# How to Change DNS Settings on PC and Smartphone

**URL:** https://www.compsmag.com/blogs/change-dns-settings/
**Author:** Ayushi Chauhan
**Published:** 2023-03-17
**Updated:** 2023-03-17
**Categories:** Blogs
**Reading Time:** 5 min

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If your internet connection is slow or you are having trouble accessing certain websites, there is probably a problem with your how to Change DNS Settings on PC and [Smartphone](https://compsmag.com/best/smartphone/). DNS server is the only available immediate fix. Altering your DNS server and configuring a private DNS not only protects you from malicious websites but also expedites operations.

However, understanding DNS is crucial before learning how to modify the DNS server on [Android](https://compsmag.com/best/android-phone/), iOS, Mac, and [Windows](https://compsmag.com/best/windows-apps/). Let's get going. A dictionary of IP addresses for Domain Name Servers makes up the DNS, or domain naming system. There is an IP address connected to every DNS. Simply put, IP address is machine-readable while DNS is the human-readable format that machines cannot understand.

These IP addresses are merely codes that [computers](https://compsmag.com/best/computers/)on the internet use to speak to one another. Since people have trouble remembering numbers, using IP addresses when browsing the internet becomes very annoying. So DNS was developed to make our lives easier. You only need to enter the domain name at this point to get where you want to go.

## Change DNS Settings on Mac

1. Select **System** Preferences from the Apple menu
2. Select Network
3. Highlight the **Wi-Fi connection** and click the Advanced button
4. Click the DNS tab
5. Use the **plus**-sign (+) button to add both IPv4 and IPv6 DNS addresses
6. Use the **minus**-sign (–) button to remove any existing addresses
7. Tap ‘**OK**’ and hit the ‘Apply’ option to save the settings

## Steps to Change DNS Settings on Windows

1. Press the **Windows key **and** open the “settings” menu**, then click on **“network & internet.”**
2. Choose either** the “WiFi” or “Ethernet” tab**, depending on your internet connection. Within that tab, **select the network you’re connected to**.
3. Scroll down** to “IP settings”** and click on the** “edit” button** under** “IP assignment.”**
4. Change your **IP settings to “manual”** and **toggle on the “IPv4” option**.
5. Under “preferred DNS,” **enter the IP address of your preferred DNS server**. For example, *1.1.1.1* is Cloudflare’s primary DNS server address. Next, **enter the secondary DNS server’s IP** (*1.0.0.1* for Cloudflare). You can find these DNS addresses on the provider’s website. Finally, **click “save” **and** reboot your device**.

you can visit [Microsoft support center](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us) for further help.

## Changed DNS Settings on Android

1. Open **Android’s settings** and **tap on “connections.”**
2. Tap on **“more connection settings.”**
3. Tap on **“private DNS.”**
4. Select **“private DNS provider hostname”** and **add the hostname of the service you chose**. Keep in mind that **this is not the same as the DNS server address**. For example, one.one.one.one is Cloudflare’s hostname. Finally, just **tap on “save”** to apply the settings.

## Change DNS Settings on iPhone/iP

1. Go to **Settings**>**Wi-FI**settings
2. Click the ‘i‘ **button**next to the connected 
3. Browse to the DNS settings section and hit the ‘Configure DNS’ option
4. **Change**the settings from Automatic to Manual
5. Click the red minus (–) sign to delete the existing addresses
6. Tap Add Server and enter the DNS IP address, and repeat the process for adding a **secondary**DNS server
7. Add DNS server such as 8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4 for IPv4 and 2001:4860:4860::8888 and/or 2001:4860:4860::8844 for IPv6 to DNS-over-HTTPS IP address area

## Why Should You Change Your DNS Servers?

- **Eliminate**DNS errors
- Increase response times between your **computer**and DNS servers
- Have the ability to access blocked websites
- **Provide**protection for your information and computer against phishing and malicious attacks.
- **Eliminate**DNS errors
- Increase response times between your **computer**and DNS servers
- Have the ability to access blocked websites
- **Provide protection**for your information and computer against phishing and malicious attacks.

## FAQ

#### Does changing DNS server affect other devices?

I have good news and bad news about changing your router to a quick, secure DNS server. The good news is that every connected device will be affected if you make the change to your router's settings. Mind you, not just computers and smartphones, but also internet-enabled lightbulbs, smart baby monitors, and video doorbells.

#### Is 1.1 1.1 still the fastest DNS?

The public DNS resolver 1.1.1.1 is run by Cloudflare and provides a quick and private way to browse the Internet. The majority of DNS resolvers sell user information to advertisers, but 1.1.1.1 does not. Furthermore, 1.1.1.1 has been found to be the fastest DNS resolver currently in use.

#### Which DNS server is fastest?

The fastest DNS service in the entire world, according to independent DNS monitor DNSPerf, is 1.1.1.1. By selecting the fastest DNS directory across all of your devices, you can speed up almost everything you do online because almost everything you do online begins with a DNS request.

#### How do I reset my DNS settings on Android?

Through your browser, you can quickly clear the DNS cache on your Android device. Simply go to your browser's settings and clear the cache and browsing history, and the issue should be resolved. Additionally, you can do this by visiting Settings->Apps->Browser (the browser app you are using).

#### How do I reset my Windows DNS?

1. Using the Start Menu at the lower left corner of your screen: ...
2. Enter CMD into the text box and then select the Command Prompt program.
3. A new black window will appear. ...
4. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press ENTER (please note: there is a space between ipconfig and /flushdns)
5. Restart your computer.

#### Does using Google's DNS 8.8 8.8 make my Internet faster?

Although there is no assurance that Google DNS works faster, the likelihood is that it does. One user changed their DNS settings and ran a speed test. They discovered that Google's first DNS server, 8.8, was 10.3% faster than the default server when it was set to 8.8.

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