Network settings screen showing DNS server fields being changed to 1.1.1.1

Domain Management

How to Change DNS Server on Windows, Mac, Android, and Router

Domain 360 Team

·July 7, 2026·7 min read

By default, your device uses DNS servers provided by your ISP — usually set automatically when you connect. ISP DNS is functional but often slower, less private, and less reliable than public alternatives. Switching takes two minutes and the change takes effect immediately.

Quick answer: Changing your DNS server to Cloudflare or Google takes about two minutes and can improve reliability, speed, and privacy. Here is exactly how to do it on every device.

The two most popular alternatives are Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Google (8.8.8.8). For security-focused users, Quad9 (9.9.9.9) adds automatic blocking of malware and phishing domains.

Windows 11

Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1

Click Save. The change applies immediately.

Windows 10

Control Panel, Network and Sharing Center, Change adapter settings. Right-click your active connection, Properties. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), click Properties. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses. Enter 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Click OK through all dialogs.

macOS

System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS), Network. Click your active connection, then Details. Click the DNS tab. Click the + button and add 1.1.1.1, then add 1.0.0.1. Move them above any existing entries using the - button to remove old ISP values if desired. Click OK, then Apply.

Android (Android 9 and above — recommended method)

Settings, Network and internet, Private DNS, Private DNS provider hostname. Enter: one.one.one.one for Cloudflare or dns.google for Google. Save.

This uses encrypted DNS over TLS — better privacy than the plain-text DNS that the IP address method uses. Our guide on Private DNS and DNS over HTTPS explains the difference.

iPhone and iPad

Settings, Wi-Fi, tap the i icon next to your connected network, Configure DNS, Manual. Delete the existing entries and add 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Save.

Note: this changes DNS only for the current Wi-Fi network. You would need to repeat for each network, or use a DNS configuration profile for system-wide encrypted DNS.

Router (Covers All Devices on Your Network)

Changing DNS on the router is the most efficient approach — every device automatically uses the new DNS without individual configuration.

Open a browser and navigate to your router admin page — typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (check the label on your router if unsure). Log in with your admin credentials.

Find the DNS settings — usually under WAN settings, Internet settings, or Advanced settings depending on your router brand. Look for Primary DNS and Secondary DNS fields. Enter 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Save and apply.

Restart the router. All connected devices now use Cloudflare DNS automatically.

What Should You Do After Changing DNS?

Flush your DNS cache to ensure the device immediately uses the new server for all lookups rather than old cached results. Windows: ipconfig /flushdns. Mac: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.

Test the change by visiting a website you have not visited recently — first visits require a fresh DNS lookup and confirm the new server is working. If everything loads normally, the change is successful.

Quick Answers

Which DNS server should I use?

Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 are the best choice for most people — fastest globally according to independent benchmarks, with a strong privacy policy committing not to sell query data. Google 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 are highly reliable with massive infrastructure. Quad9 9.9.9.9 adds malware and phishing domain blocking at the DNS level.

Will changing my DNS affect my internet speed?

It can improve it. DNS lookup speed affects how quickly your browser starts loading each new website — the initial lookup is usually the slowest part of a first visit. Faster DNS resolvers like Cloudflare typically reduce this by a measurable amount. Download speeds, streaming quality, and ping are not affected.

How do I change DNS on a router?

Log in to your router admin panel (typically at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a browser), find the DNS settings section, and replace the current values with 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (or 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). Save and restart the router. This changes DNS for every device connected to your network.

Is changing DNS server safe?

Yes. You are changing which server translates domain names to IP addresses — not the websites you visit or the connection itself. Using reputable public DNS servers like Cloudflare and Google is generally safer than your ISP default, which may be monitored, logged, or compromised more easily. Using a VPN alongside DNS changes provides additional coverage.

How do I change DNS on Android?

In Android 9 and above, use Private DNS: Settings, Network and internet, Private DNS, Private DNS provider hostname. Enter one.one.one.one for Cloudflare or dns.google for Google. This uses encrypted DNS over TLS. On older Android, change DNS in the Wi-Fi network settings by switching from DHCP to Static and entering DNS values.

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