How to Change Your Router's DNS Server

How to Change Your Router's DNS Server

DNS (Domain Name System) translates website names like 'google.com' into IP addresses that computers understand. By default, your router uses your ISP's DNS servers, which can be slow or used for content filtering. Switching to a faster public DNS server can speed up browsing and improve privacy.

Popular DNS Servers

• Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 — fastest globally, strong privacy policy
• Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 — fast and reliable globally
• OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 — optional parental controls
• Quad9: 9.9.9.9 — blocks known malicious domains

How to Change DNS on Your Router

1. Log into your router admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Navigate to the WAN or Internet settings section.
3. Find the DNS server settings. They may be labelled 'Primary DNS', 'DNS 1', or 'Preferred DNS Server'.
4. Change the DNS to your preferred server (e.g., 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare).
5. Add a secondary DNS as backup (e.g., 1.0.0.1).
6. Save the settings and reboot your router if required.

Why Change DNS at the Router Level?

Changing DNS on the router applies the setting to every device on your network automatically — you do not need to configure each device individually. This is the most efficient way to switch DNS for your whole household.

Testing Your New DNS

Visit fast.com or run a ping test to a domain name after changing DNS to verify the new servers are working. You can also use the DNS Leak Test tool to confirm your traffic is going through the correct DNS provider.