Introduction: Upgrading Your Assistant

By default, your internet provider (ISP) gives you a DNS server. It works, but it's often like having a personal assistant who takes the longest route to the library and sometimes refuses to give you the books you want. By **Changing Your DNS Server**, you can hire a better assistant like Google or Cloudflare who is faster, more private, and doesn't censor your results.

In this guide, we'll show you how to change your DNS on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices in just a few minutes.

The Best Public DNS Servers

  • Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 (Fastest speed and strong privacy)
  • Google: 8.8.8.8 (Reliable and fast anywhere in the world)
  • Quad9: 9.9.9.9 (Focuses on blocking malicious websites)

How to Change Your DNS

Windows:

  1. Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet/Wi-Fi > Edit IP assignment.
  2. Change to 'Manual' and enter the DNS addresses above.

macOS:

  1. System Settings > Network > Details > DNS.
  2. Click the '+' and add your preferred servers.

iPhone/Android:

  1. Go to Wi-Fi settings and tap the info icon next to your network.
  2. Find 'Configure DNS' or 'DNS' and change it to Manual.

Conclusion

Changing your DNS is one of the easiest ways to improve your daily internet experience. It puts you in control of how your computer finds the web. Test your DNS lookup speed here.