How to Change Your Router DNS Settings

Changing your router's DNS settings can speed up your internet browsing and give you access to websites that might be blocked. Most routers use your internet provider's DNS servers by default, but you can switch to faster options like Google DNS or Cloudflare. Here's how to do it on any router brand.

What Are DNS Settings and Why Change Them?

DNS (Domain Name System) servers translate website names like google.com into IP addresses your device can understand. When you type a website name, your router asks a DNS server where to find it. Faster DNS servers mean websites load quicker.

Your internet provider assigns DNS servers automatically, but these aren't always the fastest. Popular alternatives include:

• Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
• OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220

Changing DNS settings on your router affects all devices connected to your network at once. You won't need to change settings on each phone, laptop, or tablet individually.

Finding Your Router's IP Address

First, you need to access your router's admin panel. Most routers use one of these IP addresses:

• 192.168.1.1
• 192.168.0.1
• 10.0.0.1

If you're not sure which one your router uses, check the sticker on the router or visit our What Is My IP tool to find your gateway address.

You can also find your router's IP address on Windows by opening Command Prompt and typing "ipconfig". Look for the "Default Gateway" address.

Logging Into Your Router

Open a web browser and type your router's IP address in the address bar. You'll see a login screen asking for a username and password.

Common default login combinations include:

• Username: admin, Password: admin
• Username: admin, Password: password
• Username: admin, Password: (blank)

If the defaults don't work, check the router label or visit our router login guides:

• Netgear router login
• TP-Link router login
• Asus router login

Changing DNS Settings on Different Router Brands

Netgear Routers

After logging in to your Netgear router:

1. Click "Advanced" in the main menu
2. Select "Setup" from the left sidebar
3. Choose "Internet Setup"
4. Look for the "Domain Name Server (DNS) Address" section
5. Select "Use these DNS servers" instead of "Get automatically from ISP"
6. Enter your preferred DNS addresses in the Primary and Secondary fields
7. Click "Apply" to save changes

TP-Link Routers

On TP-Link routers with the newer interface:

1. Go to "Advanced" tab
2. Click "Network" in the left menu
3. Select "Internet"
4. Scroll down to find "Primary DNS" and "Secondary DNS"
5. Change from "Obtain DNS automatically" to "Use the following DNS addresses"
6. Enter your DNS server addresses
7. Click "Save"

For older TP-Link interfaces:

1. Go to "Network" menu
2. Click "WAN" or "Internet"
3. Find the DNS section
4. Uncheck "Use ISP DNS servers"
5. Enter your preferred DNS addresses
6. Click "Connect" or "Save"

Asus Routers

Asus routers make DNS changes simple:

1. Click "Advanced Settings" on the left
2. Go to "WAN" section
3. Look for "WAN DNS Setting"
4. Select "No" for "Connect to DNS Server automatically"
5. Enter DNS server 1 and DNS server 2
6. Click "Apply"

Linksys Routers

For Linksys Smart WiFi routers:

1. Click "Smart WiFi Tools"
2. Select "Internet Settings"
3. Choose "Edit" next to your internet connection
4. Look for "Static DNS" settings
5. Enter your DNS server addresses
6. Click "Save"

D-Link Routers

On D-Link routers:

1. Go to "Setup" menu
2. Click "Internet"
3. Select your connection type tab
4. Find "Primary DNS Address" and "Secondary DNS Address"
5. Enter your preferred DNS servers
6. Click "Save Settings"

Recommended DNS Server Options

Google Public DNS

Google's DNS servers are fast and reliable worldwide. Use these addresses:

• Primary: 8.8.8.8
• Secondary: 8.8.4.4

Cloudflare DNS

Cloudflare focuses on privacy and speed. Their servers are:

• Primary: 1.1.1.1
• Secondary: 1.0.0.1

OpenDNS

OpenDNS offers content filtering and security features:

• Primary: 208.67.222.222
• Secondary: 208.67.220.220

Quad9 DNS

Quad9 blocks malicious websites automatically:

• Primary: 9.9.9.9
• Secondary: 149.112.112.112

Testing Your New DNS Settings

After changing your DNS settings, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This ensures all devices get the new DNS information.

To test if the changes worked:

1. Open a web browser on any connected device
2. Visit a website you haven't been to recently
3. Notice if pages load faster than before

You can also use online tools to check which DNS servers you're using. Visit whatismyipaddress.com and look for DNS information.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Router Won't Save DNS Settings

If your router doesn't save the new DNS addresses:

• Make sure you're clicking "Save" or "Apply" after entering the addresses
• Try using a different web browser
• Clear your browser cache and cookies
• Restart the router and try again

Internet Stops Working

If you lose internet after changing DNS settings:

• Go back to your router settings
• Change DNS back to "Automatic" or "Obtain automatically"
• Save the settings and restart your router
• Double-check the DNS addresses you entered for typos

Some Websites Won't Load

Certain DNS servers might block some websites. If you can't reach specific sites, try switching to different DNS servers or contact your internet provider.

Alternative Method: Changing DNS on Individual Devices

If you can't change DNS settings on your router, you can change them on individual devices instead. This works for computers, phones, and tablets, but you'll need to change each device separately.

Visit our guide on router IP addresses if you're having trouble accessing your router's settings page.

When to Reset DNS Settings

You might want to reset DNS settings back to automatic if:

• Your internet becomes slower instead of faster
• You can't access certain websites or services
• Your internet provider requires specific DNS settings
• You're experiencing connection problems

To reset, simply change the DNS settings back to "Automatic" or "Obtain from ISP" and save the changes.

Changing your router's DNS settings is a simple way to potentially speed up your internet and access blocked content. Most routers make this process straightforward once you know where to look. Remember to test your internet speed before and after the change to see if the new DNS servers work better for your location and internet provider.