Skip to content
IP 19216811.blog
Troubleshooting

How to Change Your Router's DNS Server

Switch to a faster or more private DNS server to improve browsing speed and security for every device on your network.

Updated 2026

  1. 1

    Choose a DNS server

    Popular options: Google (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1), or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220).

  2. 2

    Log in to your router

    Open the admin page and sign in.

  3. 3

    Find the DNS settings

    Look under Internet, WAN, or Advanced settings. The field may be labelled Primary DNS and Secondary DNS.

  4. 4

    Enter the new DNS addresses

    Type the preferred and alternate DNS server IPs.

  5. 5

    Save and restart the router

    Apply the changes. For the new DNS to take effect on devices, restart the router.

  6. 6

    Verify the change

    On a device, run nslookup google.com in a terminal and check which server responds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing DNS make my internet faster?
It can reduce lookup time, especially if your ISP's DNS is slow. The actual download speed is unaffected.
Is Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 private?
Cloudflare commits not to log personal data for longer than 24 hours and not to sell it, making it one of the more privacy-focused options.