DNS: guide and lookup
What DNS is, which servers are fastest, and how to change DNS on any device. Plus a free DNS lookup tool.
DNS lookup tool
Enter a domain to see its DNS records in real time (A, AAAA, MX, TXT, NS…). The lookup uses Google DNS-over-HTTPS.
What is DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) is the internet's phone book: it translates site names (e.g. realmbps.com) into the IP address of the server that hosts them. Every time you open a site, your device queries a DNS server. By default you use your ISP's, but you can switch to public DNS that are often faster, more reliable and more secure.
Why change your DNS?
Changing DNS can speed up how quickly sites load, boost your privacy (some DNS don't log your requests), add anti-malware filtering and sometimes get around blocks. It won't raise your download Mbps, but it makes browsing feel snappier. It's a free, fully reversible change.
The most popular public DNS
| DNS | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 · 1.0.0.1 | 2606:4700:4700::1111 |
| 8.8.8.8 · 8.8.4.4 | 2001:4860:4860::8888 | |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 · 149.112.112.112 | 2620:fe::fe |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 · 208.67.220.220 | 2620:119:35::35 |
How to change your DNS step by step
- Windows 11 / 10 — Settings → Network & Internet → your adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) → Edit DNS server assignment → Manual → turn on IPv4 → enter your preferred and alternate DNS → Save.
- macOS — System Settings → Network → select your connection → Details → DNS → click + and add the addresses → OK.
- Android — Settings → Network & Internet → Private DNS → Private DNS provider hostname → enter e.g. dns.google or one.one.one.one → Save.
- iPhone / iPad — Settings → Wi-Fi → tap the (i) next to your network → Configure DNS → Manual → add servers → Save.
- Router — Log into your router's panel (usually 192.168.1.1) → Internet/WAN or DHCP section → set the DNS → save. This way it applies to your whole home.
FAQ
What are Google's DNS?
8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (IPv4), 2001:4860:4860::8888 on IPv6. They're free, fast and very widely used.
Does changing DNS increase my internet speed?
It won't raise your download Mbps, but it can make sites open faster and browsing more reliable. Your line speed stays whatever your plan provides.
Google or Cloudflare, which is better?
Both are excellent. Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) leans hard on privacy and speed; Google (8.8.8.8) is rock-solid and ubiquitous. Try them and keep whichever works best.
Is it safe to change DNS?
Yes, as long as you use well-known public DNS (Google, Cloudflare, Quad9). It's a reversible change: you can always switch back to Automatic.
