Changing your router's DNS: a step-by-step guide with options and security

  • DNS affects browsing latency, not download speed, and can improve privacy and security.
  • It's best to change the router so the entire network can inherit it; if that's not possible, configure it per device.
  • Choose reliable DNS and test latency with Namebench, DNS Benchmark, or DNS Jumper before setting them.
Andy Acosta

10 minutes

Change the router's DNS step-by-step guide

Change the router's DNS can offer a increased name resolution speed, higher privacy and additional security features against malware and phishing. Additionally, if you make this change to the router itself, all connected devices will automatically benefit without the need to configure them individually.

Before starting, it is important to be clear about two concepts: on the one hand, DNS does not improve your download speed, but it can reduce latency in resolution and optimize web page loading; on the other hand, not all routers allow DNS modification (some operators block it). If your router doesn't allow it, you can always configure them on operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Android or iOS individually.

What is DNS and how does it fit into your network?

The Domain Name System (DNS) It works like the 'address book' of the Internet: it translates easy-to-remember names (like google.com) into IP addresses that connected devices understand. When you type a URL, your device queries a DNS server to find out which IP address to connect to, and with that response, loads the page.

Think about your mobile phone's calendar: You press 'Mom' and the phone dials her number. Something similar happens with DNS: translate names into numbers transparently, which saves you from having to memorize long and changing IP addresses to browse the Internet.

Some routers and mesh systems They act as DNS proxies, such as Google Nest Wifi and Google WifiThese devices receive queries from your devices, query a public DNS, and return the response. In these teams You can set the DNS server from the Google Home app, choosing between Automatic, your operator's DNS, or a custom one (IPv4 and IPv6, with primary and secondary).

Caution with incorrect settings: If you enter an incorrect or non-functioning DNS, your network may lose Internet access until it is corrected. Always test on a device first and, if everything works correctly, apply the changes to the router.

Advantages, limitations and risks of changing DNS

Perceived speed: A server with lower latency will resolve domain names faster, making pages start loading sooner. The maximum speed of your line does not change, but it does agility in navigation and in some cases the selection of the nearest server for streaming services or online gaming.

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Privacy & Security: some DNS they don't record your activity or maintain minimum retentions, in addition to offering filters for malicious sites, phishing, or malware. You can also opt for uncensored DNS if you prioritize unblocked access, although this may reduce the level of filtering.

Business environments: Switching to more robust DNS may improve performance, stability and availability. The redundancy configuration (multiple servers on primary and backup) helps avoid interruptions. Misconfigured, can cause service failures or incompatibilities, so it is advisable to plan changes and document previous configuration.

Risks and threats: DNS can be 'spoofed' or poisoned (cache poisoning), redirecting to fake sites. To reduce these risks, use DNSSEC where available, encrypts queries (with DoH/DoT on supported devices) and avoid DNS servers with dubious reputations.

Security in routers- If an attacker gains access to the router, he can change DNS and divert traffic (man-in-the-middle attacks). To protect yourself, you should change the default credentials, disable unnecessary services, keep firmware up to date and consider using a VPN to encrypt traffic end-to-end.

Which DNS to Choose: Popular Options (with Addresses)

There is no one ideal DNS for everyone: the latency and the performance depend on your location, your ISP, and network congestion. However, these options are widely used and reliable:

Guide to changing the router's DNS

  • Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Offers speed and stability, with limited IP retention for 48 hours.
  • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. It is one of the fastest and prioritizes privacy, deleting logs within 24 hours.
  • OpenDNS (Cisco): 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220. Provides security By blocking phishing sites and using parental controls, it offers both free and paid options.
  • Quad9: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112. Focuses on security and blocking of malicious domains.
  • Other popular DNS: such as Comodo Secure DNS, DNS.Watch, Verisign, FreeDNS, and Yandex DNS, each with different emphasis on filtering, neutrality, reliability, or privacy.

How to choose the best one for your situation: try tools like Namebench, which analyzes latency and response, DNS Benchmark (GRC), which performs comprehensive testing, or DNS Jumper, which searches for and applies the fastest server. Repeat the tests at different times to check the stability of the results.

How to change DNS on your router (step by step)

  1. Access the router: Connect via Wi-Fi or cable and enter the gateway. The most common are 192.168.1.1 y 192.168.0.1. In Windows, open 'cmd' and run ipconfig to see 'Default Gateway'. Lowi users: You can also access it via 'wifilowi.es'.
    • credentials: Many routers use default username and password (e.g. 'admin'). Change them as soon as possible with a strong, unique password. This significantly reduces the risk of DNS hijacking.
  2. Locate the DNS section: This is usually found under 'Advanced Settings', 'Internet', 'WAN' or 'LAN', with names like 'DNS', 'DNS Server' or 'DNS Server'. Search the primary and secondary fields (IPv4 and IPv6) to enter the new addresses.
  3. Save the configuration and reboot if necessary: After saving the changes, restart the router if prompted. If you lose connection, check for errors in the addresses and return to the original or try other reliable servers.

Change DNS on the router step by step

Real cases by brand and operator

  • D-LINK: Enter the router's IP, log in, go to 'Advanced Settings' and then to 'Internet'. Switch to manual DNS and complete the primary/secondary fields. Save.
  • ZTE (Digi): : access with username and password, go to 'Local Network' > 'LAN' > 'DHCP Server'. Uncheck 'Automatic' and specify the primary and secondary DNS. Click 'Apply' to apply.
  • Vodafone: some models activate 'Secure DNS', which blocks external DNS. In expert mode, go to 'Internet' > 'DNS & DDNS' and disable 'Secure DNS'. When it's 'hijacked', you'll need to configure it per device in the operating systems.
  • FRITZ! Box:'Internet' > 'Access Data' > 'DNS Server' tab. Uncheck 'Use provider's DNS server' and select 'Use another server'. Fill in the fields and click 'Apply'.
  • Asus models- On many, go to 'Advanced Settings' > 'LAN' and change 'DNS and WINS Server Settings'. On others, under 'WAN' > 'Internet Connection', change 'Connect to DNS automatically' to 'No' and specify the new servers. Save the changes.
  • Synology Router: 'Local Network' > 'General' > 'DHCP Server' section. Enable manual DNS and enter the primary and secondary servers.
  • Linksys: Enter 192.168.1.1, in 'Setup' > 'Basic Setup', define 'Static DNS 1/2/3' and save the changes.
  • Netgear: With the gateway IP, access the router, navigate to 'Basic' > 'Internet' and in 'Domain Name Server', select 'Use These DNS Servers' and add the primary and secondary files. Save and reboot if necessary.
  • Google Nest Wifi and Google Wifi (Google Home app): 'Favorites' > 'Wi-Fi' > 'Network settings' > 'Advanced settings' > 'DNS' and select Automatic, Provider DNS o PersonalizedIn this last option, enter the IPv4/IPv6 values and save. It's important to remember that these devices act as DNS proxies for the entire network.

Change the DNS on your devices (if your router doesn't allow it)

Important: If you change the DNS on an individual device, will only affect that teamThis is useful if your router's settings don't allow changes or if you want different profiles on each device.

Windows 11

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Step by step: Search for 'View network connections' > right-click on the connection > 'Properties' > 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' > 'Properties' > check 'Use the following DNS server addresses' and enter the values. Accept and close.

Windows 10

Very similar to Windows 11: 'Settings' > 'Network & Internet' > 'Network and Sharing Center' > 'Change adapter settings' > right click on the connection > 'Properties' > 'TCP/IPv4' > 'Properties' > enable 'Use the following addresses' and add the DNS.

Windows 8

Classic route: From Start, open the 'Magnifying Glass', search for 'Control Panel' > 'Network and Internet' > 'Network and Sharing Center' > 'Change adapter settings' > right-click on the network > 'Properties' > 'Internet Protocol Version 4' > 'Properties' > check 'Use the following addresses' and enter the new addresses.

MacOS

On your mac: 'System Preferences' > 'Network' > select your connection > 'Advanced' > 'DNS' tab > click '+' and add the desired addresses. Accept and apply.

Android

On Android: In 'Settings' > 'Wi-Fi' > long press your network > 'Advanced' or 'i' > under 'IP' select 'Static' and enter the values in the 'DNS 1' and 'DNS 2' fields. Save.

iOS

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On iPhone: 'Settings' > 'Wi-Fi' > tap the 'i' icon for your network > 'Configure DNS' > switch to 'Manual' > 'Add Server' and enter the DNS settings. Save.

Advanced Windows Trick (Command Line)

From CMD as administrator: To list the interfaces, use netsh interface show interface. To define the primary DNS (replace NAME and IP):

netsh interface ipv4 set dnsservers NOMBRE static x.x.x.x primary

For secondary school:

netsh interface ipv4 add dnsservers NOMBRE x.x.x.x index=2

Clear DNS cache after the change:

ipconfig /flushdns

Common questions and scenarios

What to do if you lose Internet after changing your DNS? Verify that the addresses are correct and come from reliable servicesMake sure to save your changes; if you're still offline, revert to the original DNS or try other public DNS. Restarting your router may resolve the issue.

How do I know which is the best DNS for my location? Use tools like Namebench, DNS Benchmark, or DNS Jumper. These analyze actual latency and response times with your provider and allow you to choose the one that consistently offers the best performance.

How to detect an insecure DNS? Research their reputation and origin. Don't use unknown DNS shared on suspicious forums or sites. Warning signs include unexpected redirects or significant slowness after the change.

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Do they improve streaming and gaming? A faster DNS reduces latency in resolution and can improve the experience on games or video platforms. However, if the server is remote or overloaded, the experience may be degraded. Testing and measurement are recommended.

Important notes on settings and operators

Some operators block changes to the router or have 'Secure DNS'In these cases, it's recommended to configure DNS settings on the devices. If your router allows changes, test on one device first, and once validated, apply them to the entire network.

IPv4 and IPv6: Many routers allow you to configure separate lists for both types. If your network uses IPv6, fill in those settings too to avoid inconsistencies in mixed resolutions.

Redundancy and stability: use multiple servers In primary and backup, it helps maintain connectivity in the event of a failure. In critical environments, carefully plan changes and document your previous configuration.

With all this informationNow you know what DNS is, the benefits and risks of changing it, how to choose the best server for you, and how to implement it on your router and devices. Through testing, reliable providers, and good security practices, you'll be able to browse faster and more securely, minimizing problems and making the most of your connections.

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