How to Change DNS: A Comprehensive Guide with All Available Methods and Step-by-Step Instructions

Introduction

DNS (Domain Name System) is an essential component of the internet that translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing devices to connect to websites. While most users rely on their Internet Service Provider’s default DNS settings, changing DNS can offer benefits like improved security, faster browsing, and access to region-blocked content. In this article, we will explore all available methods to change DNS on various devices, providing step-by-step instructions for each method, including the use of 3rd-party programs.

1. Change DNS on Windows

Method 1: Changing DNS Settings Manually

1. Go to “Control Panel” and select “Network and Internet.”

2. Click on “Network and Sharing Center.”

3. Choose your active network connection (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi).

4. Click on “Properties.”

5. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.”

6. Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses.”

7. Enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses (e.g., 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google Public DNS).

8. Click “OK” to save the changes.

Method 2: Using Third-Party DNS Management Software

There are various third-party DNS management programs like DNS Jumper and ChrisPC DNS Switch that simplify the process of changing DNS settings and offer additional features like DNS benchmarking.

2. Change DNS on macOS

Method 1: Changing DNS Settings Manually

1. Click on the Apple logo and select “System Preferences.”

2. Choose “Network.”

3. Select your active network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi) from the left sidebar.

4. Click on “Advanced.”

5. Go to the “DNS” tab.

6. Click the “+” button to add a new DNS server.

7. Enter the DNS server address (e.g., 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare DNS).

8. Click “OK” and then “Apply” to save the changes.

Method 2: Using Third-Party DNS Changer Apps

Apps like “DNS Override” and “Lockstep DNS” from the Mac App Store provide a simple interface to change DNS settings and switch between different DNS servers with ease.

3. Change DNS on Android

Method 1: Changing DNS Settings on Android 9 and Higher

1. Go to “Settings” on your Android device.

2. Select “Wi-Fi & Internet.”

3. Tap on “Private DNS.”

4. Choose “Private DNS provider hostname.”

5. Enter the DNS server hostname (e.g., 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com for Cloudflare DNS).

6. Click “Save” to apply the changes.

Method 2: Changing DNS Settings on Older Android Versions

1. Go to “Settings” on your Android device.

2. Select “Wi-Fi” or “Network & Internet” depending on your Android version.

3. Long-press on the active Wi-Fi network.

4. Choose “Modify Network” or “Modify Network Configurations.”

5. Check “Advanced Options” if available.

6. Change the IP settings to “Static.”

7. Enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses.

8. Click “Save” to apply the changes.

4. Change DNS on iOS (iPhone and iPad)

Method 1: Changing DNS Settings on iOS 14 and Higher

1. Go to “Settings” on your iOS device.

2. Select “Wi-Fi.”

3. Tap the “i” icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network.

4. Scroll down and choose “Configure DNS.”

5. Select “Manual.”

6. Tap “Add Server” and enter the DNS server address (e.g., 9.9.9.9 for Quad9 DNS).

7. Tap “Save” to apply the changes.

Method 2: Using DNS Changer Apps from the App Store

Apps like “DNS Override” and “DNScloak – Change DNS Server” allow iOS users to change DNS settings easily and switch between different DNS servers.

5. Tips for Choosing DNS Servers

Tip 1: Consider Security and Privacy

Choose DNS servers from reputable providers that prioritize security and privacy. Look for DNS services that offer DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT) encryption to ensure your DNS queries are protected.

Tip 2: Test and Benchmark DNS Servers

Before settling on a specific DNS server, use DNS benchmarking tools like Namebench or GRC’s DNS Benchmark to test the performance and response times of different DNS servers.

Tip 3: Use Public DNS Services

Public DNS services like Google Public DNS, Cloudflare DNS, OpenDNS, and Quad9 are popular choices known for their reliability and performance.

Tip 4: Consider Content Filtering

If you need content filtering or parental controls, opt for DNS servers that offer these features to protect your devices from accessing malicious or inappropriate websites.

Tip 5: Regularly Update DNS Settings

If you encounter issues with a particular DNS server, consider switching to another one or revert to your ISP’s default DNS settings to troubleshoot connectivity problems.

6. Change DNS on Linux

Method 1: Changing DNS Settings via Network Manager (Ubuntu and Debian-based distros)

1. Open the terminal on your Linux machine.

2. Type the following command to open the Network Manager configuration file:
sudo nano /etc/NetworkManager/NetworkManager.conf

3. Scroll down to the “[main]” section and add the following line to disable the default DNS settings:

dns=default

4. Save the file by pressing “Ctrl + X,” then “Y,” and finally “Enter.”

5. Restart the Network Manager service:

sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

Method 2: Changing DNS Settings via resolv.conf (Non-Network Manager Distros)

1. Open the terminal on your Linux machine.

2. Edit the “resolv.conf” file using a text editor (e.g., nano or vi):

sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf

3. Remove any existing nameserver entries and add the desired DNS server addresses in the following format:

nameserver 8.8.8.8
nameserver 8.8.4.4

4. Save the file by pressing “Ctrl + X,” then “Y,” and finally “Enter.”

5. Restart the network service to apply the changes:

sudo systemctl restart network

7. Change DNS on Router

Method 1: Access Router Settings

1. Open a web browser on your computer or mobile device.

2. Enter your router’s IP address in the address bar. Typically, the default IP address is “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.0.1,” but consult your router’s manual or check the router’s label for the correct address.

3. Log in to the router’s admin interface using the username and password. If you haven’t changed these credentials, refer to the router’s manual for default login information.

Method 2: Change DNS Settings

1. Navigate to the “Internet” or “Network” settings section in your router’s admin interface.

2. Look for “DNS settings” or “DNS servers.”

3. Enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses provided by your DNS service of choice (e.g., 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 for Cloudflare DNS).

4. Save the changes and restart your router to apply the new DNS settings.

8. Change DNS on Smart TVs and Other Devices

While the methods to change DNS settings may vary depending on the device, the general steps include accessing the network settings, selecting the manual DNS configuration option, and entering the desired DNS server addresses. Some devices, like smart TVs and gaming consoles, may require a specific combination of button presses on the remote to access network settings.

Refer to the device’s user manual or perform an online search with the device model and “change DNS settings” for specific instructions tailored to your device.

9. Additional Tips

Tip 6: Utilize DNS Security Features

Some DNS services offer additional security features like malware blocking and phishing protection. Consider using DNS servers that provide these extra layers of security to enhance your online safety.

Tip 7: Flush DNS Cache

After changing DNS settings, it’s a good practice to flush the DNS cache on your device to ensure that the changes take effect immediately. You can flush the DNS cache by running the appropriate command in the terminal or command prompt, depending on your operating system.

Tip 8: Use DNSCrypt or DNS over HTTPS (DoH)

If you prioritize encryption and privacy, consider using DNSCrypt or DNS over HTTPS (DoH) protocols. These protocols encrypt your DNS queries, preventing potential eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.

Tip 9: Regularly Monitor DNS Performance

Periodically check the performance of your chosen DNS servers to ensure they continue to provide reliable and speedy responses. Use DNS benchmarking tools or online DNS performance tests to evaluate server performance.

10. Troubleshooting DNS Changes

If you encounter any issues after changing DNS settings, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem:

Tip 10: Check DNS Server Availability

Ensure that the DNS servers you have chosen are currently operational and responsive. Sometimes, DNS servers may experience downtime or technical issues, causing connectivity problems. Consider switching to alternative DNS servers if the chosen ones are unavailable.

Tip 11: Restart Your Device

After making DNS changes, restart your device to apply the new settings fully. Rebooting can help clear any cached data and ensure that the changes take effect properly.

Tip 12: Check for Typos

Double-check the DNS server addresses you entered for accuracy. Typos or mistakes in the IP addresses can lead to connectivity issues. Correct any errors and retest your internet connection.

Tip 13: Disable VPN or Proxy

If you are using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or proxy server, it may interfere with the DNS settings. Disable the VPN or proxy temporarily to see if it resolves the problem. Alternatively, configure the VPN or proxy to use the same DNS servers you set manually.

Tip 14: Reset Network Settings

If you continue to experience connectivity issues, consider resetting your network settings to their default values. This action may remove any conflicting configurations that could be affecting DNS resolution.

11. Monitoring DNS Changes and Performance

Tip 15: Keep DNS Server Logs

If you frequently change DNS servers or use different DNS services for various purposes (e.g., security, speed, content filtering), consider keeping a log of the DNS servers you use. This log can help you track which DNS servers perform best and provide the most reliable service.

Tip 16: Use DNS Monitoring Tools

Utilize DNS monitoring tools and services to keep an eye on the performance of your chosen DNS servers. These tools can provide insights into response times, query success rates, and overall server health.

Tip 17: Test Different DNS Servers

Continuously test different DNS servers to find the ones that best suit your needs. DNS performance can vary based on your geographical location and network setup, so testing multiple options can help you identify the most optimal DNS servers for your specific environment.

12. DNS Caching and TTL

When changing DNS settings, it’s essential to understand the concept of DNS caching and Time To Live (TTL). DNS caching is a mechanism used by devices and networks to store DNS information temporarily, reducing the time it takes to resolve domain names. DNS servers and devices cache DNS records based on the TTL value set by the authoritative DNS server for each record.

Tip 18: Consider TTL Before Changing DNS

Before changing DNS servers, check the TTL value of your current DNS records. If the TTL is set to a high value (e.g., 86400 seconds or 24 hours), it may take up to a day for the DNS changes to propagate throughout the internet and reflect the new DNS settings. In contrast, if the TTL is set to a low value (e.g., 300 seconds or 5 minutes), the changes will propagate faster.

Tip 19: Flush DNS Cache After Changing DNS

After changing DNS settings, consider flushing the DNS cache on your devices to ensure they fetch the updated DNS records immediately. Flushing the DNS cache can vary depending on the operating system, so refer to the appropriate instructions for your device.

13. Secure DNS Resolvers

Secure DNS resolvers are DNS services that prioritize privacy and security by encrypting DNS queries. DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) are two popular encryption protocols used by secure DNS resolvers.

Tip 20: Opt for Secure DNS Resolvers

To enhance your privacy and protect against potential eavesdropping, consider using secure DNS resolvers that support DoH or DoT. These protocols encrypt your DNS queries, making them harder for malicious actors to intercept and decipher.

14. Considerations for Public Wi-Fi Networks

When using public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in cafes, airports, or hotels, it’s crucial to be cautious about DNS security. Public Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable to various security risks, including DNS spoofing and man-in-the-middle attacks.

Tip 21: Use Secure DNS on Public Wi-Fi

When connected to public Wi-Fi, consider using secure DNS resolvers or DNS over VPN to protect your DNS queries from potential interception. Secure DNS encryption can help safeguard your online activities and prevent attackers from redirecting your DNS traffic to malicious servers.

15. Regularly Review and Update DNS Settings

As technology and security practices evolve, it’s essential to review and update your DNS settings periodically. Keep an eye on the latest developments in DNS security and performance to ensure you are making the most of your DNS configuration.

Tip 22: Stay Informed About DNS Best Practices

Stay informed about the latest DNS best practices, security trends, and new DNS services or technologies. Regularly check for updates from reputable sources, such as DNS service providers, security blogs, and technology forums.

Conclusion

Changing DNS settings is a powerful tool to optimize your internet experience and protect your online privacy. By understanding DNS caching, TTL, and the importance of secure DNS resolvers, you can make informed decisions when configuring DNS on your devices. Whether you’re using a Windows PC, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, or router, the methods provided in this comprehensive guide offer step-by-step instructions to change DNS settings manually or through third-party programs. By following the tips for choosing DNS servers, troubleshooting issues, monitoring DNS performance, and staying updated on DNS best practices, you can enjoy a faster, safer, and more reliable internet browsing experience.