easily revert back to your original DNS settings. Simply go back to the DNS settings on your device or router and select the option to “Obtain DNS server addresses automatically” (DHCP) or enter the DNS server addresses provided by your ISP.

Does using a VPN also change my DNS?

Yes, most VPNs change your DNS settings to use their own secure DNS servers. This is an important part of their security features, as it prevents your ISP from tracking your DNS requests. When the VPN is active, you will generally be using the VPN’s DNS servers.

Does changing DNS affect my IP address?

No, changing your DNS settings does not affect your IP address. Your IP address is assigned by your ISP, while DNS servers are used to translate domain names into IP addresses.

Where do I find my ISP’s original DNS server addresses?

Contacting your ISP’s technical support is the easiest way to obtain their DNS server addresses. Many ISPs also provide this information on their website or in the documentation you received when you signed up for their service. These are sometimes listed as nameservers instead of DNS servers. You can also try leaving your settings on “Obtain DNS server addresses automatically (DHCP),” then querying your active DNS servers using online tools before switching DNS.