Change Your DNS Server: How to Do It + Recommendations

DNS servers are one of the Internet's backbones. They link domain requests to the appropriate IP address, ensuring that the website someone is trying to visit actually loads in their browser. However, not all DNS servers are the same: Depending on the working conditions a particular DNS is operating in or encountering, for example, their bandwidth and its usage, server speed can fluctuate from service to service.

For this reason, it might be worthwhile to change the DNS server you connect to from time to time. In this article, we'll let you know what your options are, as well as how to go about configuring your system to work with a new DNS server.

Most of the time, the DNS server you're automatically assigned does a good job. However, for a number of reasons, it can make sense to change it, either proactively, or to see how a new one performs in case you've recently encountered some sort of problem or difficulty:

Changing the default DNS server that you connect to can be done in just a few steps, however, these vary slightly from operating system to operating system. Below, we'll show you how to do this on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS:

1. Head to the taskbar and click on the network symbol. Then, choose Network and internet settings.

2. Select Change network settings followed by Change adapter options.

3. Find your connection, right-click on it, and select Properties.

4. Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) in the menu that opens, and then on the Properties button in the lower-right.

5. In the dialogue box that opens, click on Use the following DNS server addresses and input a preferred and alternate IP address.

6. Save the changes you've made by clicking on the OK button.

1. In the upper left of the panel bar, click on the Apple symbol, and again on System Preferences in the menu that opens.

2. Look for the Network option and click on it.

3. In the window that opens, find and select your current network, then, in the bottom right, click on the Advanced Settings button.

4. Navigate to the DNS tab and click on the plus symbol in the bottom left.

5. Drag the IP address of your desired DNS server to the input field and save your changes by clicking on the OK button in the bottom right.

6. Confirm your changes by clicking on the Apply button in the network dialogue that opens.

Since the Android 9 Pie update in 2018, alternative DNS servers can be used on Android devices without having to supply a static IP address. As such, connecting to your preferred DNS server only takes a few steps:

1. Tap on Settings.

2. Select Connections followed by More connection settings.

3. In the menu that opens, select Private DNS. Toggle Private DNS provider hostname. Take note that since the release of Android 9, Google only supports DNS over TLS services that permit encrypted DNS queries. Services that don't support this type of encryption cannot be used on Android devices.

4. Input the hostname.

5. As the final step, tap on Save and close the dialogue box. Your new settings will be applied and DNS queries will be routed through the alternative service you specified.

1. Head over to Settings and select WLAN Settings from the menu.

2. Tap on the network you're currently connected to and then on the arrow to its right.

3. In the DHCP tab, select DNS and input the IP address of your preferred DNS server(s). If inputting multiple IP addresses, separate these with a comma followed by an empty space.

4. Return to the previous page and tap on the Home button. Your new DNS server should now be activated.

Once you've made the decision to start using a different DNS server, you'll need to select the right one. Luckily, there are lots of free options:

Cloudflare is one of the fastest DNS providers on the planet. Although it doesn't block dangerous websites, it does adhere to strict data privacy standards. The service's DNS server IP addresses are:

Quad9 stands out owing to its multiple security mechanisms. It blocks malware using integrated filter lists, while also offering DNSSEC validation. The service doesn't save or analyze any personal user data. It uses the following IP addresses:

The OpenNIC project operates DNS servers in a number of countries around the world. As an NGO, the project offers unlimited Internet access. The downside to this is that it doesn't have any filter lists, removing some protection against malware, trackers, and ads. Some OpenNIC servers in the US include:

Google Public DNS has been offered since 2009, facilitating quick and stable DNS queries. The Internet giant does temporarily store (24-48 hours) the requesting computer's IP address. Other data, pertaining to its location, the requested domain name and answer, as well as the ISP of the requesting computer, and data about its transport protocol are stored for much longer. Google's DNS servers can be reached via these IP addresses:

UncensoredDNS is a public DNS service that operates two servers in two countries (Denmark and the US). The non-commercial provider doesn't save any user data or filter DNS requests. Its servers can be accessed via the following IP addresses:

Opting for an alternative DNS server makes sense when your existing one is too slow or susceptible to service interruptions. As an added bonus, plenty of free DNS services adhere to strict no-log policies, with some also offering an extra layer of protection against malware through their usage of blocklists. And don't fear: Whatever operating system you're using, it won't be difficult to connect to a new DNS server.