DNS Settings – What is DNS and How to Change It

DNS (Domain Name System) turns domain names (e.g. google.com) into IP addresses. Using a good DNS can improve speed and security.

Popular DNS Addresses

ServicePrimary DNSSecondary DNS
Google DNS8.8.8.88.8.4.4
Cloudflare1.1.1.11.0.0.1
OpenDNS208.67.222.222208.67.220.220
Quad99.9.9.9149.112.112.112

Change DNS in Windows

  1. Settings → Network & Internet → Connection properties (or Ethernet/Wi-Fi properties).
  2. "Edit DNS assignment" → Manual → Turn IPv4 On.
  3. Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8, Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4 (for Google).
  4. Save.

Change DNS on the Router

Log in to your router (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). In WAN or Internet settings, enter your chosen DNS servers. Save and restart. See TP-Link, Tenda, D-Link for brand steps.

Flush DNS Cache (CMD)

ipconfig /flushdns

Use this if you have DNS-related issues (sites not loading, wrong site opening, or after changing DNS). Run the command in an elevated Command Prompt. After flushing, your PC will request fresh DNS lookups from the server you configured.

Change DNS on Mac

Go to System Settings (or System Preferences) → Network → select your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) → Details → DNS. Click the + button and add your preferred DNS servers (e.g. 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). Remove old entries if you want to use only the new ones. Apply and save.

Why Change DNS?

Your ISP’s default DNS works, but third-party DNS can sometimes be faster or more reliable. Google DNS (8.8.8.8) and Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) are widely used. Some DNS services offer filtering (blocking malicious or adult sites) or better privacy. Changing DNS on the router applies to all devices on your network; changing on a single device affects only that device.

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