What Happens When I Change My DNS Manually?

Changing your DNS settings manually can have a significant impact on your online experience. The effects vary depending on the changes you make and the reasons behind them. Let's break down the potential outcomes.

1. Improved Speed and Performance

Changing your DNS settings can improve both speed and performance by enabling faster domain name resolution and reduced latency. Here’s how:

Faster Resolution: Using public DNS servers like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS can provide faster resolution times compared to your Internet Service Provider's (ISP) default DNS. This can lead to a smoother and quicker browsing experience. Reduced Latency: Choosing a DNS server that is geographically closer to you can help reduce the time it takes to connect to websites, enhancing your overall internet performance.

2. Enhanced Security

Your DNS settings can also impact your security in several ways:

Phishing Protection: Some DNS services offer security features such as phishing protection and malware blocking. These can help safeguard your device from malicious activities. DNSSEC Support: DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) can prevent certain types of attacks by ensuring the integrity and authenticity of DNS data. Implementing DNSSEC support can add an extra layer of security to your network.

3. Access to Geo-Restricted Content

Changing your DNS settings can also give you access to geo-restricted content:

Bypassing Filters: By switching to a DNS server that bypasses regional filters, you can gain access to content that might be blocked in your location due to regional restrictions.

4. Potential Issues

While changing DNS settings can offer benefits, it also comes with potential risks:

Incorrect Configuration: An incorrect configuration can lead to issues such as not being able to connect to the internet or specific websites. Always double-check your settings before applying them. ISP Restrictions: Some ISPs may block or redirect DNS queries, which can negate the benefits you seek from changing your DNS. Be aware of any restrictions your ISP might enforce.

5. Impact on Local Network

Your changes will affect your network in different ways:

Local Devices: If you change the DNS settings on your router, all devices connected to your network will use the new DNS settings. If you change it on an individual device, only that device will be affected.

6. Troubleshooting

Changing your DNS can also simplify troubleshooting:

Easier Troubleshooting: If you suspect that your ISP’s DNS is causing connectivity issues, changing to a different DNS can help diagnose and resolve these problems more easily.

How to Change DNS Settings

Here are the steps to change DNS settings on various devices:

Windows

Go to Control Panel Network and Internet Network and Sharing Center Change adapter options. Click on your network connection, right-click, and select Properties. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), click Properties, and enter the desired DNS addresses.

macOS

Open System Preferences Network. Select your network connection from the left sidebar, click the Advanced button, and go to the DNS tab. Click the plus ( ) button to add preferred DNS servers.

Router

Login to your router’s admin interface typically accessible via its IP address. Go to the DNS settings within the router’s configuration menu and enter the desired DNS server addresses.

Mobile Devices

Open the Wi-Fi settings and select the network you are connected to. Tap on Configure DNS and enter the preferred DNS server addresses.

Conclusion

Changing your DNS settings manually can significantly impact your online experience, offering improved performance, security, and access to geo-restricted content. However, it is crucial to ensure that the changes are correct and consider any potential issues they might introduce. Always choose a reliable DNS provider to maximize the benefits of your changes.