How to Change Your DNS Settings on Any Device

Where to change DNS and why you might want to

You change DNS in your device settings or your router settings, depending on whether you want the change to affect one device or your whole network. DNS is the system that translates web addresses like google.com into the IP addresses your device actually needs to connect. Most people use the DNS provided by their internet service provider, but you can switch to a different one — like Cloudflare, Google, or Quad9 — if you want faster lookups, better privacy, or filtering of certain sites.

The steps differ by device type and operating system. On Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android, you change DNS in network settings. On a router, you change it in the admin panel. If you change DNS on your router, every device connected to that network uses the new DNS automatically. If you change it on a single device, only that device is affected.

Key Takeaways

DNS settings live in network configuration on your device or in your router's admin panel, not in your browser.
Changing DNS on your router affects all devices on your network; changing it on one device affects only that device.
Common alternative DNS providers include Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google (8.8.8.8), and Quad9 (9.9.9.9), each with different privacy and filtering features.
After you change DNS, you may need to restart your device or clear your browser cache before the change takes effect.
If a website stops working after you change DNS, you can revert to your ISP's DNS to test whether the new DNS is the cause.

Changing DNS on Windows

On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then select your connection type (Ethernet or Wi-Fi). Click on your active connection name, scroll down to DNS server assignment, and click Edit. Change the setting from Automatic to Manual, turn on IPv4, and enter the DNS addresses you want to use. Most DNS providers give you two addresses — a primary and a secondary — so enter both.

If you use IPv6 as well, you can add IPv6 DNS addresses in the same window. After you enter the addresses, click Save. Your device will start using the new DNS immediately, though some cached lookups may still use the old one for a few minutes.

Changing DNS on Mac

On Mac, open System Settings and go to Network. Select your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click Details. Go to the DNS tab and click the plus button to add a new DNS server. Type the address and press Enter. You can add multiple addresses by repeating this step. Click OK when you are done.

If you want to remove a DNS server, select it in the list and click the minus button. Mac applies DNS changes immediately without requiring a restart.

Changing DNS on iPhone and iPad

On iPhone or iPad, open Settings, go to Wi-Fi, and tap the information icon next to your network name. Scroll to DNS and tap Configure DNS. Select Manual, then tap Add Server and enter the DNS address. Repeat for each address you want to add. Tap Save when finished.

This method only changes DNS for that specific Wi-Fi network. If you connect to a different network, it will use that network's DNS settings. To change DNS for cellular data on iPhone, you need to use a VPN app or a DNS filtering app, because iOS does not allow direct DNS changes for cellular connections through Settings.

Changing DNS on Android

On Android, the process depends on your device and Android version. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, and select your Wi-Fi network. Tap Advanced or Additional Settings, then DNS. Change it from Automatic to Manual and enter the DNS addresses you want. Tap Save.

Some Android devices place these settings under Wi-Fi > Advanced or under a separate Private DNS option. If you see a Private DNS setting, you can enter a DNS provider's address there instead. Like iPhone, changing DNS in Settings on Android only affects Wi-Fi; to change DNS for cellular data, you typically need a VPN or DNS filtering app.

Changing DNS on your router

To change DNS for your entire network, log into your router's admin panel. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — into the address bar. Log in with your router's username and password (often admin and admin, or printed on the router itself).

Once logged in, look for a section called WAN, Internet, or DNS Settings. Enter the primary and secondary DNS addresses you want to use. Save the changes. Your router will apply them immediately, and all devices on your network will start using the new DNS. If you are unsure of your router's IP address or login details, check the manual or the sticker on the back of the device.

Common DNS providers and what they offer

Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) is known for speed and privacy. It does not log your DNS queries and is fast because Cloudflare has servers worldwide. Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) is reliable and fast but does collect some data about your queries. Quad9 (9.9.9.9) blocks malicious sites by default and does not log queries. OpenDNS (208.67.222.222) offers filtering options and can block adult content or phishing sites if you configure it.

Each provider publishes both a primary and secondary address on their website. Use the primary as your first DNS server and the secondary as your backup in case the primary is unreachable. You do not need to use the same provider for both addresses — you can mix and match — though most people stick with one provider for consistency.

What to do if DNS changes do not work

If you change DNS and websites still do not load, first restart your device. Some devices cache DNS settings and do not apply changes until you restart. If restarting does not help, clear your browser cache. Your browser may have cached old DNS lookups before you made the change.

If a specific website is not working, try accessing it by IP address instead of by name (your browser's address bar will show you the IP if you hover over a link). If the site loads by IP but not by name, the problem is DNS. Revert to your ISP's DNS to confirm — if the site works again, the new DNS provider is the issue. If the site still does not work, the problem is elsewhere. You can find your ISP's DNS addresses by calling your internet provider or checking your router's settings before you made changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing DNS make my internet faster?

It may, depending on your current DNS provider and your location. Some DNS providers like Cloudflare and Google have faster response times than some ISP DNS servers. The difference is usually small — a few milliseconds — so you may not notice it. The best way to test is to change DNS, run a speed test, then revert and run another speed test.

Is it safe to change DNS?

Yes. Changing DNS does not expose your device to new risks as long as you use a reputable provider. Cloudflare, Google, and Quad9 are all widely used and maintained by established companies. Avoid unknown or untrusted DNS providers, as they could log your activity or redirect you to malicious sites.

Can I use different DNS providers for different devices?

Yes. If you change DNS on individual devices, each device can use a different provider. If you change DNS on your router, all devices on that network use the same provider. You can also change DNS on your router and then override it on specific devices if you want most devices to use one provider and a few to use another.

What happens if I enter the wrong DNS address?

If you enter an address that does not exist or is not a valid DNS server, your device will not be able to look up web addresses and you will not be able to browse the internet. Simply revert to your previous DNS settings or your ISP's DNS, and internet access will return. You can find your ISP's DNS addresses in your router settings or by calling your provider.

Do I need to change DNS on both my device and my router?

No. If you change DNS on your router, your device will use that DNS automatically. If you change DNS on your device, it overrides the router's DNS for that device only. Change it in one place or the other, not both, unless you want a device to use different DNS than the rest of your network.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.