Imagine you've heard great things about a specific web series and are eager to watch it, but unfortunately, it's not accessible to users in your location. What would you do? One solution is to switch your DNS server. Altering your default DNS can enable you to access geographically restricted content from where you are. And consider this: if your internet speed is sluggish, it can feel like you're lagging behind the rest of the world.

Altering your DNS settings can notably enhance your Internet connection speed. Furthermore, switching the DNS server on any device can lead to improved functionality and optimized utilization of its features.

You don't need to be a developer or tech-savvy to accomplish this. If you can operate your device, you can follow these steps too. In this article, we will guide you through changing the DNS on your device, whether you're using Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android.

What Is DNS? DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is a critical component of the internet that translates human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. In simpler terms, DNS acts as a phone book or directory for the internet, allowing users to access websites and online services using easy-to-remember domain names instead of complex numerical IP addresses. When you type a website address (domain name) into your web browser, the DNS system comes into play. It starts with your device sending a DNS query to a local DNS resolver, which could be provided by your internet service provider (ISP) or a third-party service. The resolver then searches through a hierarchy of DNS servers to find the corresponding IP address for that domain name. The DNS hierarchy consists of various types of servers: 1. Root DNS Servers: These are the top-level servers that know about all the top-level domains (TLDs) like .com, .org, .net, etc. 2. Top-Level Domain Servers: Each TLD has its own server that manages the domain names within that TLD. 3. Authoritative DNS Servers: These servers are responsible for maintaining the records of specific domains. They store information like the IP address associated with a domain and other DNS records. 4. Caching DNS Servers: Also known as recursive DNS servers, these store previously resolved DNS queries temporarily to speed up future requests. Once the resolver finds the correct IP address, it sends this information back to your device, which can then connect to the website's server. This process happens rapidly, often in just a few milliseconds, making the internet more user-friendly and efficient.

DNS, commonly known as "DNS," stands for Domain Name System, and it serves as an internet phone book connecting web browsers to websites. Each device connected to the internet has its unique IP address. DNS enables users to access a website by typing in a user-friendly domain name into their web browsers, eliminating the necessity to memorize the IP addresses for every website.

How Does DNS Work? DNS, or the Domain Name System, is a crucial component of the internet that translates human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. Here's a simplified explanation of how DNS works: 1. **Domain Names vs. IP Addresses**: When you type a website address (like "google.com") into your browser, your computer needs to know the corresponding IP address (like "172.217.6.174"). Domain names are easier for humans to remember, while IP addresses are used by computers to locate each other. 2. **DNS Structure**: The DNS system is hierarchical and distributed, consisting of multiple levels of servers called DNS recursive resolvers and authoritative name servers. 3. **Resolution Process**: - **Local Cache**: Before querying the global DNS network, your device checks its local DNS cache, which stores previously resolved domain names and their IP addresses to speed up access to frequently visited sites. - **Recursive Resolver**: If the domain name isn't in the cache, your device sends a request to a recursive resolver, usually provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This resolver starts the DNS lookup process. - **Root Name Servers**: The resolver queries the root name servers, which know about all top-level domains (.com, .org, .net, etc.). - **Top-Level Domain (TLD) Name Servers**: The root servers direct the resolver to the appropriate TLD name server (e.g., the .com server for "google.com"). - **Authoritative Name Servers**: The TLD server then points the resolver to the authoritative name server responsible for the specific domain (in this case, "google.com"). - **IP Address Retrieval**: The authoritative name server provides the IP address associated with the domain name. - **Response Back to User**: The resolver sends the IP address back to your device, and your browser can now connect to the website's server using that IP address. 4. **Caching**: Once the IP address is retrieved, it's cached at various levels (local device, resolver, and possibly intermediate servers) for a specified time (TTL - Time To Live) to improve future lookup efficiency. This entire process typically happens within milliseconds, allowing for seamless browsing experiences.

DNS servers translate URLs and domain names into IP addresses that can be easily comprehended by machines, such as your PC or any device connected to the internet. Whenever you enter something into a browser's search bar, DNS servers convert it into machine-readable language, enabling the retrieval of the corresponding webpage.

How to Change DNS Settings Changing your DNS (Domain Name System) settings allows you to customize your device's domain name resolution process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to change DNS settings on different devices: 1. **Windows PC:** a. Click the Windows Start button and type "Control Panel" in the search bar, then open it. b. In the Control Panel, select "Network and Sharing Center." c. Click on "Change adapter options" on the left side of the window. d. Right-click on the network connection you're currently using (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and choose "Properties." e. Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" or "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)" and click "Properties." f. Choose "Use the following DNS server addresses," enter the preferred and alternative DNS servers, then click "OK." 2. **MacOS:** a. Click the Apple menu and select "System Preferences." b. Click "Network." c. Choose the active network connection (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) on the left sidebar. d. Click the "Advanced" button, then go to the "DNS" tab. e. Click the "+" button to add a new DNS server, enter the desired DNS address, and repeat for the secondary DNS if needed. f. Click "OK" and then "Apply" to save the changes. 3. **Android:** a. Open the "Settings" app. b. Tap "Wi-Fi" or "Network & Internet," depending on your Android version. c. Long-press the connected network, then tap "Modify Network." d. Enable "Advanced options" or "Show advanced options." e. Tap "Static" under "IP settings." f. Enter the preferred and alternative DNS servers, then save the changes. 4. **iOS:** a. Open the "Settings" app. b. Tap "Wi-Fi" or "Cellular," depending on whether you're on Wi-Fi or mobile data. c. Tap the "i" icon next to the connected network. d. Scroll down and tap "DNS." e. Tap "Add Server" to add a new DNS, enter the preferred DNS address, and repeat for the secondary DNS if needed. f. Tap "Done" to save the changes. 5. **Smartphone (non-iOS):** The steps are similar to Android but may vary slightly depending on your device model and OS version. Look for DNS settings within the Wi-Fi or cellular network settings. Remember to use valid DNS server addresses, such as Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). Always double-check the information before saving the changes.

You can switch DNS servers and opt for an alternative one. Changing DNS is a straightforward process regardless of whether you use a Windows PC, Mac, iPhone, or Android device. However, the method to alter DNS settings varies slightly for each device. In this discussion, we will delve into the detailed steps of "How to Change DNS" on various devices.

How to Change the DNS Settings in Windows 11

How to Change DNS Settings in Windows 10

How to Change DNS Settings on Mac

How to Change the DNS on iPhone

How to Change DNS Settings on Android

How to Modify DNS Configuration in Windows 11

If you have Windows 11 on your device and wish to change the DNS settings, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open "Settings" on your device.

Step 2: Click on "Network and Internet."

Step 3: Expand the Wi-Fi or Ethernet option through which you connect to the internet.

DNS server assignment

Step 4: Now click on the 'Edit' button next to the "DNS Server Assignment" settings.

Step 5: A drop-down menu will appear; from this menu, select "Manual."

Edit DNS IP Address

Step 6: Enable the IPv4 switch.

Step 7: In the Preferred DNS Settings, enter any of the following DNS addresses

For example,

    • Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1
    • Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8
    • Open DNS: 208.67.222.222

Step 8. Choose any of the encryption options provided under the "Preferred DNS Encryption" section.

    • Unencrypted only,
    • Encrypted only (DNS over HTTPS),
    • Encrypted preferred,
    • Unencrypted allowed.

Step 9: Verify the secondary DNS address in the "Alternate DNS" setting.

For example,

    • Cloudflare: 1.0.0.1
    • Google Public DNS: 8.8.4.4
    • OpenDNS: 208.67.220.220

Step 10: You can also choose an "Alternative DNS encryption" option.

Step 11: Click on the 'Save' button and restart your device.

If you have a Windows 10 operating system, the process is different.

How to Alter DNS Configuration in Windows 10

Most PCs come equipped with Windows 10. If you're using Windows 10 and wish to learn how to modify DNS settings, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings app

Step 2: Navigate to Network and Internet.

Step 3: Click on Wi-Fi.

Here, you must select a connection that connects Windows 10 to the Network.

Step 4: Click the Edit button under IP Settings.

Step 5: A dropdown menu will appear; select "Edit IP Settings" and then choose "Manual."

Step 6: Enable the IP4 toggle.

Change DNS in Windows 10

Step 7: Verify the primary DNS address under the "Preferred DNS server" section.

Step 8: Verify the Secondary DNS Address beneath the Alternate DNS Server section.

Step 9: Click on the 'Save' button and restart your device.

How to Change DNS Settings on a Mac

Changing DNS settings on a Mac is also straightforward.

Follow the steps outlined below to modify DNS Settings on your Mac:

Step 1: Go to the Apple Menu and choose System Preferences

Step 2: Go to Network, click on Advanced, and open the DNS tab.

change DNS Mac

Step 3: Click on the "+" shaped icon to add a new DNS.

To utilize the Cloudflare DNS, configure your device with the following DNS server addresses: 1. 1.1.1.1 2. 1.0.0.1 These IP addresses are provided by Cloudflare for fast and secure DNS resolution.

    1. 1.1.1.1
    2. 1.0.0.1
    3. 2602:4700:4700::1111
    4. 2606:4700:4700::1001

要使用 Google DNS，请使用以下 DNS 服务器：

    • 8.8.8.8
    • 8.8.4.4
    • 2001:4860:4860: :8888
    • 2001:4700:4700: :1001

Step 4: Now, click on the OK button and then choose Apply to proceed with your action.

Similarly, you can easily change DNS settings on your iPhone if you have one. For instance, refer to the method below!

How to Modify DNS Settings on an iPhone

Changing DNS settings on smartphones is relatively more straightforward than on PCs.

Follow the steps below to change the DNS settings on your iPhone:

Step 1: Go to 'Settings' on your iPhone

Step 2: Enable Wi-Fi and connect to a nearby wireless network

Step 3: Tap on the connected Wi-Fi network

Step 4: Proceed to Configure DNS

Step 5: Choose Static

Change iPhone DNS

Now, you can remove the current DNS servers and enter newer ones. To use Cloudflare DNS, you can utilize the following DNS server addresses: 1. 1.1.1.1 2. 1.0.0.1 These IP addresses correspond to Cloudflare's public DNS resolvers, which are known for their speed and security.

    1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1 2606:4700:4700::1111 2606:4700:4700::1001

You can use the following DNS server addresses to utilize Google DNS: For IPv4: Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8 Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4 For IPv6: Primary DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8888 Secondary DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8844 By configuring your device to use these addresses, you will be able to access the internet using Google's Domain Name System (DNS) servers, which are known for their speed and reliability.

    • 8.8.8.8
    • 8.8.4.4
    • 2001:4860:4860: : 8888
    • 2001:4860:4860: : 8844
  • After that, tap on Save.

Now, the changes will be saved. You can even reboot your system for it to reflect the changes.

How to Change DNS Settings on Android

As a smartphone user, chances are high that you use an Android device owing to its extensive range of features. However, there may be instances when your default DNS (Domain Name System) doesn't function optimally. In such cases, altering the DNS settings can prove to be beneficial!

Follow the steps below to change DNS on Android 9 or later versions: 1. Open the "Settings" app on your Android device. 2. Scroll down and tap on "Network & Internet" or simply "Network" depending on your device model. 3. Tap on "Wi-Fi" if you're connected to a Wi-Fi network, or "Mobile Network" if you're using mobile data. 4. If you tapped "Wi-Fi," select the Wi-Fi network you're currently connected to by tapping on its name. If you tapped "Mobile Network," skip this step. 5. Tap on "Advanced" or "Additional settings" (this option may vary depending on your device). 6. Look for the "DNS" or "Private DNS" option and tap on it. 7. If you don't see "Private DNS," tap on "DNS1" and "DNS2" to manage the DNS servers manually. 8. To use a custom DNS, enter the preferred DNS server address in the "DNS1" field and the alternative DNS server (if any) in the "DNS2" field. 9. If you want to use a Private DNS provider, tap on "Private DNS provider hostname" and enter the desired hostname. 10. Tap "Save" or "Apply" to save the changes. Your Android device with Android 9 or later will now use the new DNS settings.

Step 1: Open the Settings on your phone.

Step 2: Proceed to "Network and Internet"

Step 3: Select Private DNS and choose the hostname of your private DNS provider.

Change Android DNS

Step 4: Tap on Save to save all your settings.

Now, you have successfully changed your DNS and the settings.

Conclusion

Searching online without a DNS is like a nightmare. DNS is essential for obtaining results on the internet. If it's not functioning properly, the system can become practically unusable. The discussion provided guidance on configuring DNS settings on different devices.

You can choose any method relevant to your system. Now, we hope that Network won't bother you while you work, and you'll be able to access any restricted websites on your device using the new DNS server in your system. Happy browsing!

Copyright © 2004 - 2024. All rights reserved.