How to Change DNS Settings on Any Device — Windows, macOS, Linux, Consoles & More

Changing your DNS servers can improve your internet speed, security, and privacy. By default, your internet service provider assigns DNS servers, but you can configure your router or device to use faster, more secure third-party public DNS services. Before changing your DNS, use the DNSSpeedTester™ tool to benchmark which DNS server is actually fastest on your network.

Popular Public DNS Servers

  • Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1 (IPv6: 2606:4700:4700::1111 / 2606:4700:4700::1001). This is the fastest option and focuses heavily on privacy.
  • Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 (IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 / 2001:4860:4860::8844). This service is highly reliable.
  • Quad9: 9.9.9.9 / 149.112.112.112 (IPv6: 2620:fe::fe / 2620:fe::9). This provider automatically blocks malicious domains.

Windows 10 & 11

  1. Open the Settings app using the Windows Key plus I.
  2. Go to Network & internet, then click on your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
  3. Click Edit next to "DNS server assignment".
  4. Change the dropdown to Manual, enable IPv4, and enter the preferred/alternate DNS addresses.
  5. Click Save.

macOS

  1. Click the Apple menu and open System Settings.
  2. Click Network in the sidebar.
  3. Select your active network adapter and click Details. If you do not see Details, click Advanced instead.
  4. Go to the DNS tab.
  5. Click the "+" button to add new DNS servers.
  6. Click OK and then Apply.

Linux (Ubuntu / Debian)

  1. Open Settings > Network.
  2. Click the gear icon next to your active connection.
  3. Go to the IPv4 or IPv6 tab.
  4. Set DNS to manual and enter your preferred servers separated by commas.
  5. Click Apply and reconnect.

For temporary / runtime changes using systemd-resolved:

sudo resolvectl dns eth0 1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1

To make your DNS changes persistent across reboots, edit the configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/systemd/resolved.conf

Uncomment or set the following values under the [Resolve] section:

[Resolve] DNS=1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1 FallbackDNS=8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4

Then, restart the systemd-resolved service to apply the updates:

sudo systemctl restart systemd-resolved

Apple iOS Devices

  1. Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap the "i" icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network.
  3. Scroll down and tap Configure DNS.
  4. Select Manual, delete existing servers, and tap Add Server to input the new ones.
  5. Tap Save.

Android

  1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet or Connections.
  2. Tap Private DNS.
  3. Select Private DNS provider hostname.
  4. Enter a secure DNS hostname like one.one.one.one for Cloudflare or dns.google for Google.
    Note: Android's Private DNS requires a hostname rather than a numerical IP address. Entering an IP address like 1.1.1.1 will not work here.
  5. Tap Save.

Apple TV

  1. Go to Settings > Network.
  2. Select your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
  3. Select your network name again.
  4. Select Configure DNS and change it to Manual.
  5. Enter your preferred DNS server address and select Done.

Android TV

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
  2. Select your connected Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
  3. Scroll down to IP settings and change it to Static.
  4. Keep your IP Address and Gateway the same, but when prompted for DNS 1 and DNS 2, enter your preferred DNS addresses.
  5. Save your settings.

Samsung TV

  1. Press the Home button and go to Settings.
  2. Navigate to General > Network > Network Status.
  3. Select IP Settings.
  4. Change DNS setting to Enter manually.
  5. Enter your preferred DNS server and select OK.

LG TV

  1. Press the Home button and go to Settings.
  2. Navigate to All Settings > Network.
  3. Select your active Wi-Fi or Wired Connection.
  4. Select Advanced Wi-Fi Settings. If you use a wired connection, select Edit.
  5. Uncheck Set Automatically and enter your preferred DNS server in the DNS Server field.
  6. Select Connect to save.

PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5

  1. Go to Settings > Network.
  2. Select Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.
  3. Select your Wi-Fi or LAN connection type. Choose Custom on a PS4 or Advanced Settings on a PS5.
  4. Set IP Address to Automatic, DHCP Host to Do Not Specify.
  5. Set DNS Settings to Manual.
  6. Enter your Primary DNS and Secondary DNS, then save and test your connection.

Xbox One and Series X|S

  1. Press the Xbox button and go to Profile & system > Settings.
  2. Navigate to General > Network settings.
  3. Select Advanced settings > DNS settings.
  4. Change the setting to Manual.
  5. Enter your Primary IPv4 DNS and Secondary IPv4 DNS addresses.

Nintendo Switch

  1. Go to System Settings from the Home screen.
  2. Select Internet > Internet Settings.
  3. Choose your connected Wi-Fi network and select Change Settings.
  4. Scroll down to DNS Settings and change it to Manual.
  5. Enter your Primary DNS and Secondary DNS, then select Save.

Home Routers and All Other Devices

If your device doesn't allow custom DNS settings, you can change the DNS at the router level. This approach applies the new DNS server to all devices on your network simultaneously, which covers smart home devices and internet of things hardware.

  1. Log into your router's admin panel by entering a management IP address like 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1 in your browser.
  2. Look for the Network, WAN, Internet, or DHCP settings.
  3. Locate the DNS Server settings and change them from Automatic to Manual.
  4. Enter your Primary and Secondary DNS servers and apply the changes.
  5. Restart your router for the changes to take effect on all connected devices.

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