If your internet feels slow, some websites won’t load, or you’re concerned about privacy and online safety, there’s a simple solution you might not know about: changing your DNS server.
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It’s like a phonebook for the internet. Every time you visit a website, your device asks a DNS server to find the correct IP address. Most people use the default DNS from their Internet Service Provider (ISP), but it’s not always the best option.
Switching to a better DNS server can make your internet faster, safer, and more private. Let’s take a closer look at why you should consider making this change.
Faster Internet Browsing
One of the biggest benefits of changing your DNS server is improved speed. Your ISP’s DNS servers may be slow, overloaded, or poorly maintained. This can delay how quickly your device connects to websites. When you switch to a public DNS service like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1), your device can find websites more quickly. These services utilize fast, reliable servers located worldwide. As a result, web pages may load faster, and streaming or gaming can become smoother.
Better Protection from Online Threats
Changing your DNS server can also protect you from dangerous websites. Some public DNS services automatically block websites that are known to spread viruses, scams, or phishing attacks. For example, Quad9 DNS (9.9.9.9) checks every website you try to visit against a list of known threats. If a site is dangerous, it won’t load at all. This can help you avoid fake websites and harmful downloads without needing any extra software.
Services like OpenDNS even allow you to block specific types of content, making it a great option for families or schools.
More Privacy While Browsing
Your ISP can track every website you visit through their DNS servers—even if you’re in incognito or private mode. This means your browsing history can be logged or sold to advertisers. To avoid this, you can use a privacy-focused DNS service. Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1), for example, promises not to track your browsing activity and deletes all logs within 24 hours.
If you care about online privacy and don’t want your internet habits to be monitored, switching to a DNS that doesn’t store data is a smart choice.
Access to Blocked or Restricted Websites
In some countries or workplaces, certain websites are blocked by the internet provider. This can include news sites, social media, or video platforms. These blocks often happen at the DNS level. When you switch to a public DNS, you may be able to access websites that were previously blocked.
This gives you more freedom to browse the internet the way you want. Keep in mind that while a DNS change can help with basic restrictions, it may not work for all types of content blocking. For stronger unblocking, a VPN might be needed.
More Control Over Your Internet Experience
Some DNS services offer extra features that let you control what happens on your network. For example, if you’re a parent, you might want to block adult content or social media sites. Services like OpenDNS Family Shield or AdGuard DNS let you do that easily. They also block ads and trackers, which can make websites load faster and protect your privacy at the same time. These tools are helpful if you want to create a safer or cleaner internet environment for your home, office, or school.
How to Change Your DNS Server
Changing your DNS server is simple and takes just a few minutes. You can do it on your Wi-Fi router to apply the change to all devices, or on individual devices like a phone, tablet, or computer. For example, on a Windows computer, go to the Control Panel, open Network and Sharing Center, and click on your active connection. From there, go to Properties, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), and enter a new DNS address, such as 8.8.8.8 for Google DNS or 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare. Click OK, and you’re done.
Changing your DNS server is a simple, free way to improve your internet experience. It can help your device find websites faster, protect you from dangerous content, give you more privacy, and even unlock websites that are blocked. Whether you’re looking to boost speed, increase security, or take back control of your online activity, switching to a better DNS server is an easy step anyone can take.
If you’ve never tried it before, consider using reliable options like Google DNS, Cloudflare, or Quad9, and see the difference for yourself.
