How to Change DNS for Faster and More Secure Internet

A few months ago, I was frustrated with my internet speed. Websites took longer to load, and online gaming had frequent lag spikes. At first, I thought my internet service provider (ISP) was slow, but after testing my speed, I realized something else was wrong—my DNS server was causing delays.

DNS (Domain Name System) works like a phonebook for the internet, translating domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses. Many ISPs use slow or unreliable DNS servers, which can lead to slower browsing, higher latency, and even security risks. Changing your DNS to a faster, more secure provider like Google DNS, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS can improve speed, security, and reliability.

In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to change your DNS settings on Windows, macOS, Android, and iPhone for a faster and more private internet experience.

Understanding DNS and Why It Matters

Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand why changing DNS can improve speed and security.

Why Change DNS?

1. Faster Internet Speed

• Some public DNS servers resolve domain names faster than ISP-provided ones.

1. Better Security & Privacy

• Many third-party DNS providers offer malware protection, encryption, and no tracking.

1. More Reliable Connections

• ISP DNS servers can go down, causing internet outages.

Now, let’s move on to changing your DNS settings.

Fix 1: Change DNSWindows 11/10

Tools Needed:

• Windows PC
• Internet access

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open Network Settings

• Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.

1. Select Your Network

• Find your active network connection (Ethernet or WiFi).
• Right-click and select Properties.

1. Change DNS Settings

• Scroll down and select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
• Click Properties.

1. Enter Custom DNS

• Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
• Enter your preferred DNS:
  • Google DNS → 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
  • Cloudflare DNS → 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
  • OpenDNS → 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220

1. Save and Restart Internet

• Click OK, then Close.
• Restart your internet connection.

Your Windows PC will now use the faster and more secure DNS servers.

Fix 2: Change DNS on macOS

Tools Needed:

• MacBook or iMac

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Click on the Apple Menu and go to System Settings.
2. Click Network and select your active connection (WiFi or Ethernet).
3. Click Advanced → Go to the DNS tab.
4. Click + to add a new DNS server.
5. Enter the preferred DNS:

• Google DNS: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1

1. Click OK → Apply the settings.

Now your Mac will use the new DNS settings for faster and more secure browsing.

Fix 3: Change DNS on Android

Tools Needed:

• Android Phone or Tablet

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Tap WiFi & Network.
2. Select your connected WiFi Network and tap Advanced.
3. Scroll down and tap IP Settings → Change to Static.
4. Scroll to DNS 1 and DNS 2 and enter:

• Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

1. Tap Save and restart your WiFi.

Note: Some Android versions may require a third-party DNS changer app for mobile networks (4G/5G).

Fix 4: Change DNS on iPhone (iOS)

Tools Needed:

• iPhone or iPad

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Go to WiFi.
2. Tap on your connected WiFi network.
3. Scroll down to Configure DNS and select Manual.
4. Tap Add Server and enter your preferred DNS:

• Google DNS: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1

1. Tap Save, then restart your WiFi.

Now your iPhone will use faster and more secure DNS servers.

Fix 5: Change DNS on Your Router (Applies to All Devices)

Tools Needed:

• Access to your router settings
• Web browser

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Log in using your router admin credentials.
3. Find the DNS Settings (usually under Internet Settings or LAN Settings).
4. Replace the default DNS with:

• Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

1. Click Save/Apply and restart the router.

Now all devices connected to the router will use the new DNS settings.

Pros and Cons of Changing DNS

Method	Pros	Cons
Changing DNS on Windows/macOS	Improves speed & security for that device only	Needs to be changed on every device
Changing DNS on Router	Affects all devices at once	Requires router admin access
Using a Third-Party App (Android)	Works on mobile networks	Some apps require a subscription

Conclusion

Changing your DNS can speed up your internet, improve security, and provide better privacy. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, Android, iPhone, or a router, this guide has covered the detailed steps to make the switch.

If your internet still feels slow, consider running a DNS speed test using dnsbench.exe (Windows) or Namebench (Mac) to find the fastest DNS for your location.

Did this guide help you? Let me know in the comments!