Changing the DNS server on your router can improve your internet speed, security, and overall browsing experience. It’s a simple process that can be done in a few steps. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of changing the DNS server on your router.
Step 1: Accessing the Router Settings
The first step is to access your router’s settings. To do this, open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address into the address bar.
The IP address is usually printed on the back or bottom of your router. Once entered, press Enter to proceed.
Note: If you don’t know your router’s IP address, you can find it by following these steps:
- On Windows: Press Win + R, type “cmd” and press Enter. In the command prompt window, type “ipconfig” and press Enter. Look for “Default Gateway” under your active network adapter.
- On macOS: Go to System Preferences > Network.
Select your active network connection and click on “Advanced”. Go to the “TCP/IP” tab and look for “Router”.
- On Linux: Open a terminal window and type “ip route | grep default”. The IP address next to “default via” is your router’s IP address.
Step 2: Logging into Your Router
After entering the correct IP address in your web browser, you will be prompted to enter a username and password to log into your router’s settings page.
Note: If you haven’t changed these credentials before, check the documentation provided with your router or visit the manufacturer’s website for default login details.
Step 3: Locating DNS Settings
Once logged in, navigate through the settings until you find the DNS settings. This location may vary depending on your router’s brand and model.
Step 3.1: DNS Settings on a TP-Link Router
If you have a TP-Link router, follow these steps:
- Click on “Network” in the left sidebar.
- Click on “WAN” in the submenu.
- Under the “Primary DNS” and “Secondary DNS” fields, enter the IP addresses of your desired DNS servers.
Step 3.2: DNS Settings on a Netgear Router
If you have a Netgear router, follow these steps:
- Click on “Advanced” in the left sidebar.
- Click on “Setup” in the submenu.
- Under the “Internet Setup” section, locate the “DNS Address” fields.
- Enter the IP addresses of your desired DNS servers.
Step 4: Choosing DNS Servers
Now that you’ve located the DNS settings, it’s time to choose which DNS servers to use. There are several options available, but some popular choices include:
- Google Public DNS: Primary: 8.8.8 | Secondary: 8.4.4
- OpenDNS: Primary: 208.67.222.222 | Secondary: 208.220.220
- Cloudflare: Primary: 1.1.1 | Secondary: 1.0.1
Choose one or more DNS servers from the above options, or you can also research and find other reliable DNS servers.
Step 5: Saving Changes
After entering the DNS server IP addresses, make sure to save your changes. Look for a “Save” or “Apply” button on the settings page and click on it. Wait for the router to apply the new settings.
Step 6: Verifying DNS Changes
To verify that the DNS changes have been successfully applied, you can perform a simple test. Open a web browser and visit a website. If the website loads properly, it means that the new DNS servers are working correctly.
Note: It may take a few minutes for the changes to take effect, so if you encounter any issues immediately after making changes, try restarting your router and devices.
Now that you know how to change the DNS server on your router, you can enjoy faster and more secure internet browsing. Experiment with different DNS servers to find the best performance for your needs.