How to Change DNS Server: Fast & Safe Internet Guide (2026)

Have you ever sat in front of your computer, watching a loading circle spin for what feels like an eternity? It’s frustrating, right? You pay for high-speed internet, yet your favorite websites still crawl, or worse, you get those annoying connection error messages.

Here’s a little secret that internet service providers (ISPs) don’t usually tell you: the problem might not be your speed. It might be your map.

Imagine trying to find a new restaurant without a GPS, just using an old, tattered paper map. That’s essentially what your ISP’s default Domain Name System (DNS) is doing. It translates website names (like google.com) into computer-friendly IP addresses. But if that translator is slow, outdated, or unreliable, your entire internet experience suffers.

I’ve been working in IT and network administration for over a decade, and changing DNS settings is one of the first troubleshooting steps I take when a network feels sluggish or “off.” It’s a simple tweak that takes five minutes but can drastically improve speed, reliability, and even security.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through exactly how to change your DNS server on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and even your router. No jargon, no confusion—just clear steps to get your internet running the way it should.

What Is a DNS Server and Why Would You Change It?

To understand why we’re doing this, we need to understand what’s happening under the hood. The Domain Name System (DNS) is often called the “phonebook of the internet.”

What DNS does behind the scenes

Computers don’t speak English; they speak numbers. When you type www.skynethosting.net into your browser, your computer doesn’t inherently know where that is. It needs an IP address (like 192.0.2.1) to locate the server hosting the website.

Your computer sends a request to a DNS server asking, “Where is skynethosting.net?” The server looks up the IP address and sends it back. This happens in milliseconds. However, if you visit hundreds of pages a day, those milliseconds add up. A slow DNS server adds a delay to every single click you make.

Common problems caused by default ISP DNS

When you sign up for internet service, your ISP automatically assigns their own DNS servers to your modem. While this is convenient, it’s rarely the best option.

ISP-managed servers are often overcrowded, leading to latency (lag). Furthermore, many ISPs use their DNS to track your browsing history to sell data to advertisers, or to block access to certain websites. If you’ve ever typed in a wrong web address and landed on a search page full of ads provided by your ISP, that’s their DNS hijacking your traffic.

Benefits of using custom DNS servers

Switching to a third-party public DNS server is like upgrading from a bicycle to a sports car. Here is what you gain:

Speed: Providers like Google or Cloudflare have massive global networks, ensuring the lookup process is lightning fast.
Reliability: Third-party providers rarely go down. If your ISP’s DNS crashes, your internet might look broken even if the connection is fine.
Privacy: Many custom DNS providers promise not to log your browsing data.
Security: Some services automatically block known phishing sites and malware before they even load.

When Is Changing Your DNS Server Recommended?

You don’t always need to mess with network settings. However, there are specific scenarios where I strongly advise making the switch.

Slow browsing and website loading issues

If your download speeds are high (according to speed tests) but websites still take a few seconds to “start” loading, that “wait time” is usually the DNS lookup lagging. If the initial handshake takes too long, the fastest fiber connection in the world won’t make browsing feel snappy.

DNS errors and connectivity problems

Have you ever seen the error DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN or “Server Not Found”? If this happens frequently across different websites, your current DNS server is likely timing out or failing to resolve addresses correctly.

Security, privacy, and content filtering needs

For parents or business owners, changing DNS is a great way to filter the web without expensive software. Services like OpenDNS Family Shield can block adult content across your entire house simply by changing the DNS settings on your router. Similarly, if you don’t want your ISP tracking every move you make, switching to a private DNS is a necessary first step.

Which Public DNS Servers Are Best to Use?

There are dozens of options, but I recommend sticking to the big, trusted players for the best results.

Google DNS vs Cloudflare DNS

These are the two titans of the industry.

Google Public DNS:
- Primary: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary: 8.8.4.4
- Verdict: Extremely reliable and fast. Great for general use.
Cloudflare DNS:
- Primary: 1.1.1.1
- Secondary: 1.0.0.1
- Verdict: Often benchmarks as the fastest DNS in the world. They also have a strong stance on privacy, deleting logs after 24 hours.

OpenDNS and privacy-focused DNS options

If you want more control, OpenDNS (owned by Cisco) is a fantastic choice.

OpenDNS Home:
- Primary: 208.67.222.222
- Secondary: 208.67.220.220
- Verdict: Excellent for security and blocking malicious sites.

Choosing the right DNS based on your needs

If you are a gamer or streamer wanting raw speed, go with Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). If you are troubleshooting connectivity and want the most stable option possible, Google (8.8.8.8) is your best bet. If you want to prevent your kids from stumbling onto bad sites, set up OpenDNS.

How Can You Change DNS Server on Windows?

Let’s get into the “how-to.” Whether you are on Windows 10 or 11, the process is very similar.

DNS change via Network Settings

Open the Start Menu and type “Network status,” then press Enter.
Click on Change adapter options (or “Advanced network settings” in Windows 11).
Right-click on your active connection (usually Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
Find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) in the list. Highlight it and click Properties.
Select the radio button that says Use the following DNS server addresses.
Enter your preferred DNS (e.g., 1.1.1.1 top and 1.0.0.1 bottom).
Click OK and close the windows.

DNS change using Control Panel

Some users prefer the old-school Control Panel method:

Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
Click on your connection name (blue text) next to “Connections.”
Click Properties and follow the same steps as above (selecting TCP/IPv4).

Verifying DNS changes on Windows

To make sure it worked:

Open Command Prompt (search cmd in Start).
Type ipconfig /all and hit Enter.
Look for “DNS Servers” under your adapter. You should see the numbers you just typed in.

How Can You Change DNS Server on macOS?

Mac users, the process is just as straightforward.

Changing DNS via System Settings

Click the Apple icon in the top left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences).
Click Network.
Select your active network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click Details or Advanced.
Navigate to the DNS tab.

Adding multiple DNS servers

You might see grayed-out IP addresses here—those are the default ones from your router.

Click the + (plus) button at the bottom of the list.
Type in your primary address (e.g., 8.8.8.8) and press Enter.
Click + again and add the secondary address (e.g., 8.8.4.4).
Drag your new addresses to the top of the list to prioritize them.
Click OK and then Apply.

Testing DNS configuration on macOS

Open your Terminal app (Command + Space, type “Terminal”). Type nslookup google.com. The “Server” address listed in the result should match the DNS you just configured.

How Can You Change DNS Server on Android Devices?

Android allows you to change DNS easily for Wi-Fi, but mobile data settings are usually locked by your carrier unless you use a specific “Private DNS” feature.

Changing DNS for Wi-Fi networks

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
Tap the gear icon next to your connected network.
Tap the Pencil icon (Modify) or “Advanced.”
Change IP settings from “DHCP” to Static.
Scroll down to the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields.
Enter your custom IPs and save.

Note: Changing to “Static” requires you to manually set your IP address too, which can be tricky. Using the “Private DNS” feature below is usually easier.

Using Private DNS on Android

Starting with Android 9 (Pie), there is a global setting for this:

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS.
Select Private DNS provider hostname.
Enter the hostname (not the IP numbers).
- For Google: dns.google
- For Cloudflare: 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com
Tap Save. This applies to both Wi-Fi and mobile data!

Common Android DNS issues

If your internet cuts out after changing these settings, you may have a typo in the hostname. Double-check the spelling. Also, some public Wi-Fi networks (like in airports) block custom DNS usage to force you to view their login page. If you can’t connect to public Wi-Fi, turn Private DNS to “Automatic” temporarily.

How Can You Change DNS Server on iPhone and iPad?

iOS devices treat DNS strictly on a per-network basis for Wi-Fi.

DNS changes on Wi-Fi networks

Open Settings > Wi-Fi.
Tap the blue “i” icon next to your connected network.
Scroll down and tap Configure DNS.
Change it from Automatic to Manual.
Tap the red minus sign to remove existing servers.
Tap Add Server and type your new IP addresses.
Tap Save.

Automatic vs manual DNS settings

By default, “Automatic” pulls settings from your router. “Manual” overrides them. Just remember, this only applies to that specific Wi-Fi network. If you go to a friend’s house, you will use their default settings unless you configure it there too.

Resetting DNS if internet stops working

If you mess up the numbers, don’t panic. Just go back to Configure DNS and switch it back to Automatic. Your phone will immediately re-fetch the correct settings from the router.

How Can You Change DNS Server on a Router?

This is the “master key.” If you change the DNS on your router, every device in your house—phones, laptops, smart TVs, gaming consoles—will automatically use the faster DNS.

Why changing DNS at router level matters

It saves time. You don’t have to configure ten different devices. Plus, it covers devices that don’t have DNS settings, like smart light bulbs or older smart TVs, potentially improving their connectivity.

Router DNS setup (general steps)

Every router is different, but the logic is the same:

Find your router’s IP address (usually written on a sticker on the device, often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
Type that IP into your web browser and log in.
Look for a section named WAN, Internet, or Basic Settings.
Find the DNS Settings fields.
Enter your primary and secondary DNS addresses.
Click Save or Apply. Your router will likely reboot.

ISP router limitations and workarounds

Some ISPs lock their provided modems so you cannot change the DNS settings. If you can’t find the option, you are likely stuck. The workaround is to buy your own high-quality router and plug it into the ISP modem, or configure the DNS on each device individually.

How Can You Change DNS Server for a Website or Domain?

Changing DNS on a computer helps you browse faster. Changing DNS for a domain (like yourbusiness.com) controls where the world finds your website. This is vital for website owners.

DNS change at domain registrar

If you bought a domain from a registrar (like Namecheap or GoDaddy), you log into their dashboard to point the “Nameservers” to your hosting provider.

Log in to your registrar.
Select your domain.
Find Nameservers.
Select Custom DNS.
Enter the nameservers provided by your host (e.g., ns1.skynethosting.net, ns2.skynethosting.net).

DNS change at hosting provider

Once the domain points to your host, you manage specific records (A Records, MX Records for email) inside your hosting control panel, like cPanel. This is where you tell the domain exactly which server IP holds your website files.

Understanding DNS propagation time

When you change domain DNS, it doesn’t happen instantly. It takes time for the new “map” to update across the world. This is called DNS propagation. It can take anywhere from 1 hour to 48 hours. If your site doesn’t load immediately after a switch, be patient.

How Can You Check If DNS Changes Are Working?

You’ve typed in the numbers, but how do you know it’s actually doing anything?

Using command line tools

On Windows, use Command Prompt and type nslookup google.com. If the “Server” or “Address” matches the DNS you set (like 8.8.8.8), you are golden.

Online DNS checking tools

Websites like dnsleaktest.com are fantastic. Run the “Standard Test.” If the results show Google or Cloudflare as the ISP owner of the DNS, you successfully made the switch. If it still shows your home internet provider (e.g., Comcast, AT&T), the settings didn’t save, or your browser is overriding them.

Clearing DNS cache properly

Sometimes your computer remembers the old settings. To force a refresh:

Windows: Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns.
Mac: Open Terminal and type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.

What Problems Can Occur After Changing DNS Servers?

While usually safe, things can go wrong.

DNS not resolving

If you type the IP address incorrectly (even one digit off), the internet will break. You won’t be able to load any webpage. Double-check your numbers.

Email or website access issues

Some workplace networks require you to use their internal DNS to access private servers or intranet sites. If you switch to Google DNS while at work, you might lose access to the office printer or internal file shares.

How to safely roll back DNS changes

The beauty of this process is that it is reversible. If anything acts weird, just go back to the settings menu on your device and switch back to “Obtain DNS server address automatically” (Windows) or “Automatic” (Mac/iOS).

How Does DNS Choice Affect Hosting and Website Performance?

If you are running a business or hosting a website, DNS is critical infrastructure.

DNS speed and website loading

Just like your computer needs a fast DNS to browse, your website needs a fast DNS provider so customers can find you. If your hosting provider has slow nameservers, your site will feel sluggish to new visitors, hurting your SEO rankings.

DNS reliability and uptime

Cheap hosting often comes with cheap DNS. If their nameserver goes down (which happens during DDoS attacks), your website vanishes from the internet until they fix it.

Why hosting-grade DNS matters

Premium hosting isn’t just about disk space; it’s about network quality. High-quality hosts invest in redundant DNS clusters so that if one server fails, another takes over instantly.

Why Skynethosting.net DNS Infrastructure Makes a Difference

At Skynet Hosting, we understand that milliseconds matter. That’s why we don’t just offer space on a server; we offer a robust connectivity ecosystem.

Globally distributed DNS servers

We operate 25 worldwide locations. When you host with us, your DNS lookups are handled by a global network. This means a customer in London gets a fast response from a local server, rather than waiting for a signal to travel all the way from New York.

Faster resolution and higher uptime

Our infrastructure is built on NVMe storage and LiteSpeed servers, which are significantly faster than traditional setups. This speed extends to our DNS resolution, ensuring your visitors get to your content immediately.

Reliable DNS for business and VPS hosting

Whether you are on our cheap budget reseller plans or running a high-powered VPS, you get access to our 24/7 monitored network. We handle the technical heavy lifting—spam filtering, DDoS protection, and DNS management—so you can focus on growing your business.

Conclusion

DNS changes made simple and safe

Changing your DNS server is one of the highest-return “tech hacks” you can do. It costs nothing, takes minutes, and can instantly make your browsing snappier and more secure. Whether you stick with Google for stability or Cloudflare for speed, you are now in control of your internet roadmap.

Choosing the right DNS for long-term performance

Don’t settle for the default. Just as you’d choose the best hosting provider for your website, you should choose the best navigation system for your browsing. And if you are looking for a hosting partner that takes speed and infrastructure seriously, Skynet Hosting is here to help you get started in minutes.