How to Change DNS Servers on Most Popular Routers

Why Change DNS Servers on Your Router?

Changing the DNS (Domain Name System) servers on your router can have several advantages and benefits. The DNS servers are responsible for converting domain names into IP addresses, allowing your devices to access websites and online services. Most routers come with default DNS servers provided by your internet service provider (ISP). However, there are several reasons why you might consider changing these DNS servers to alternative options such as Google DNS, OpenDNS, Cloudflare DNS, or other public DNS services.

One of the main reasons for changing DNS servers is to enhance your internet speed and browsing experience. Alternative DNS servers can often provide faster response times, which means quicker loading times for websites. This is especially beneficial for frequently visited websites and online services.

Another reason to change DNS servers is to bypass censorship and access blocked websites. Some DNS servers, such as those offered by OpenDNS, provide filters to block malicious websites and adult content. This can be particularly useful for parents who want to create a safer online environment for their children.

Furthermore, changing DNS servers can help improve your online privacy and security. Some public DNS services offer enhanced security features, such as blocking phishing websites and preventing malware infections. By using these alternative DNS servers, you can add an extra layer of protection to your internet browsing activities.

Additionally, changing DNS servers can give you more control over your internet connection. Some DNS services allow you to customize settings, such as blocking specific types of content or creating whitelists and blacklists for websites. This level of control can be advantageous for both personal and professional use.

It’s important to note that changing DNS servers on your router can affect all devices connected to your network. This means that any device accessing the internet through your router will use the new DNS servers. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose reliable and reputable DNS services to ensure the stability and reliability of your internet connection.

In short, changing DNS servers on your router can improve internet speed, provide access to blocked websites, enhance online privacy and security, and give you more control over your internet connection. By making this simple adjustment, you can optimize your overall browsing experience and enjoy a safer and more efficient online environment.

How to Change DNS Servers on a TP-Link Router

Changing DNS servers on a TP-Link router is a straightforward process that can be done through the router’s web-based management interface. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you change the DNS servers on your TP-Link router:

Connect your computer to the TP-Link router using an Ethernet cable or through Wi-Fi.
Open a web browser and enter the default IP address of your TP-Link router in the address bar. The default IP address is often “192.168.0.1” or “192.168.1.1”. Press Enter.
You will be prompted to enter the username and password for your router. These credentials are usually “admin” for both the username and password.
Once logged in, navigate to the Network or Internet settings in the router’s web interface.
Look for the DNS settings or WAN settings. It may be located under the DHCP or Internet section.
In the DNS settings, select the option to manually enter DNS server addresses.
Enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses you want to use. You can use popular options like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 for primary and 8.8.4.4 for secondary), OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 for primary and 208.67.220.220 for secondary), or any other DNS server of your preference.
Save the changes and restart your TP-Link router for the new DNS server settings to take effect.

Once the router has restarted, all devices connected to the TP-Link router will begin using the new DNS server addresses you specified. It’s important to note that some TP-Link router models may have slightly different steps or interface layouts, so it’s recommended to refer to the router’s user manual or TP-Link’s official support documentation for specific instructions tailored to your router model.

By changing the DNS servers on your TP-Link router, you can enjoy the benefits of enhanced internet speed, improved security, and access to blocked websites provided by the alternative DNS servers of your choice.

How to Change DNS Servers on a Netgear Router

Changing DNS servers on a Netgear router is a simple process that can be done through the router’s web-based administration interface. Follow these step-by-step instructions to change the DNS servers on your Netgear router:

Connect your computer to the Netgear router either through an Ethernet cable or via Wi-Fi.
Open a web browser and enter the default IP address of your Netgear router in the address bar. The default IP address is typically “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.0.1”. Press Enter.
Enter your router’s login credentials when prompted. The default username is often “admin” and the default password is either “password” or “1234”.
Once logged in, navigate to the advanced settings or the setup page in the router’s web interface.
Look for the Internet or WAN setup section, and then locate the DNS settings.
Select the option to manually enter DNS server addresses.
Enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses you want to use. You can use well-known options such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 for primary and 8.8.4.4 for secondary), OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 for primary and 208.67.220.220 for secondary), or any other DNS servers of your choice.
Save the changes and wait for the Netgear router to reboot and apply the new DNS server settings.

Once the router has restarted, all devices connected to your Netgear router will begin using the new DNS server addresses you specified. It’s important to note that the steps and interface layout may vary slightly depending on the Netgear router model you have. If you encounter any difficulties during the process, you can refer to the router’s user manual or Netgear’s official support documentation for more specific instructions tailored to your router model.

By changing the DNS servers on your Netgear router, you can experience improved internet performance, increased security, and access to blocked websites provided by the alternative DNS servers you choose.

How to Change DNS Servers on a Linksys Router

Changing DNS servers on a Linksys router can be done easily through the router’s web-based administration interface. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you change the DNS servers on your Linksys router:

Connect your computer to the Linksys router using an Ethernet cable or by connecting to its Wi-Fi network.
Launch a web browser and enter the default IP address of your Linksys router in the address bar. The default IP address is typically “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.0.1”. Press Enter.
You will be prompted to enter the router’s login credentials. The default username is usually left blank, while the default password is “admin”. If you’ve set up a custom username and password previously, use those instead.
Once logged in, navigate to the router’s web-based settings interface.
Locate the Network or WAN settings section.
Look for the DNS settings option. It may be labeled as “DNS Servers” or “DNS Settings”.
Select the option to manually enter DNS server addresses.
Enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses you want to use. You can use popular alternatives such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 for primary and 8.8.4.4 for secondary), OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 for primary and 208.67.220.220 for secondary), or any other DNS server you prefer.
Save the changes and exit the router’s settings interface.

After saving the changes, your Linksys router will reboot and apply the new DNS server settings. Once the router restarts, all devices connected to your network will use the new DNS server addresses you specified. Note that the specific steps and interface layout may vary slightly depending on your Linksys router model. For more accurate instructions, refer to the router’s user manual or Linksys’ official support documentation.

By changing the DNS servers on your Linksys router, you can enjoy improved internet speed, enhanced security, and access to blocked websites provided by the alternative DNS servers you choose.

How to Change DNS Servers on an Asus Router

Changing DNS servers on an Asus router is a simple process that can be done through the router’s web-based administration interface. Follow these step-by-step instructions to change the DNS servers on your Asus router:

Connect your computer to the Asus router either via an Ethernet cable or through Wi-Fi.
Open a web browser and enter the default IP address of your Asus router in the address bar. The default IP address is typically “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.0.1”. Press Enter.
Enter your router’s login credentials. The default username and password are usually “admin” for both fields.
Once logged in, navigate to the router’s web-based administration settings.
Locate the WAN (Wide Area Network) settings or Internet Setup section.
Look for the DNS settings option. It may be labeled as “DNS Server,” “DNS Configuration,” or something similar.
Select the option to manually enter the DNS server addresses.
Enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses you want to use. You can use well-known options like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 for primary and 8.8.4.4 for secondary), OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 for primary and 208.67.220.220 for secondary), or any other DNS server of your preference.
Save the changes and wait for the Asus router to apply the new DNS server settings.

Once the router has finished applying the changes, all devices connected to your Asus router will start using the new DNS server addresses you specified. Please note that the specific steps and interface layout may vary slightly depending on your Asus router model. For more accurate instructions, you can refer to the router’s user manual or Asus’ official support documentation.

By changing the DNS servers on your Asus router, you can experience improved internet speed, increased security, and access to blocked websites provided by the alternative DNS servers you choose.

How to Change DNS Servers on a D-Link Router

Changing DNS servers on a D-Link router can be done through the router’s web-based configuration interface. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you change the DNS servers on your D-Link router:

Connect your computer to the D-Link router using an Ethernet cable or via Wi-Fi.
Launch a web browser and enter the default IP address of your D-Link router in the address bar. The default IP address is typically “192.168.0.1” or “192.168.1.1”. Press Enter.
Enter your router’s login credentials when prompted. The default username is often “admin”, and the password field is left blank.
Once logged in, navigate to the router’s web-based configuration settings.
Locate the Network Setup or Internet Setup section.
Look for the DNS settings. It may be labeled as “DNS Server Address” or similar.
Select the option to manually enter the DNS server addresses.
Enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses you want to use. You can use popular alternatives like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 for primary and 8.8.4.4 for secondary), OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 for primary and 208.67.220.220 for secondary), or any other DNS servers you prefer.
Save the changes and wait for the D-Link router to apply the new DNS server settings.

After the D-Link router has finished applying the changes, all devices connected to your network will begin using the new DNS server addresses you specified. Keep in mind that the exact steps and interface layout may vary slightly depending on your D-Link router model. If you encounter any difficulties during the process, you can refer to the router’s user manual or D-Link’s official support documentation for more specific instructions.

By changing the DNS servers on your D-Link router, you can enjoy improved internet speed, enhanced security, and access to blocked websites provided by the alternative DNS servers you choose.

How to Change DNS Servers on a Belkin Router

Changing DNS servers on a Belkin router can be done by accessing the router’s web-based configuration interface. Follow these step-by-step instructions to change the DNS servers on your Belkin router:

Connect your computer to the Belkin router using an Ethernet cable or connect to its Wi-Fi network.
Launch a web browser and enter the default IP address of your Belkin router in the address bar. The default IP address is typically “192.168.2.1”. Press Enter.
Enter your router’s login credentials when prompted. The default username is often empty, and the default password is “admin”. If you have set a custom username and password, use those instead.
Once logged in, navigate to the router’s web-based configuration settings.
Locate the DNS settings or Internet settings section.
Look for the option to manually configure DNS servers.
Enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses you wish to use. You can enter popular options such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 for primary and 8.8.4.4 for secondary), OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 for primary and 208.67.220.220 for secondary), or any other DNS servers of your choice.
Save the changes and wait for the Belkin router to apply the new DNS server settings.

Once the Belkin router has finished applying the changes, all devices connected to your network will begin using the new DNS server addresses you specified. Please note that the specific steps and interface layout may vary slightly depending on your Belkin router model. To get more accurate instructions tailored to your router model, refer to the router’s user manual or Belkin’s official support documentation.

By changing the DNS servers on your Belkin router, you can experience improved internet speed, increased security, and access to blocked websites provided by the alternative DNS servers you choose.

How to Change DNS Servers on a Cisco Router

Changing DNS servers on a Cisco router can be done through the router’s command-line interface (CLI). Follow these step-by-step instructions to change the DNS servers on your Cisco router:

Connect your computer to the Cisco router using an Ethernet cable.
Launch a terminal emulator program, such as PuTTY or SecureCRT, and establish a console connection to the Cisco router.
Once connected, enter privileged EXEC mode by typing “enable” and entering the router’s enable password when prompted.
Enter configuration mode by typing “configure terminal.”
Navigate to the DNS settings by entering “ip domain-lookup.”
To change the primary DNS server, enter “ip name-server [primary DNS IP address]”. Replace “[primary DNS IP address]” with the IP address of your preferred DNS server.
If desired, change the secondary DNS server by entering “ip name-server [secondary DNS IP address]”. Replace “[secondary DNS IP address]” with the IP address of your secondary DNS server.
Press “Ctrl+Z” to exit configuration mode and return to privileged EXEC mode.
Save your changes by typing “copy running-config startup-config”.

Once you have saved the configuration changes, your Cisco router will start using the new DNS server(s) you specified. Please note that the specific commands and syntax may vary depending on your Cisco router model and software version. It’s important to consult your router’s documentation or Cisco’s official support resources for detailed instructions specific to your router model.

By changing the DNS servers on your Cisco router, you can enjoy improved internet speed, enhanced security, and access to blocked websites provided by the alternative DNS servers you choose.

How to Change DNS Servers on an Arris Router

Changing DNS servers on an Arris router can be done through the router’s web-based configuration interface. Follow these step-by-step instructions to change the DNS servers on your Arris router:

Connect your computer to the Arris router using an Ethernet cable or by connecting to its Wi-Fi network.
Open a web browser and enter the default IP address of your Arris router in the address bar. The default IP address is typically “192.168.0.1” or “192.168.1.1”. Press Enter.
Enter your router’s login credentials when prompted. The default username is often “admin”, while the default password can be “password” or “admin”.
Once logged in, navigate to the router’s web-based configuration interface.
Locate the Network or WAN settings section.
Look for the DNS settings option. It may be labeled as “DNS servers”, “DNS configuration”, or something similar.
Select the option to manually enter the DNS server addresses.
Enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses you want to use. You can use well-known options like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 for primary and 8.8.4.4 for secondary), OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 for primary and 208.67.220.220 for secondary), or any other DNS server of your preference.
Save the changes and wait for the Arris router to apply the new DNS server settings.

After applying the changes, all devices connected to your Arris router will start using the new DNS server addresses you specified. It’s important to note that the specific steps and interface layout may vary depending on your Arris router model. If you encounter any difficulties during the process, consult the router’s user manual or refer to Arris’ official support documentation for more specific instructions tailored to your router model.

By changing the DNS servers on your Arris router, you can enjoy improved internet speed, enhanced security, and access to blocked websites provided by the alternative DNS servers you choose.

How to Change DNS Servers on a Motorola Router

Changing DNS servers on a Motorola router can vary depending on the model and firmware version. Most Motorola routers have a web-based configuration interface that allows you to modify DNS settings easily. Here is a general guide to changing DNS servers on a Motorola router:

Connect your computer to the Motorola router using an Ethernet cable or connect to its Wi-Fi network.
Open a web browser and enter the default IP address of your Motorola router in the address bar. The default IP address is usually “192.168.0.1”, “192.168.1.1”, or “192.168.100.1”. Press Enter.
Enter your router’s login credentials when prompted. The default username and password can be “admin”, but it can vary based on the router model and firmware version. If you have changed the credentials, use the custom ones.
Select the “Network” or “Advanced” tab to access the DNS settings.
Look for the DNS settings or similar options.
Choose the option to manually enter the DNS server addresses.
Enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses you want to use. For example, you can use Google DNS (8.8.8.8 for primary and 8.8.4.4 for secondary) or any other DNS server of your preference.
Save the changes and restart your Motorola router if prompted.

After saving the changes and rebooting the router, all devices connected to your Motorola router will start using the new DNS server addresses. Keep in mind that the steps mentioned above are general guidelines, and the actual interface and steps may vary depending on your Motorola router model and firmware version. If you encounter any difficulties or need more specific instructions, consult your router’s user manual or visit Motorola’s support website for detailed guidance.

By changing the DNS servers on your Motorola router, you can enjoy a faster and more reliable internet connection, enhanced security, and access to blocked websites provided by the alternative DNS servers you choose.

How to Change DNS Servers on an Apple Airport Router

Apple Airport routers, such as the Airport Extreme and Airport Express, can be configured to use alternative DNS servers for improved performance and customization. Here’s a step-by-step guide to changing DNS servers on an Apple Airport router:

Launch the AirPort Utility on your Mac computer. You can find it in the “Utilities” folder within the “Applications” folder.
Select your Apple Airport router from the list of available devices and click “Edit”.
Enter your password if prompted to authenticate.
In the AirPort Utility, click on the “Internet” tab.
Under the “DNS Servers” section, click “Edit DNS Settings”.
Choose the option to “Manually” configure DNS servers.
Enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses you want to use. You can use popular options like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 for primary and 8.8.4.4 for secondary) or any other DNS servers of your preference.
Click “Save” to apply the new DNS server settings to your Apple Airport router.
Wait for the router to restart and for the changes to take effect.

Once the Apple Airport router has restarted, all devices connected to the network will begin using the new DNS server addresses you specified. Please note that the specific steps and interface layout may vary slightly depending on your Apple Airport router model and software version. If you encounter any difficulties, you can refer to the router’s user manual or visit Apple’s support website for more specific instructions tailored to your router model.

By changing the DNS servers on your Apple Airport router, you can enjoy improved internet speed, enhanced security, and access to blocked websites provided by the alternative DNS servers you choose.

How to Change DNS Servers on a Google Nest Router

Changing DNS servers on a Google Nest router can be done using the Google Home app on your smartphone or tablet. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you change the DNS servers on your Google Nest router:

Launch the Google Home app on your mobile device.
Find and select your Google Nest router from the list of connected devices.
Tap on the Settings icon, usually represented by a gear or three vertical dots.
Scroll down and select “Wi-Fi” or “Network & general”.
Tap on “Advanced networking” or a similar option.
Look for the “DNS settings” or “DNS” section.
Select “Custom DNS.”
Enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses you want to use. You can use well-known options like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 for primary and 8.8.4.4 for secondary), OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 for primary and 208.67.220.220 for secondary), or any other DNS server of your preference.
Save the changes, and the Google Nest router will apply the new DNS server settings.

Once the Google Nest router has applied the changes, all devices connected to your network will automatically begin using the new DNS server addresses you specified. It’s important to note that the steps and interface layout may vary slightly depending on the version of the Google Home app and the Google Nest router model you have. If you encounter any difficulties during the process, consult the app’s user guide or visit Google’s support documentation for additional guidance.

By changing the DNS servers on your Google Nest router, you can enjoy a faster and more reliable internet connection, enhanced security, and access to blocked websites provided by the alternative DNS servers you choose.

How to Change DNS Servers on an AmpliFi Router

Changing DNS servers on an AmpliFi router can be easily done using the AmpliFi app. Follow these step-by-step instructions to change the DNS servers on your AmpliFi router:

Launch the AmpliFi mobile app on your smartphone or tablet.
Tap on the AmpliFi router you want to configure from the list of connected devices.
Tap on the “Settings” icon located at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Scroll down and select “Internet” from the list of options.
Tap on “DNS” or “DNS Mode”.
Select “Manual” to manually configure the DNS servers.
Enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses you want to use. You can use popular options like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 for primary and 8.8.4.4 for secondary), OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 for primary and 208.67.220.220 for secondary), or any other DNS servers of your choice.
Tap the “Save” button to apply the new DNS server settings.

Once the changes have been saved, the AmpliFi router will start using the new DNS server addresses you specified. All devices connected to your network will automatically use the updated DNS servers. It’s important to note that the app’s interface and steps may vary slightly depending on the version of the AmpliFi app and the model of your AmpliFi router. If you encounter any difficulties during the process, refer to the app’s user guide or AmpliFi’s support documentation for more specific instructions.

By changing the DNS servers on your AmpliFi router, you can enjoy improved internet speed, enhanced security, and access to blocked websites provided by the alternative DNS servers you choose.

How to Change DNS Servers on a Ubiquiti Router

Changing DNS servers on a Ubiquiti router can be done through the router’s web-based management interface, also known as the UniFi Controller. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you change the DNS servers on your Ubiquiti router:

Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network as your Ubiquiti router.
Enter the IP address of your Ubiquiti router in the address bar. The default IP address is often “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.0.1”. Press Enter.
Enter your router’s login credentials when prompted. The default username is “ubnt”, and the default password is “ubnt”.
Once logged in, navigate to the “Settings” tab in the UniFi Controller interface.
Click on “Internet” in the left-hand menu.
Under the “DNS” section, select “Manual”.
Enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses you want to use. You can use well-known options like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 for primary and 8.8.4.4 for secondary), OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 for primary and 208.67.220.220 for secondary), or any other DNS servers of your preference.
Click on “Apply Changes” or “Save” to save the new DNS server settings.

Once the changes are saved, the Ubiquiti router will start using the new DNS server addresses you specified. All devices connected to your network will automatically use the updated DNS servers. It’s important to note that the specific steps and interface layout may vary slightly depending on your Ubiquiti router model and the version of the UniFi Controller software. If you encounter any difficulties during the process, consult the router’s user manual or refer to Ubiquiti’s official support documentation for more specific instructions tailored to your router model.

By changing the DNS servers on your Ubiquiti router, you can enjoy improved internet speed, enhanced security, and access to blocked websites provided by the alternative DNS servers you choose.

How to Change DNS Servers on a Synology Router

Changing DNS servers on a Synology router can be easily done through the router’s web-based management interface. Follow these step-by-step instructions to change the DNS servers on your Synology router:

Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network as your Synology router.
Enter the IP address of your Synology router in the address bar. The default IP address is often “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.0.1”. Press Enter.
Enter your router’s login credentials when prompted. Use the admin username and the password you set during the initial router setup.
Once logged in, navigate to the “Network Center” or a similar section in the router’s web interface.
Look for the “Internet” or “WAN” settings and click on it.
Locate the DNS settings. It may be labeled as “DNS Server” or something similar.
Select the option to manually enter the DNS server addresses.
Enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses you want to use. You can use popular options like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 for primary and 8.8.4.4 for secondary), OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 for primary and 208.67.220.220 for secondary), or any other DNS servers of your preference.
Save the changes and wait for the Synology router to apply the new DNS server settings.

Once the Synology router has applied the changes, all devices connected to your network will start using the new DNS server addresses you specified. It’s important to note that the specific steps and interface layout may vary slightly depending on your Synology router model and firmware version. If you encounter any difficulties during the process, consult the router’s user manual or refer to Synology’s official support documentation for more specific instructions tailored to your router model.

By changing the DNS servers on your Synology router, you can enjoy improved internet speed, enhanced security, and access to blocked websites provided by the alternative DNS servers you choose.

How to Change DNS Servers on a MikroTik Router

Changing DNS servers on a MikroTik router can be done using the router’s command-line interface (CLI) known as RouterOS. Follow these step-by-step instructions to change the DNS servers on your MikroTik router:

Connect your computer to the MikroTik router using an Ethernet cable or by connecting to its Wi-Fi network.
Open a terminal emulator program, such as PuTTY or Terminal (for macOS and Linux).
Establish an SSH or Telnet connection to the IP address of your MikroTik router.
Enter your router’s login credentials when prompted. The default username is “admin”, and the default password is empty.
Once logged in, type “/ip dns set primary-dns=[primary DNS IP address] secondary-dns=[secondary DNS IP address]”. Replace “[primary DNS IP address]” and “[secondary DNS IP address]” with the IP addresses of the DNS servers you want to use.
Alternatively, you can enter “/ip dns set servers=[comma-separated DNS IP addresses]” to set multiple DNS servers at once. For example, “/ip dns set servers=8.8.8.8,8.8.4.4” sets Google DNS as the primary and secondary DNS servers.
Hit Enter to apply the changes.

Once the configuration is applied, your MikroTik router will start using the new DNS server addresses you specified. All devices connected to your network will automatically use the updated DNS servers. Keep in mind that the commands and syntax may vary depending on the version of RouterOS you are using. If you encounter any difficulties during the process, consult the router’s user manual or refer to MikroTik’s official documentation for more specific guidance.

By changing the DNS servers on your MikroTik router, you can enjoy improved internet speed, enhanced security, and access to blocked websites provided by the alternative DNS servers you choose.