Changing DNS (Domain Name System) servers can have various impacts on your internet browsing experience. In this article, we will explore what happens when you change DNS servers and how it can affect your online activities.
What is DNS?
DNS is the backbone of the internet that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses, allowing us to access websites and other online resources. When you type a URL into your browser, it sends a request to a DNS server to resolve the domain name into an IP address.
Reasons to Change DNS Servers
There are several reasons why you might consider changing your DNS servers:
1. Browsing Speed: By default, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) assigns you their own DNS servers.
However, these servers may not always provide the fastest response times. Changing to faster public DNS servers like Google DNS or Cloudflare can potentially improve your browsing speed.
2. Content Filtering: Some ISPs may block certain websites or implement content filtering for various reasons. By switching to alternative DNS servers, you may be able to bypass these restrictions and access blocked content.
3. Privacy: Your ISP’s default DNS servers can track your browsing history and sell this data to advertisers. Switching to privacy-focused DNS servers like OpenDNS or Quad9 can enhance your online privacy by preventing such tracking.
4. Security: Certain DNS providers offer additional security features like blocking malicious websites or warning against potential phishing attempts. Changing DNS servers can help protect you from online threats.
How to Change Your DNS Servers
To change your DNS servers, follow these steps:
1. Open the network settings on your device. 2. Locate the section for network connections or Wi-Fi settings. 3. Find the option for configuring TCP/IP settings.
4. Look for the field labeled “Preferred” or “Primary DNS Server” and enter the IP address of your desired DNS server. 5. Similarly, find the field labeled “Alternate” or “Secondary DNS Server” and enter the IP address of another DNS server (optional). 6. Save your changes and restart your device if necessary.
What Happens When You Change DNS Servers?
When you change your DNS servers, a few things happen:
1. DNS Resolution: Your device will start using the new DNS servers for resolving domain names into IP addresses. This means that when you enter a website URL, it will be sent to the new DNS servers for translation.
2. Cached Data: Your device may have cached DNS data from previous queries. Changing DNS servers will clear this cache, and your device will start fresh with the new servers. Response Times: The response times for resolving domain names may vary depending on the performance of the new DNS servers you have chosen. If you have switched to faster servers, you may experience quicker website loading times. Website Access: In some cases, changing DNS servers can help access websites that were previously blocked or restricted by your default ISP’s servers.
5. DNS Propagation: It is important to note that DNS changes can take some time to propagate across the internet. This means that during this propagation period, some users may still see old information while others see updated information.
In conclusion, changing DNS servers can have various impacts on your internet browsing experience, including improved speed, enhanced privacy and security, and bypassing content restrictions imposed by your ISP. By following simple steps to change your DNS settings, you can take control of how your device resolves domain names and ultimately improve your online activities.