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How to Change DNS Server Settings on Home Computer Networks

Alternative DNS servers can boost speed and security

By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 6, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi & Wireless

What to Know

To change a DNS server, enter the chosen IP numbers into the appropriate fields of the router.The exact fields to use vary, depending on the type of device. This article explains how to change the DNS (domain name system) settings on your home network. You don't need to be a programmer to use a Raspberry Pi. Richard Saville

Choose a DNS Service

Internet connections rely on DNS to translate names such as lifewire.com into public IP addresses. To use DNS, computers and other home network devices must be configured with DNS servers' addresses. Internet providers supply DNS server addresses to their customers as part of setting up the service. Typically, these values are configured automatically on the broadband modem or broadband router via DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol). Large internet providers maintain their own DNS servers. Several free internet DNS services exist as alternatives. Some people prefer to use certain DNS servers over others for reliability, security, or better name lookup performance.

Change DNS Server Addresses

You can set several DNS settings for your broadband router's home network (or other network gateway device). Changing a DNS server requires only entering the chosen IP numbers into the appropriate fields of the router or other specific device configuration page. Yaplex, Inc. The exact fields to use vary, depending on the type of device. Here are some examples of the fields: D-Link routers: Primary DNS server and Secondary DNS serverLinksys routers: Static DNS 1 and Static DNS 2Netgear routers: Primary DNS and Secondary DNSWindows devices: TCP/IP properties of the network connection, Preferred DNS server, and Alternate DNS serverMac OSX and macOS: System Preferences > Network > Advanced > DNS tab for the network connectionApple iOS and Android: DNS section of Wi-Fi settings When you change DNS server addresses on a specific client device, the changes apply to that device only. When DNS addresses are changed on the router or gateway, they apply to all devices connected to that network.

About OpenDNS

OpenDNS uses the public IP addresses 208.67.222.222 (primary) and 208.67.220.220. OpenDNS also provides some IPv6 DNS support using 2620:0:ccc::2 and 2620:0:ccd::2. How you set up OpenDNS varies, depending on the device.

About Google Public DNS

Google Public DNS uses the following public IP addresses: IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844 Google recommends that only users proficient in configuring operating system settings configure the network settings to use Google Public DNS. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The Best Free and Public DNS Servers (October 2022) How to Change DNS Servers on Most Popular Routers How to Change DNS Server Settings What Is an IP Address? How to Change DNS Servers in Windows Can a Router Get a Virus? DNS Servers: What Are They and Why Are They Used? How to Change Your IP Address How to Set Up a Router The IP Addresses Used by Google What Is a Public IP Address? (and How to Find Yours) How to Set Up Port Forwarding How to Find the Default IP Address of a Belkin Router The Best Router Settings for Home Networks Can't Connect to the Internet? Try These 10 Tips How to Set Up PPPoE Internet Access Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies