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To check which DNS server you’re using, inspect the DNS setting for the active network connection. To change it, replace automatic (DHCP) DNS with a provider’s addresses—or configure the router if you want the change to cover every device on that network. Save the existing values first so you can undo the change if needed.
What a DNS change affects
DNS translates a domain name, such as a website address, into the network address a device needs to connect. Your active connection may receive DNS automatically from the network through DHCP, or it may have addresses entered manually. A device can use different settings on Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and other interfaces, so check the connection you are actually using. Google explains that DHCP commonly supplies ISP DNS addresses and that setup steps vary by operating system and device: Google Public DNS setup guide.
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The scope depends on where you make the change:
- Device setting: affects that device, subject to the operating system’s scope. For example, Android Private DNS applies across networks, while an iPhone’s manual DNS setting applies only to the selected Wi-Fi network.
- Wi-Fi network setting: an iPhone or iPad’s manual DNS applies to that saved Wi-Fi network, not other Wi-Fi networks or cellular data.
- Router setting: affects devices using that router. Cloudflare notes that configuring DNS on a router applies the setting to every device on that network: Cloudflare router setup.
Entering a resolver’s IP address does not, by itself, encrypt DNS requests. Encryption requires a supported secure DNS method such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT), configured on the device or in an app. Changing resolvers can also change filtering behavior; it does not necessarily make browsing faster, prevent tracking broadly, or bypass every block.
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- Open the network settings for the connection you are using now: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or the relevant mobile setting.
- Find its DNS or DNS server assignment. If it says Automatic or DHCP, the network or router is supplying DNS. If it lists manually entered addresses, those are configured for that connection.
- If you want to inspect the home network’s setting, sign in to the router and look under Internet, WAN, DNS, or a similarly named section. Router menus vary by brand and firmware.
- Before changing anything, write down the existing addresses and whether the setting is automatic or manual. Google and Cloudflare both recommend recording the current configuration so it can be restored: Google’s setup guide and Cloudflare’s router guide.
Choose a resolver and the right scope
Choose based on the features you need, not an assumed speed ranking. The official setup materials cited here do not establish that one provider is universally fastest. A resolver receives DNS requests when your device uses it, so review the provider’s current privacy policy before choosing it.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
- Filtering: Cloudflare documents standard DNS, malware blocking, and malware-plus-adult-content blocking. Its filtering options are listed on the Cloudflare setup page.
- Encryption: check whether the device and resolver support DoH or DoT and whether secure DNS is actually enabled. A plain IP-address entry alone does not confirm encryption.
- Coverage: choose a device setting for one device, a Wi-Fi-specific setting for that network, or a router setting for devices using the home network.
- Compatibility: VPNs, browser-level Secure DNS, captive portals, operating-system versions, and work or school policies can affect which resolver handles requests.
Cloudflare resolver addresses
For Windows, macOS, or a router that accepts resolver IP addresses, Cloudflare lists these IPv4 pairs. Enter both addresses for the filtering option you select:
| Cloudflare option | Preferred IPv4 | Alternate IPv4 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 |
| Malware blocking | 1.1.1.2 | 1.0.0.2 |
| Malware and adult-content blocking | 1.1.1.3 | 1.0.0.3 |
Matching IPv6 addresses and other setup details are on Cloudflare’s setup page. If the network uses IPv6, consider its DNS configuration too; changing IPv4 alone can leave IPv6 resolution unchanged.
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
Change DNS on your device or router
Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings > Network & Internet, then select the active Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
- Open DNS server assignment and select Edit.
- Change the mode from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual. Enable IPv4 and enter the preferred and alternate addresses. Configure IPv6 as well if you intend to use IPv6 DNS.
- Save the change, then check that the adapter shows the new assignment. Cloudflare’s Windows setup instructions cover current Windows settings.
This changes only the selected adapter. If you also connect through another adapter, such as Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi, configure that connection separately. Windows 10 uses different screens; identify the active adapter and edit its DNS properties rather than following Windows 11 labels.
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- Open System Settings > Network and select the network service you use, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Select Details > DNS, add the resolver addresses, and apply the change.
- Check the selected service’s DNS list to confirm the entries.
The setting applies to the selected network service. Labels can vary by macOS release. See Cloudflare’s macOS instructions for current steps and resolver options.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
iPhone and iPad
- Open Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Tap the information button beside the Wi-Fi network you want to change.
- Tap Configure DNS > Manual, add the resolver IP addresses, then save.
This manual configuration covers only the selected Wi-Fi network; it does not cover other saved Wi-Fi networks or cellular data. Google says applying the same resolver across Wi-Fi networks is best handled on the routers. A cellular-wide DNS configuration requires a VPN app capable of setting DNS, which is a separate, more advanced approach—not a built-in iOS DNS switch. See Google’s device setup instructions.
Android 9 and later
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS. Menu names can differ by Android manufacturer.
- Select Private DNS provider hostname.
- Enter a hostname supported by your chosen resolver, such as
one.one.one.onefor Cloudflare standard DNS ordns.googlefor Google Public DNS, then save.
Android Private DNS uses an encrypted DNS connection and applies across networks, including cellular, according to Cloudflare’s Android setup guide. For Cloudflare filtering, the documented hostnames are security.cloudflare-dns.com for malware blocking and family.cloudflare-dns.com for malware and adult-content blocking. Some VPN or DNS-changer apps can override Private DNS, as Google notes in its setup instructions.
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕: Powered by Wi-Fi 7 technology, enjoy faster speeds with Multi-Link Operation, increased reliability with Multi-RUs, and more data capacity with 4K-QAM, delivering enhanced performance for all your devices.
- 𝐁𝐄𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫: Delivers up to 2882 Mbps (5 GHz), and 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz) speeds for 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming & more. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance, and obstacles like walls.
- 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐆𝐢𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟑×𝟏𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬: Maximize Gigabitplus internet with one 2.5G WAN/LAN port, one 2.5 Gbps LAN port, plus three additional 1 Gbps LAN ports. Break the 1G barrier for seamless, high-speed connectivity from the internet to multiple LAN devices for enhanced performance.
- 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭-𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝟐.𝟎 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐝-𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫: Experience power and precision with a state-of-the-art processor that effortlessly manages high throughput. Eliminate lag and enjoy fast connections with minimal latency, even during heavy data transmissions.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 60 devices at a time. 4 internal antennas and beamforming technology focus Wi-Fi signals toward hard-to-reach areas. Seamlessly connect phones, TVs, and gaming consoles.
Cloudflare’s Android app is another route: its documentation says it can configure the phone across networks and offers DNS encryption or WARP mode. WARP mode covers HTTP traffic as well as DNS; do not treat that mode as identical to simply selecting a DNS resolver. Details are in Cloudflare’s Android guide.
Router
- Sign in to the router’s administration interface using its documented method.
- Find DNS settings, which may be under Internet, WAN, IP, or IPv6 settings depending on the router.
- Record the current values, replace them with the chosen resolver addresses, and save.
- Reconnect devices or renew their network connection if they do not pick up the new setting, then verify their DNS configuration.
A router-level change is useful when you administer the network and want a central setting for devices using that router. It may not cover devices on cellular data, another access point, or a separately configured VPN. Consult the router documentation for the correct menu and behavior; Cloudflare’s overview is at Cloudflare router setup.
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
Verify the change and troubleshoot problems
After saving, inspect the active connection’s DNS assignment again and confirm that it shows the intended values or provider hostname. Retest name resolution by opening a few sites, or use the resolver provider’s documented verification method; Google links to a test from its setup page. A setting can be correct on one interface while another active interface, VPN, or browser handles DNS requests instead.
Quick Recap
- A public Wi-Fi sign-in page will not load: captive portals can fail when static DNS is configured. Temporarily restore automatic DNS or disable the custom resolver, connect to the network, then reinstate the preferred setting. Cloudflare documents this issue for Windows and macOS.
- The displayed resolver does not match what you expect: check for a browser’s Secure DNS/DoH setting, a VPN, a DNS-changing app, or another active network interface. Also check IPv6 if you changed only IPv4.
- Name resolution stops working after enabling secure DNS: confirm the hostname or resolver is entered correctly and supports the selected encrypted protocol. Microsoft notes that DoH behavior depends on resolver recognition and configuration; requiring DoH for a resolver that does not support it can cause resolution failures. See Microsoft’s DoH client support documentation.
- This is a work or school device: do not override managed settings. Microsoft cautions that domain-joined Windows environments may rely on Active Directory DNS; follow your administrator’s policy and guidance at Microsoft’s documentation.
- The change breaks connectivity: return to the saved values, or restore Automatic (DHCP) on the affected connection. If only one device fails, check its device-level configuration before changing the router.
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