How to Change Your DNS Server
Changing your DNS server is one of the quickest free tweaks you can make. It can speed up the first connection to new sites and keep your browsing out of your ISP's logs.
The two most popular free choices are Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) and Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). Set it on one device, or set it on your router to cover everything at once.
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Windows
- Open Settings, then Network & Internet, then your connection's properties.
- Find 'DNS server assignment' and choose Edit, then Manual.
- Turn on IPv4 and enter 1.1.1.1 as preferred and 1.0.0.1 as alternate.
- Save, then flush your DNS cache so the change takes effect.
macOS
- Open System Settings, then Network, and select your active connection.
- Click Details, then DNS.
- Remove the existing entries and add 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
- Click OK, then Apply.
Your router (covers every device)
- Open your router's settings by entering its IP in a browser (often 192.168.1.1).
- Sign in, then find the DNS or WAN settings.
- Replace the DNS servers with 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
- Save and reboot the router.
iPhone and Android
- iPhone: Settings, Wi-Fi, tap your network, Configure DNS, switch to Manual, add 1.1.1.1.
- Android: Settings, Network & internet, Private DNS, choose 'Private DNS provider hostname' and enter one.one.one.one for Cloudflare.