How to change DNS servers?

Your ISP assigns you default DNS servers when you connect to the internet. Most people never change them and have no idea they exist. Yet it is one of the simplest tweaks you can make to your connection, with measurable effects on speed, privacy and sometimes even access to certain content.

Why change your DNS

Your ISP's DNS servers are rarely the fastest or the most privacy-respecting. Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) published independent benchmark data showing median response times below 11 ms in most regions, compared to 30 to 60 ms for typical ISP DNS servers like those from Comcast or BT. Google (8.8.8.8) averages around 20 ms. The gap seems small, but on a page loading 50 resources across 10 different domains, it adds up.

Privacy is the other reason. By default, your ISP can see every domain you visit through your DNS queries. Cloudflare contractually commits to not logging requester IPs and to wiping logs within 24 hours. Quad9 (9.9.9.9) goes further by blocking known malicious domains automatically, making it a solid pick for households with children or for business use.

Changing DNS on Windows

On Windows 10 and Windows 11, open Network Settings. The fastest route: right-click the network icon in the taskbar and select "Network and Internet settings". Then click "Change adapter options" (or "Advanced network settings" on Windows 11).

Right-click your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), choose "Properties", then double-click "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)".

Select "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter:

Preferred DNS server  : 1.1.1.1
Alternate DNS server  : 1.0.0.1

For IPv6, repeat with "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)" and enter:

Preferred DNS server  : 2606:4700:4700::1111
Alternate DNS server  : 2606:4700:4700::1001

Click OK and close. The new DNS servers are active immediately, no restart needed.

To verify the change took effect, open Command Prompt and type:

nslookup google.com

The "Server" line should show 1.1.1.1 or whatever address you just configured.

Changing DNS on Mac

Open System Preferences (or System Settings on macOS Ventura and later), then click "Network". Select your active connection in the left column (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click "Advanced".

Go to the "DNS" tab. You will see the list of currently used DNS servers. Click the "+" button at the bottom left to add a new one and enter:

1.1.1.1
1.0.0.1

You can remove the old servers by selecting them and clicking the "-" button, or leave them in place. Click OK then "Apply".

To verify, open Terminal and type:

scutil --dns | grep nameserver

Your new DNS servers should appear in the output.

Changing DNS on your router

The most efficient method if you want every device on your network to use the new DNS without touching each one individually. Log into your router's admin interface by typing its IP address in a browser (typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 for most home routers).

Look for the DNS settings under Network, LAN or DHCP settings depending on your router model. Replace the existing DNS entries with your preferred servers and save.

Restart your router for the changes to be pushed to all connected devices. Devices already connected may need their DHCP lease renewed or a quick reconnect to pick up the new settings.

Best public DNS servers in 2026

If you use a VPN, changing DNS on your system may not apply when the VPN is active. Good VPN clients route DNS queries through their own infrastructure to prevent leaks. Check whether your VPN leaks DNS with a tool like dnsleaktest.com before and after connecting.