Are you experiencing slow internet speeds or frequent connection issues? The problem might lie with your DNS server.
DNS, or Domain Name System, is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses. Your default DNS server might not be the most efficient one for your location, which can result in slower browsing and streaming speeds. In this article, we will guide you on how to find the best DNS server for your location.
What is a DNS Server?
A DNS server acts as a directory that matches domain names with their corresponding IP addresses. When you type a website address into your browser, the DNS server translates it into an IP address that your computer can understand. This allows you to access websites by their domain names rather than having to remember complex numerical IP addresses.
Why Should I Find the Best DNS Server?
The default DNS server provided by your internet service provider (ISP) might not always be the fastest or most reliable one for your location. By finding the best DNS server for your location, you can potentially improve your internet speed and reduce connection issues.
How to Find the Best DNS Server
Method 1: Using Online Tools
There are several online tools available that can help you find the best DNS server for your location:
- DNS Benchmark:
- Namebench:
DNS Benchmark is a popular tool that compares the performance of various DNS servers based on your location. It provides detailed reports and recommendations on which servers are likely to offer faster speeds for you.
Namebench is another useful tool that analyzes various public DNS servers and recommends the fastest ones based on your geographic location and internet service provider.
Method 2: Manually Testing DNS Servers
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can manually test different DNS servers to find the best one for your location:
- Identify available DNS servers:
- Change your DNS server:
- Test the new DNS server:
You can find a list of popular public DNS servers online. Some well-known options include Google Public DNS, Cloudflare DNS, and OpenDNS.
Access your network settings and change the primary DNS server to one of the options you identified in the previous step.
After changing the DNS server, browse websites and check if there is an improvement in speed and reliability. If not, repeat steps 2 and 3 with a different DNS server.
How to Change Your DNS Server
To change your DNS server, follow these steps:
- Windows:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Select “Network and Internet”.
- Select “Network and Sharing Center”.
- Select “Change adapter settings” from the left-hand menu.
- Right-click on your network adapter and select “Properties”.
- Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties”.
- Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the preferred DNS server address.
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
- macOS:
- Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”.
- Select “Network”.
- Select your network connection from the left-hand side.
- Click on the “Advanced” button.
- Select the “DNS” tab.
- Click on the “+” button to add a new DNS server.
- Enter the preferred DNS server address and click “OK”.
By following these steps, you can easily change your DNS server and optimize your internet experience.
Conclusion
Finding the best DNS server for your location can significantly improve your internet speed and reduce connection issues. Whether you choose to use online tools or manually test different servers, it’s worth exploring alternative options to enhance your browsing and streaming experience.
Remember to always note down your default DNS settings in case you need to revert back in the future. Happy browsing!