How to Change DNS on Router: Best DNS Servers & Setup Guide (2026)

DNS Configuration Authority Guide

Every time you type a website address into your browser, your device sends a query to a DNS (Domain Name System) server to translate the domain name into a numerical IP address. By default, your router uses the DNS server assigned by your ISP — and this server is often slow, logs your browsing data, and lacks modern security features like DNSSEC or malware filtering.

Changing your router's DNS server to a faster, more private alternative like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google (8.8.8.8) updates this setting for every device on your network simultaneously — smartphones, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and laptops all benefit without requiring individual configuration.

AI Overview Summary

Best DNS Servers for Routers (2026)

DNS Provider	Primary DNS	Secondary DNS	Best For
Cloudflare	1.1.1.1	1.0.0.1	Speed + Privacy (Recommended)
Google Public DNS	8.8.8.8	8.8.4.4	Reliability + Global coverage
OpenDNS	208.67.222.222	208.67.220.220	Parental controls + Security filtering
Quad9	9.9.9.9	149.112.112.112	Malware blocking + Security
Cloudflare Families	1.1.1.3	1.0.0.3	Malware + adult content blocking
AdGuard DNS	94.140.14.14	94.140.15.15	Ad blocking + tracker filtering

Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) is the world's fastest public DNS resolver and does not log personal IP data, making it the top recommendation for both speed and privacy.

Router DNS Settings Navigation by Brand

DNS settings are located in different sections depending on your router manufacturer. The table below shows the exact navigation path for each major brand:

Router Brand	Login Address	DNS Settings Location
TP-Link	tplinkwifi.net	Advanced → Network → DHCP Server → Primary DNS
ASUS	router.asus.com	WAN → Internet Connection → WAN DNS Setting
NETGEAR	routerlogin.net	Basic → Internet → Domain Name Server (DNS) Address
D-Link	192.168.0.1	Setup → Internet → DNS Settings
Huawei	192.168.8.1	Advanced → DNS → Primary/Secondary DNS
Xiaomi	192.168.31.1	Settings → Advanced → LAN Settings → DNS
Linksys	192.168.1.1	Connectivity → Internet Settings → DNS Server
ZTE	192.168.1.1	Network → WAN Settings → DNS Configuration
Tenda	tendawifi.com	Advanced Settings → DHCP Server → Primary DNS

Having trouble logging in to your router? Visit our Router Login Guide or Router Admin Access Guide for step-by-step login instructions for every brand.

Step-by-Step DNS Setup: TP-Link and ASUS Routers

Detailed walkthroughs for the two most popular consumer router brands worldwide:

TP-Link Router DNS Setup

Open a browser. Navigate to tplinkwifi.net or 192.168.0.1.
Log in with your admin credentials (default: admin / admin).
Go to Advanced → Network → DHCP Server.
Enter Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1 and Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1.
Click Save. Power cycle the router.

ASUS Router DNS Setup

Open a browser. Navigate to router.asus.com or 192.168.1.1.
Log in with your ASUS admin credentials.
Go to WAN → Internet Connection.
Toggle Connect to DNS Server Automatically to No.
Enter DNS Server 1: 1.1.1.1 and DNS Server 2: 1.0.0.1. Click Apply.

How to Change DNS on Android and iPhone

Configure DNS settings directly on your smartphone when you want to apply changes only for your device, or when connected to public Wi-Fi where router access is unavailable.

Android — Private DNS (Android 9+)

Go to Settings → Network & Internet.
Tap Private DNS.
Select Private DNS provider hostname.
Enter one.one.one.one for Cloudflare or dns.google for Google.
Tap Save.

Applies DNS over TLS globally for all networks on this device.

iPhone / iOS — Manual DNS

Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
Tap the (i) icon next to your Wi-Fi network.
Scroll to Configure DNS → select Manual.
Tap Add Server → enter 1.1.1.1.
Tap Add Server → enter 1.0.0.1.
Remove the old ISP DNS server entries. Tap Save.

Configuration applies per Wi-Fi network. Repeat for each network.

Best DNS for Gaming: PS5, Xbox, and PC Configuration

Setting a faster DNS server on your gaming console can reduce matchmaking times, lower latency to game servers, and improve download speeds from PSN or Xbox Live CDN. Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) is the top choice for gaming due to its globally low average latency.

PlayStation 5 DNS Setup

Go to Settings → Network.
Select Settings → Set Up Internet Connection.
Press Options → Advanced Settings.
Set DNS Settings to Manual.
Primary: 1.1.1.1, Secondary: 1.0.0.1.

→ PS5 NAT Fix Guide

Xbox Series X/S DNS Setup

Go to Settings → General → Network Settings.
Select Advanced Settings → DNS Settings → Manual.
Primary: 1.1.1.1, Secondary: 1.0.0.1.
Press B to save changes.

→ Xbox Open NAT Guide

Windows PC DNS Setup

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced Network Settings.
Click your active adapter → Edit → Manual → IPv4.
Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1, Alternate: 1.0.0.1.
Click Save.

→ Best DNS for Gaming Guide

DNS over HTTPS (DoH): Encrypted DNS for Maximum Privacy

Standard DNS queries are transmitted in plain text, meaning your ISP and network administrators can see every domain name you query. DNS over HTTPS (DoH) encrypts these queries inside standard HTTPS connections on port 443, making them indistinguishable from ordinary web traffic.

Provider	DoH Endpoint	Features
Cloudflare	https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query	No logging, DNSSEC, fastest globally
Google	https://dns.google/dns-query	DNSSEC validation, high reliability
Quad9	https://dns.quad9.net/dns-query	Threat intelligence blocking, DNSSEC
NextDNS	https://dns.nextdns.io/your-id	Configurable blocklists, analytics dashboard

To enable DoH on your router, look for a DNS over HTTPS, Encrypted DNS, or Secure DNStoggle in Advanced Settings. If your router does not support DoH, enable it at the browser level in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge via their Privacy & Security settings.

How to Test DNS Speed and Verify Your DNS Changes

After changing your DNS settings, verify the new configuration is active and test its performance:

Method 1: nslookup Command (Windows / macOS / Linux)

Open Command Prompt or Terminal and run:

nslookup google.com

The Server line should show your new DNS IP (e.g. 1.1.1.1). If it still shows an old ISP address, flush your DNS cache and retry.

Method 2: Flush DNS Cache (Windows)

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

ipconfig /flushdns

This clears cached DNS records so new queries use the updated server immediately.

Method 3: DNS Speed Benchmark Tools

Use DNS Benchmark (Windows, free by GRC) or namebench (cross-platform) to automatically test response times for 50+ DNS providers from your location and identify the fastest resolver for your ISP.

DNS Provider Comparison: Speed, Privacy, and Security Features

Provider	Avg. Speed	No-Log Policy	DNSSEC	DoH / DoT	Malware Filter
Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)	~11 ms	✅	✅	✅ / ✅	1.1.1.2 / 1.1.1.3
Google (8.8.8.8)	~20 ms	Partial	✅	✅ / ✅	❌
OpenDNS	~25 ms	❌	✅	✅ / ✅	✅ FamilyShield
Quad9 (9.9.9.9)	~18 ms	✅	✅	✅ / ✅	✅
AdGuard DNS	~28 ms	✅	✅	✅ / ✅	✅ + Ads
ISP Default	~50–150 ms	❌	Varies	❌ / ❌	❌

Common DNS Problems and How to Fix Them

Websites not loading after DNS change

Flush your DNS cache ('ipconfig /flushdns' on Windows) and restart your browser. Wait 1–2 minutes for the router to propagate the new DNS addresses to all connected devices.

DNS still shows old ISP server (nslookup)

Some ISPs use DNS hijacking that redirects queries regardless of your settings. Enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH) in your browser settings to bypass this, or contact your ISP.

Slower speeds after changing DNS

The chosen DNS provider may be geographically farther from you. Run a DNS speed benchmark to find the fastest provider for your location. Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) is fastest for most global regions.

Some websites blocked after DNS change

If you switched to a filtering DNS (like OpenDNS or Quad9), malicious or adult-content sites are intentionally blocked. Switch to 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8 if you do not want content filtering.

Related Network Configuration Guides

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Best DNS for Faster Internet

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Router Settings Guide

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Open NAT Type Guide

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Router Login Guide

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What Is DNS?

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Best DNS Servers 2026

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Best DNS for Gaming

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Best DNS for PS5

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DNS Server Not Responding

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DNS Probe Finished No Internet

Fix the Chrome DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET browser error.

Quick Fix Checklist

1Use Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1) for the fastest and most privacy-respecting DNS globally.
2Always configure both Primary and Secondary DNS fields to maintain fallback resolution.
3Flush your DNS cache after changing settings: run 'ipconfig /flushdns' on Windows.
4Restart your router after applying DNS changes to propagate settings to all devices.
5Enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH) if your router firmware supports encrypted DNS queries.
6Test your new DNS speed with 'nslookup google.com' in Command Prompt before finalizing.
7For gaming consoles, set DNS directly on the device for the most responsive configuration.

Common Root Causes

ISP Default DNS Is Slow

ISP-assigned DNS servers are often overloaded and geographically distant, causing delays in domain resolution for every page load.

DNS Hijacking by ISP

Some ISPs redirect failed DNS queries to their own search or advertising pages, leaking browsing data and causing unexpected redirections.

Stale DHCP Leases

Connected devices keep old DNS server IP addresses in memory until their dynamic DHCP lease expires, showing outdated DNS settings.

Leaked IPv6 Resolvers

Failing to update IPv6 DNS settings allows devices to bypass custom IPv4 rules via default ISP IPv6 paths, undermining your changes.

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Resolution Flow

1
Log In to Your Router's Admin Panel
Open a web browser and type your router's gateway IP address in the address bar. Common defaults are 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or brand-specific addresses like router.asus.com or tplinkwifi.net. Enter your admin username and password.
Expert Tip: If you do not know your gateway IP, open Command Prompt and run 'ipconfig'. The address next to 'Default Gateway' is your router login address.
2
Navigate to the WAN or Internet DNS Settings
Once logged in, find the DNS configuration section. This is usually located under WAN, Internet, Advanced, or Network Settings. Look for fields labeled 'Primary DNS', 'Secondary DNS', or 'DNS Server'.
Expert Tip: On TP-Link routers, DNS is under Advanced → Network → DHCP Server. On ASUS, navigate to WAN → Internet Connection → WAN DNS Setting.
3
Enter Your Preferred DNS Server Addresses
Clear the existing DNS addresses and enter your preferred Primary and Secondary DNS. For Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 (Primary) and 1.0.0.1 (Secondary). For Google: 8.8.8.8 (Primary) and 8.8.4.4 (Secondary).
Expert Tip: Always enter both Primary and Secondary DNS. If the primary fails, your router automatically falls back to the secondary without interrupting your connection.
4
Save Settings and Flush DNS Cache
Click Save or Apply to write the new DNS settings to the router. After saving, flush the DNS cache on your computer: open Command Prompt (Windows) and run 'ipconfig /flushdns', or on macOS: 'sudo dscacheutil -flushcache'.
Expert Tip: Restarting your router after changing DNS settings ensures all connected devices receive the updated resolver addresses from the DHCP server immediately.
5
Verify DNS Resolution Speed and Connectivity
Open a browser and confirm websites load correctly. Use Command Prompt and run 'nslookup google.com' to verify the new DNS server is responding. The 'Server' field should display your new DNS IP address.
Expert Tip: Tools like DNS Benchmark (Windows) or namebench allow you to test multiple DNS providers simultaneously to find the fastest server for your specific location.

When To Contact Your ISP

Contact your ISP if you suspect DNS hijacking — where your browser redirects failed DNS lookups to an ISP search or advertising page instead of returning an NXDOMAIN error. This is a sign your ISP is intercepting DNS traffic. Switching to a DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) enabled provider is the most effective solution.

Expert Q&A & Troubleshooting Insights

What does changing DNS on a router do?

Changing DNS on your router replaces the default DNS server assigned by your ISP with a third-party alternative. DNS (Domain Name System) translates website names like google.com into IP addresses. Switching to a faster or more private DNS provider can reduce page load times, improve security by blocking malicious domains, and bypass ISP-level content filtering. The change applies to every device on your network simultaneously.

What is the best DNS server to use on a router?

The best DNS server depends on your priority. For speed: Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) is consistently the fastest globally. For reliability: Google (8.8.8.8) has exceptional uptime. For privacy: Cloudflare for Families (1.1.1.3) blocks trackers and malware. For parental controls: OpenDNS FamilyShield (208.67.222.123) filters adult content. For gaming: Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) is recommended for its lowest average latency.

Will changing DNS on my router affect all devices?

Yes. When you change DNS settings in your router's admin panel, the new DNS server is distributed to every device on your network via DHCP. This includes smartphones, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and computers. Individual devices can override the router's DNS by setting their own DNS addresses in their local network configuration settings.

Does changing DNS improve internet speed?

Yes, in many cases. ISP default DNS servers are often slow and overloaded, causing delays when resolving domain names. Switching to a faster public DNS provider like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google (8.8.8.8) can reduce DNS lookup times significantly, resulting in faster page load speeds. It does not increase your base download or upload bandwidth.

Is it safe to change DNS on a router?

Yes, changing DNS settings is safe and fully reversible. You can always revert to your ISP's default DNS by deleting the custom addresses and saving empty fields. Using reputable DNS providers like Cloudflare, Google, or OpenDNS is generally more secure than ISP defaults, as these providers implement DNSSEC validation and malware-blocking features.

How do I change DNS on Android or iPhone?

On Android 9+: Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Private DNS → Private DNS provider hostname → enter 'one.one.one.one' for Cloudflare. On iPhone/iOS: Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → tap the (i) icon next to your network → Configure DNS → Manual → add 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 as server addresses and remove the old entries.

What is the difference between Primary and Secondary DNS?

Primary DNS is the first server your router queries for domain name resolution. Secondary DNS is a backup server. If the primary DNS server is unreachable or slow, your router automatically falls back to the secondary server. Always configure both to maintain continuous DNS resolution during server outages.

How do I know if my DNS has been changed successfully?

Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and run 'nslookup google.com'. The 'Server' field in the output should show the IP address of your new DNS provider (e.g. 1.1.1.1). On Windows, you can also run 'ipconfig /all' and check the 'DNS Servers' field for your network adapter.

What is DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and should I use it?

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) encrypts DNS queries between your device and the DNS resolver, preventing ISPs or third parties from monitoring which websites you visit. Many modern routers support DoH natively under Advanced or Encrypted DNS settings. Cloudflare (https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query) and Google (https://dns.google/dns-query) both support DoH.

Why do my devices still show the old ISP DNS after changing router settings?

Client devices cache DNS parameters for the duration of their DHCP lease. To force devices to pull updated settings instantly, flush your DNS cache (run 'ipconfig /flushdns' on Windows), power cycle your router, or toggle Wi-Fi OFF and ON on your devices to renew their DHCP lease and receive the new DNS addresses.

How to Change DNS on Your Router (Best DNS Servers 2026)

Only Use DNS Addresses from Trusted Providers