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How to change DNS to google?

Nov 24 • 2 min read

Knowledge Base > Migration > How to change DNS to google?

Changing your DNS (Domain Name System) to Google’s servers can enhance your internet experience by providing faster and more secure domain resolution. Google’s public DNS servers offer reliability, speed, and additional security features. Follow these steps to change your DNS settings to Google and enjoy a more optimized browsing experience:

1. Access Network Settings:

  • On Windows:
    • Open the Control Panel.
    • Go to “Network and Sharing Center.”
    • Click on “Change adapter settings.”
    • Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties.”
  • On macOS:
    • Open “System Preferences.”
    • Click on “Network.”
    • Select your active network connection on the left and click “Advanced.”

2. Locate DNS Settings:

  • On Windows:
    • In the “Properties” window, find and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).”
    • Click on “Properties.”
    • Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter Google’s DNS addresses.
  • On macOS:
    • In the “Advanced” settings, go to the “DNS” tab.
    • Click the “+” button to add a new DNS server.
    • Enter Google’s DNS addresses.

3. Enter Google’s DNS Addresses:

  • For IPv4:
    • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
    • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
  • For IPv6:
    • Primary DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8888
    • Secondary DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8844

4. Save Changes:

  • On Windows:
    • Click “OK” to save the changes in the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” properties.
    • Close the remaining windows.
  • On macOS:
    • Click “OK” to save the changes in the “Advanced” settings.
    • Click “Apply” in the “Network” window.

5. Flush DNS Cache:

  • On Windows:
    • Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
    • Type the command: ipconfig /flushdns
    • Press Enter.
  • On macOS:
    • Open Terminal.
    • Type the command: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
    • Press Enter.

6. Verify DNS Changes:

  • Confirm that your DNS settings have been updated:
    • Use online tools or commands like nslookup to verify that DNS queries are now directed to Google’s servers.

Additional Tips:

  • Google Public DNS Security Features:
  • Consider IPv6:
    • If your network supports IPv6, consider using Google’s IPv6 DNS addresses for comprehensive DNS resolution.
  • Regularly Check for Updates:
    • DNS settings might be periodically updated. It’s advisable to check for updates to Google’s DNS addresses and implement changes accordingly.

By changing your DNS settings to Google’s servers, you benefit from a more efficient and secure internet experience. Faster domain resolution, improved privacy, and the reliability of Google’s infrastructure contribute to a smoother browsing experience. These steps are user-friendly and applicable across various operating systems, allowing you to optimize your DNS settings with ease.

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Common Questions

  • Why should I change my DNS to Google's servers?

    Changing your DNS to Google’s servers can enhance your internet experience by providing faster domain resolution, improved security features like DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS, and the reliability of Google’s infrastructure. It can result in a smoother and more secure browsing experience.

  • How do I know if changing my DNS to Google will improve my internet speed?

    Google’s DNS servers are known for their speed and reliability. If you experience slow domain resolution or frequent connection issues, changing to Google’s DNS can potentially improve your internet speed by providing faster responses when translating domain names to IP addresses.

  • Can I use Google's DNS on any device or operating system?

    Yes, you can use Google’s DNS on virtually any device or operating system, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. The process involves accessing network settings and entering Google’s DNS addresses, which are compatible with a wide range of devices.

  • Are there any security benefits to using Google's DNS?

    Yes, Google’s DNS offers additional security features such as DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT), which encrypt DNS queries for enhanced privacy. This can protect your data from potential eavesdropping and ensure a more secure communication channel between your device and the DNS server.

  • How often should I update my DNS settings to Google's servers?

    While DNS settings do not require frequent updates, it’s a good practice to check for updates to Google’s DNS addresses periodically. This ensures that you are using the most current and optimized DNS configuration, taking advantage of any improvements or changes made by Google.

  • Will changing my DNS settings to Google cause downtime or disruptions?

    Changing your DNS settings to Google’s servers typically does not cause downtime or disruptions. However, there might be a brief period during the transition where DNS changes propagate. It’s advisable to make changes during low-traffic periods to minimize any potential impact, and you can flush your DNS cache to expedite the update process.

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