Why Change DNS?

Using an alternate DNS server can help improve your internet speed and performance. But why would you want to switch? Many smaller, local internet service providers (ISPs) don't always have the fastest or most reliable equipment. They might not have the best backup systems in place. Your DNS queries may be logged which helps companies create a profile about you as a person.

The alternate DNS servers listed below are run by big companies with lots of capacity and built-in backup systems, making them more reliable and often faster than the ones your ISP provides. Optionally, you can even go the extra step of selecting a DNS server that adds encryption. To use DNS encryption, you will need to consult the website of the DNS provider as it is not provided here.

To use an alternate DNS, just pick one from the list. Then you'll need enter the IP addresses into the DHCP settings of your router. Once you do that, the new settings will apply to all the devices connected to your network. The best part? These alternate DNS services are completely FREE. While there are other options out there, these are some of the most popular and well-known.

Recommended Public DNS Servers

DHCP settings showing Google DNS on a Linksys router

Login to your router using your login and password. (Hopefully you wrote that down that information when the router was installed!) Somewhere within the menus; your router will have a screen that looks something like the one below. Simply fill in the Static DNS entries to one of the items on the chart above. Be sure to APPLY and SAVE the setting on your router. Then reboot your computers and other devices so they pick up the new DNS setting after making this change! Don't forget your phones, streaming devices, security systems and televisions! At this point, DNS will be changed on every device in your home or office.