Enhance Internet Speed and Security by Changing Your DNS Server Settings

Enhance Internet Speed and Security by Changing Your DNS Server Settings

The Domain Name System (DNS) acts as the internet's phonebook, translating human-friendly website addresses like "google.com" into the numerical IP addresses that computers use to locate servers. While DNS is essential for connecting to websites, many users do not realize that switching DNS servers can significantly affect browsing speed, reliability, and security.

Why Change Your DNS Server?

Changing your DNS server offers several benefits:

• Faster Load Times: Some DNS servers respond more quickly than others, reducing the time it takes for websites to load.
• Improved Reliability: If your current DNS server goes down, switching to another can restore your internet connection.
• Enhanced Security and Privacy: Certain DNS providers filter malicious sites and prevent tracking, helping protect your device and data.

Popular DNS options known for their speed, reliability, and security focus include:

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

Note: Changing your DNS server will not bypass government-imposed internet restrictions but will improve how your device locates and connects to websites.

How to Change DNS Settings

We recommend using Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) due to its focus on speed and privacy. Cloudflare claims it never logs user browsing data, and it is widely trusted by individuals and organizations.

For Android Users

1. Open Settings and navigate to Connections or Network & Internet.
2. Select your current Wi-Fi network and tap the gear icon.
3. Scroll down to IP settings and change it from DHCP to Static.
4. In the DNS 1 field, enter 1.1.1.1.
5. In the DNS 2 field, enter 1.0.0.1.
6. Tap Save to apply the changes.

If saving fails, you may need to enter your IP address as displayed in the settings before saving.

For iPhone / iPad Users

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Wi-Fi, select the “?” icon for your connected network.
3. Scroll down and select Configure DNS.
4. Choose Manual and remove any existing DNS entries.
5. Add the following addresses: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
6. Tap Save to apply the changes.

For Windows PC Users

Windows 10:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Under Network and Internet, click View network status and tasks.
3. Find your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection and click its name.
4. In the pop-up window, select Properties.
5. Scroll down and double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
6. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
7. Enter Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1 and Alternate DNS server: 1.0.0.1.
8. Click OK to save.
9. Return to Step 5, double-click Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
10. Enter Preferred DNS server: 2606:4700:4700::1111 and Alternate DNS server: 2606:4700:4700::1001.
11. Click OK to save.

Windows 11:

1. Open Quick Settings from the taskbar.
2. Click the “>” icon next to your Wi-Fi connection's name, then select the “?” icon. (For Ethernet, right-click the Ethernet icon, select “Network and Ethernet settings,” then click the Ethernet tab.)
3. Click the Edit button next to DNS server assignment.
4. Change it from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual, and enable toggles for both IPv4 and IPv6.
5. Under Preferred DNS, add IPv4: 1.1.1.1 and IPv6: 2606:4700:4700::1111.

For Mac Users

1. From Settings, select Wi-Fi or LAN depending on your connection.
2. Find your active connection and click the Details button.
3. Go to the DNS tab.
4. Click the + button to add the desired DNS servers: IPv4: 1.1.1.1 and IPv6: 2606:4700:4700::1111.

Note: macOS does not have separate input fields for IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.

Additional Methods

You can also use third-party apps available in the Play Store or App Store to change your DNS server easily. Simply download a preferred app and add the DNS addresses 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.

Additionally, using VPN software can change your virtual location, offering another layer of privacy, security, and reliable connections.

Last updated: November 25, 2025