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how to change dns on router

To change the DNS on most home routers, you log into the router’s web interface, find the Internet/WAN or LAN/DHCP section, then replace the current DNS server addresses with the ones you want (for example Cloudflare or Google DNS), save, and reboot the router if needed.

Because tools that normally provide live web details are unavailable in this environment, the steps below are explained in general terms based on common router behavior.

What changing router DNS does

  • The router becomes the place where your devices learn which DNS servers to use, so every phone, laptop, or TV on that Wi‑Fi will typically use the new DNS automatically.
  • Using a fast or privacy‑focused DNS can improve speed slightly, block some malware or ads (if the provider supports it), and reduce how much your ISP sees of the domains you visit.

Step‑by‑step: how to change DNS on a router

  1. Find your router’s IP address
    • Common addresses are 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, but your network may use something different.
 * On a PC, it is usually listed as the “Default gateway” in your network connection details.
  1. Log into the router admin page
    • Open a browser, type the router IP into the address bar, and press Enter.
 * Enter the admin username and password; many routers default to “admin/admin” unless you or your ISP changed it.
  1. Locate DNS settings
    • Look under sections like Internet , WAN , Advanced , or Network.
 * Some routers put DNS under **LAN / DHCP / Local Network** , where you can set the DNS given out to devices.
  1. Enter new DNS servers
    • You will usually see fields for “Primary DNS” and “Secondary DNS”.
 * Replace the existing entries with the DNS you want to use, for example:
   * Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

   * Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
  1. Save and reboot
    • Click Save or Apply ; some routers then reboot automatically.
 * If not, manually restart the router by turning it off and on or using its reboot option to ensure all devices pick up the new DNS.

Verifying your DNS change

  • On a computer, open a command prompt or terminal and run a DNS lookup (for example nslookup example.com) and check which DNS server is listed; it should match the one you configured.
  • You can also visit popular DNS check websites in a browser; they report which DNS resolver is answering your queries.

Common router‑specific quirks

  • Some ISP‑supplied routers lock or hide DNS options in the WAN section so you cannot change them easily.
  • In those cases, you can sometimes:
    • Put the ISP router in bridge/modem mode and use your own router where DNS can be freely set.
* Or configure DNS directly on each device (PC, phone, TV) instead of on the router.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.