How Do I Find My Wi-Fi DNS Server?

Are you having trouble with your Wi-Fi connection? One common issue that can arise is a problem with your DNS server.

The DNS (Domain Name System) server is responsible for translating website addresses into IP addresses, allowing your devices to connect to the internet. If you’re experiencing slow or unreliable internet connection, identifying and checking your DNS server settings can be helpful in troubleshooting the issue.

Checking Your Wi-Fi DNS Server on Windows

If you’re using a Windows operating system, follow these steps to find your Wi-Fi DNS server:

1. Open Network Connections: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “ncpa.cpl” and click on OK.
2. Find Your Wi-Fi Connection: In the Network Connections window, look for your Wi-Fi connection.

   It will typically have “Wi-Fi” or “Wireless” in its name.

3. Open Connection Properties: Right-click on your Wi-Fi connection and select “Properties”.
4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4): In the Properties window, scroll down until you find “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and select it.
5. Show DNS Server Address: Click on the “Properties” button below the list of protocols.
6. Note Down DNS Server Addresses: In the next window, you will see two options: “Obtain DNS server address automatically” and “Use the following DNS server addresses”. If you have selected the latter option, note down the IP addresses listed. These are your DNS server addresses.

Finding Your Wi-Fi DNS Server on macOS

If you’re using a Mac, the process of finding your Wi-Fi DNS server is slightly different:

1. Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select “System Preferences”.
2. Select Network: In the System Preferences window, click on the “Network” icon.
3. Choose Wi-Fi Connection: From the list of available network connections on the left side, select your Wi-Fi connection.
4. Open Advanced Settings: Click on the “Advanced..” button in the bottom-right corner of the window.
5. Select DNS Tab: In the Advanced settings window, navigate to the “DNS” tab.
6. Note Down DNS Server Addresses: Under “DNS Servers,” you will see a list of IP addresses. Note down these addresses as they are your DNS server addresses.

DNS Server Troubleshooting Tips

If you’ve identified issues with your Wi-Fi DNS server, here are some troubleshooting tips to try:

• Switch to Google Public DNS: Consider changing your DNS server to a more reliable option like Google Public DNS (8.8.8 and 8.4.4). This can often improve internet connection performance.
• Restart Your Router and Devices: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary issues with DNS servers.

  Turn off your router and any connected devices, wait for a few minutes, and then turn them back on.

• Update Router Firmware: Check if there are any available firmware updates for your router. Outdated firmware can cause connectivity issues.
• Contact Your Internet Service Provider: If you’re still experiencing problems after trying the above steps, reach out to your internet service provider (ISP) for further assistance. They may be able to provide additional guidance or resolve any network-related issues.

With these steps, you should be able to find and check your Wi-Fi DNS server settings on both Windows and macOS. Remember to use the troubleshooting tips if you encounter any problems. By understanding and managing your DNS server, you can ensure a smoother internet experience.

Happy browsing!