What Is My Mac DNS Server?

What Is My Mac DNS Server?

When it comes to networking on your Mac, understanding the DNS (Domain Name System) server is essential. The DNS server is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, allowing your computer to connect to websites and other online resources.

Why Is It Important to Know Your Mac DNS Server?

Knowing your Mac’s DNS server can help you troubleshoot network connectivity issues, improve internet speed, and even enhance security. By understanding which DNS server your Mac is using, you can make informed decisions about optimizing your network settings.

How to Find Your Mac DNS Server

Finding your Mac’s DNS server is a straightforward process. Here are the steps:

1. Step 1:

Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.

2. Step 2:

Select “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.

3. Step 3:

In the System Preferences window, click on “Network. “

4. Step 4:

You will see a list of network interfaces on the left side of the Network window.

Choose the one you are currently using (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

5. Step 5:

Click on the “Advanced” button located at the bottom-right corner of the Network window.

6. Step 6:

In the Advanced window, navigate to the “DNS” tab.

7. Step 7:

You will find the DNS servers listed under the “DNS Servers” section. The primary DNS server will be listed first, followed by any secondary servers.

Changing Your Mac DNS Server

If you want to change your Mac’s DNS server, follow these steps:

1. Step 1:

Access the Network window as described in the previous section.

2. Step 2:

Click on the “Advanced” button.

3. Step 3:

Navigate to the “DNS” tab.

4. Step 4:

In the DNS Servers section, click on the “+” button to add a new DNS server.

5. Step 5:

Type in the IP address of your desired DNS server and press Enter.

• Note: You can use public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1).

Verifying Changes and Troubleshooting

After changing your Mac’s DNS server, it’s important to verify that the changes have been applied correctly. To do this:

1. If you’re using macOS Catalina or later versions:
1. In the Network window, click on “Apply” to save the changes.
2. Open a web browser and visit a website to confirm that the new DNS server is working.
2. If you’re using macOS Mojave or earlier versions:
1. In the Network window, close the Advanced window by clicking on “OK.”
2. Click on “Apply” to save the changes.

Remember that if you encounter any issues with your network connection or experience difficulties accessing websites after changing your DNS server, you can always revert back to your default settings or try using a different DNS server.

Conclusion

Knowing your Mac’s DNS server is crucial for troubleshooting network issues, optimizing performance, and enhancing security. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily find and change your Mac’s DNS server.

Remember to verify any changes made and don’t hesitate to seek further assistance if needed. Happy networking!

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