How to Change Your Router’s DNS Settings: A Step-by-Step Guide
Changing your router’s DNS (Domain Name System) settings can significantly improve your internet browsing experience. DNS servers translate domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses that computers use to connect to websites. The default DNS servers provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might not be the fastest or most secure. Switching to alternative DNS servers, such as those offered by Google, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS, can result in faster page loading times, improved security, and enhanced privacy. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of changing your router’s DNS settings, step-by-step.
Why Change Your DNS Settings?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why you might want to change your router’s DNS settings:
* **Faster Browsing Speeds:** Some DNS servers are faster than others. By using a faster DNS server, you can reduce the time it takes to resolve domain names and load web pages.
* **Improved Security:** Some DNS servers offer enhanced security features, such as protection against phishing and malware. These servers can block access to malicious websites, keeping your devices safe.
* **Enhanced Privacy:** Your ISP’s DNS servers can track your browsing activity. Using alternative DNS servers, especially those that prioritize privacy, can help protect your personal information.
* **Bypass Censorship:** In some regions, ISPs may block access to certain websites. Using alternative DNS servers can help bypass these restrictions.
* **More Reliable Service:** ISP’s DNS servers may experience outages or slowdowns. Using alternative DNS servers can provide a more reliable browsing experience.
Understanding DNS Servers
Before we proceed, let’s clarify what DNS servers are and how they work.
When you type a website address (e.g., www.example.com) into your browser, your computer needs to find the corresponding IP address (e.g., 192.0.2.1) to connect to the website’s server. This is where DNS servers come in. They act as a phonebook for the internet, translating domain names into IP addresses.
Your computer typically uses the DNS servers provided by your ISP by default. However, you can change these settings to use alternative DNS servers. There are two ways to do this: on your individual device (e.g., computer, smartphone) or on your router. Changing the DNS settings on your router affects all devices connected to your network, making it a more convenient option.
Choosing the Right DNS Servers
Several excellent public DNS servers are available. Here are some popular options:
* **Google Public DNS:** Known for its speed and reliability.
* Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
* Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
* **Cloudflare DNS:** Focuses on privacy and security, with fast performance.
* Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
* Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1
* **OpenDNS:** Offers customizable filtering and security features.
* Primary DNS: 208.67.222.222
* Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.220
* **Quad9:** Emphasizes security and blocks access to malicious domains.
* Primary DNS: 9.9.9.9
* Secondary DNS: 149.112.112.112
When choosing a DNS server, consider factors such as speed, security, privacy, and reliability. You can use online tools like DNSBench to test the performance of different DNS servers in your area.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Router’s DNS Settings
The process of changing your router’s DNS settings varies depending on the router’s make and model. However, the general steps are similar. Here’s a detailed guide:
**1. Find Your Router’s IP Address (Default Gateway)**
You’ll need your router’s IP address (also known as the default gateway) to access its configuration page. Here’s how to find it on different operating systems:
* **Windows:**
1. Open the Command Prompt (search for “cmd” in the Start menu and press Enter).
2. Type `ipconfig` and press Enter.
3. Look for the “Default Gateway” entry. The IP address listed next to it is your router’s IP address.
* **macOS:**
1. Open System Preferences (click the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”).
2. Click on “Network.”
3. Select your active network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
4. Click on “Advanced.”
5. Go to the “TCP/IP” tab.
6. The router’s IP address is listed next to “Router.”
* **Linux:**
1. Open a terminal.
2. Type `ip route | grep default` and press Enter.
3. The output will show your router’s IP address.
4. Alternatively, type `route -n` and look for the gateway address.
Common router IP addresses include 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, and 10.0.0.1.
**2. Access Your Router’s Configuration Page**
1. Open a web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
2. Type your router’s IP address into the address bar and press Enter.
3. You’ll be prompted to enter your router’s username and password. If you haven’t changed them, try the default credentials. Common default usernames and passwords include:
* Username: admin, Password: password
* Username: admin, Password: (leave blank)
* Username: admin, Password: admin
If you don’t know your router’s username and password, check the router’s documentation or the manufacturer’s website. You might also be able to reset the router to its factory settings (usually by pressing and holding a small button on the back of the router) to restore the default credentials. **Be careful when resetting your router, as it will erase any custom configurations.**
**3. Locate the DNS Settings**
Once you’re logged into your router’s configuration page, you’ll need to find the DNS settings. The location of these settings varies depending on the router’s manufacturer and model. Look for sections like:
* **Internet:** This is a common place to find DNS settings.
* **WAN (Wide Area Network):** Similar to Internet settings.
* **Network:** This section might contain DNS configuration.
* **Basic Settings:** Some routers have DNS settings in a basic configuration area.
* **DHCP Server:** Occasionally, DNS settings are found within the DHCP server configuration.
* **Advanced Settings:** Check here if you can’t find it elsewhere. Many routers hide more advanced options under this category.
Within these sections, look for settings related to DNS servers, DNS addresses, or DNS configuration.
**4. Change the DNS Settings**
1. Once you’ve found the DNS settings, you’ll usually see two fields: “Primary DNS Server” and “Secondary DNS Server.” These are the settings you need to change.
2. Enter the IP addresses of your chosen DNS servers into these fields.
* For example, if you’re using Google Public DNS, enter 8.8.8.8 in the “Primary DNS Server” field and 8.8.4.4 in the “Secondary DNS Server” field.
* If using Cloudflare DNS, enter 1.1.1.1 in the “Primary DNS Server” field and 1.0.0.1 in the “Secondary DNS Server” field.
3. **Important:** Before making changes, note down the existing DNS server addresses, or take a screenshot of the original configuration, in case you need to revert to the default settings.
4. **Disable Obtain DNS Server Automatically:** In some cases, you might need to disable an option like “Obtain DNS Server Automatically” or “Get DNS Automatically from ISP” before you can manually enter the DNS server addresses. The exact wording varies between router manufacturers.
**5. Save Your Changes**
After entering the new DNS server addresses, save your changes. Look for a button labeled “Save,” “Apply,” “Submit,” or something similar. The router may need to reboot for the changes to take effect. Some routers automatically reboot after saving the settings; others require you to manually reboot them.
**6. Reboot Your Router**
If your router doesn’t reboot automatically, manually reboot it by unplugging it from the power outlet for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in.
**7. Clear Your DNS Cache**
After changing your router’s DNS settings, it’s a good idea to clear your computer’s DNS cache to ensure that you’re using the new DNS servers. Here’s how to do it on different operating systems:
* **Windows:**
1. Open the Command Prompt (search for “cmd” in the Start menu and press Enter).
2. Type `ipconfig /flushdns` and press Enter.
3. You should see a message that says “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”
* **macOS:**
1. Open Terminal (search for “Terminal” in Spotlight or find it in Applications > Utilities).
2. The command to flush the DNS cache depends on the macOS version:
* **macOS Sierra (10.12) and later:** `sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder`
* **macOS Yosemite (10.10) and El Capitan (10.11):** `sudo discoveryutil mdnsflushcache; sudo discoveryutil udnsflushcaches; say flushed`
* **macOS Mavericks (10.9):** `sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder`
* **macOS Mountain Lion (10.8) and Lion (10.7):** `sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder`
3. Enter your administrator password when prompted.
* **Linux:**
1. The command to flush the DNS cache depends on the distribution and the DNS resolver being used.
2. **Systemd-resolved:** `sudo systemd-resolve –flush-caches`
3. **Nscd:** `sudo /etc/init.d/nscd restart` or `sudo service nscd restart`
4. **Dnsmasq:** `sudo /etc/init.d/dnsmasq restart` or `sudo service dnsmasq restart`
**8. Verify the New DNS Settings**
To verify that you’re using the new DNS servers, you can use online tools like DNS Leak Test ([https://www.dnsleaktest.com/](https://www.dnsleaktest.com/)). This website will show you which DNS servers your computer is using.
Alternatively, you can use the command line:
* **Windows:**
1. Open the Command Prompt.
2. Type `nslookup google.com` and press Enter.
3. The output will show the DNS server being used to resolve google.com. Check if it matches the DNS server you configured.
* **macOS and Linux:**
1. Open Terminal.
2. Type `nslookup google.com` and press Enter.
3. The output will show the DNS server being used.
**Troubleshooting**
* **Cannot Access Router’s Configuration Page:**
* Make sure you’re using the correct IP address.
* Double-check the username and password.
* Try a different web browser.
* Ensure your computer is connected to the router’s network.
* If all else fails, try resetting the router to its factory settings (but remember this will erase your current configurations).
* **Internet Not Working After Changing DNS Settings:**
* Double-check that you entered the DNS server addresses correctly.
* Make sure you disabled “Obtain DNS Server Automatically” if necessary.
* Try using a different set of DNS servers.
* Revert to your ISP’s default DNS settings to see if that resolves the issue.
* **DNS Leak Detected:**
* A DNS leak occurs when your DNS queries are still being routed through your ISP’s DNS servers, even after you’ve changed your router’s DNS settings. This can happen if your VPN isn’t configured correctly or if your operating system is overriding your router’s DNS settings.
* Ensure your VPN is properly configured and that it’s not leaking DNS requests.
* Check your operating system’s network settings to make sure it’s not configured to use specific DNS servers that override the router’s settings.
Router-Specific Instructions (Examples)
While the general steps are the same, the exact interface and terminology can differ significantly between router brands and models. Here are some brief examples:
* **TP-Link:** Typically found under `Advanced > Network > DHCP Server`. You’ll specify the primary and secondary DNS there. Make sure `Get Automatically` is disabled.
* **Netgear:** Often located under `Internet > Domain Name Server (DNS) Address`. Select `Use These DNS Servers` and input the primary and secondary DNS addresses.
* **Linksys:** You might find it under `Connectivity > Internet Settings > Edit`. Look for DNS settings there. Ensure DHCP is enabled.
* **ASUS:** Under `WAN > Internet Connection`. You can set the DNS server addresses under the `DNS Server` section. Set `Connect to DNS Server automatically` to `No`.
* **D-Link:** Found in `Setup > Internet > Manual Internet Connection Setup`. Look for the Primary DNS Server and Secondary DNS Server fields.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Dual-Band Routers:** If you have a dual-band router (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), you might need to configure the DNS settings for each band separately.
* **Guest Networks:** If you have a guest network enabled, it might have its own DNS settings that need to be configured.
* **IPv6:** If your network uses IPv6, you’ll also need to configure the IPv6 DNS settings. The process is similar to configuring IPv4 DNS settings, but you’ll need to use IPv6 DNS server addresses.
* **Dynamic DNS (DDNS):** If you use a dynamic DNS service, changing your router’s DNS settings might affect its functionality. Consult your DDNS provider’s documentation for instructions on how to configure it with your new DNS servers.
Conclusion
Changing your router’s DNS settings is a relatively simple process that can have a significant impact on your internet browsing experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can improve your browsing speeds, enhance your security, and protect your privacy. Remember to choose DNS servers that meet your specific needs and to test your settings after making changes to ensure that everything is working correctly. Always keep a record of your original DNS settings in case you need to revert to them. By taking the time to configure your router’s DNS settings, you can optimize your internet connection and enjoy a faster, safer, and more private browsing experience.