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Using an Alternate DNS Server Can Speed Your Internet
It's easy!
AI Generated ImageWhy 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 malware filtering and/or encryption. Malware filtering will go a long way
towards keeping your system free of unwanted junk. 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 provided below. 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 home or business 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.
Cloudflare and Google will be the fastest options. Quad 9 will be a more secure option
while providing extra security.
Recommended Public DNS Servers (USA)
| DNS Provider | DNS Addresses |
|---|---|
| Cloudflare |
1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1 |
| Cloudflare w/Malware filter |
1.1.1.2 1.0.0.2 |
| Cloudflare w/Malware & Adult filter |
1.1.1.3 1.0.0.3 |
| Google |
8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4 |
| Comodo |
8.26.56.26 8.20.247.20 |
| Quad9 w/Malware filter |
9.9.9.9 149.112.112.112 |
| Quad9 w/Malware filter & ECS |
9.9.9.11 149.112.112.11 |
| OpenDNS |
208.67.222.222 208.67.220.220 |
| Level 3 |
209.244.0.3 209.244.0.4 |
Example #1:
Using Google DNS within Windows
One way to set DNS servers is to set it in Windows itself. This would be
useful when you only have a single device or if you wish to override the DNS setting on
the router. This allows you to control your DNS for increased privacy and
security.
Windows TCPIP settings showing Google DNS
Example #2:
Setting 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.
Linksys Router DHCP settings showing Google DNS
Example #3:
Setting Quad 9 DNS on a Pi Hole internet filter
(Advanced Users)
If you use Pi-Hole for DNS and DHCP, its even easier to make the change.
Login to your Pi-Hole, and go to SETTINGS and then
DNS. Pick from the list! You don't even need to key in the IP address
of the DNS server unless you pick one thats not on the list.
Pi-Hole DNS settings showing Quad9 DNS