Internet speed is a vital component of daily life for most people, as the internet has become an essential tool for work, entertainment, and socializing. Slow internet speeds can lead to frustration and decreased productivity. There are many factors that can affect internet speed, and one of them is the DNS server. DNS, or Domain Name System, is responsible for translating web addresses into IP addresses that computers can understand.
By default, your internet service provider (ISP) assigns you a DNS server. However, using a third-party DNS server can significantly increase your internet speed. This article will discuss five DNS server tricks that can help you boost your internet speed. You will learn why DNS server matters for internet speed, how to check your current DNS server, how to change your DNS server on Windows and Mac, the best DNS servers for faster internet speed, and additional tips for faster internet speed.
Don’t settle for slow internet speeds when there are simple solutions that can make a huge difference. Read on to discover how you can optimize your DNS server and increase your internet speed.
Why DNS Server Matters for Internet Speed
Most people don’t think about their DNS server, but it can have a big impact on your internet speed. DNS (Domain Name System) is what translates website names into IP addresses. When you type in a website name, your computer sends a request to a DNS server to translate it into an IP address so it can connect to the website.
If your DNS server is slow, it can slow down your entire internet connection. This is because your computer has to wait for the DNS server to respond before it can connect to the website. Luckily, there are some tricks you can use to speed up your internet by changing your DNS server.
Use a Faster DNS Server
One of the easiest ways to speed up your internet is to use a faster DNS server. Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) usually provides you with a DNS server, but it may not be the fastest. You can use tools like DNS Benchmark or Namebench to find the fastest DNS server for your location.
Use DNS Caching
DNS caching can also help speed up your internet by reducing the number of requests your computer makes to the DNS server. When you visit a website, your computer stores the IP address in its cache so it doesn’t have to ask the DNS server for it every time you visit the website.
- Windows: You can use the Command Prompt to clear your DNS cache. Type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter.
- MacOS: You can use Terminal to clear your DNS cache. Type “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and press Enter.
Use a DNS Resolver
A DNS resolver is a server that acts as a middleman between your computer and the DNS server. It caches frequently visited websites and can help speed up your internet by reducing the number of requests to the DNS server. One popular DNS resolver is Cloudflare DNS.
If you want to boost your internet speed, try using these DNS server tricks. You might be surprised at how much faster your internet can be!
How to Check Your Current DNS Server
If you’re experiencing slow internet speeds, it’s important to check your current DNS server. Here are two simple methods to check your DNS server:
Method 1: Use Command Prompt or Terminal
Windows Users:
To check your current DNS server on Windows, follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt
- Type “ipconfig /all” and press Enter
- Look for “DNS Servers” under the “Ethernet adapter” section
Mac Users:
To check your current DNS server on a Mac, follow these steps:
- Open Terminal
- Type “scutil –dns” and press Enter
- Look for “nameserver” under the “DNS configuration” section
Method 2: Use an Online Tool
Google’s DNS Server Tool:
Google provides an easy-to-use tool to check your current DNS server. Simply type “What’s my DNS server?” into a Google search bar, and Google will display your current DNS server.
DNS Checker:
Another online tool to check your DNS server is DNS Checker. Simply visit their website and click “Start” to begin the test. DNS Checker will display your current DNS server, along with other useful information about your internet connection.
How to Change Your DNS Server on Windows
Changing your DNS server on Windows can be a quick and easy way to improve your internet speed and security. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
To get started, click on the Start button and then select Control Panel from the list of options.
Step 2: Go to Network and Sharing Center
Once you are in the Control Panel, select Network and Sharing Center.
Step 3: Change adapter settings
From the Network and Sharing Center, click on Change adapter settings.
- Right-click on the network connection you want to change the DNS server for.
- Select Properties from the drop-down menu.
- Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Select Properties again.
Step 4: Change the DNS server
Finally, in the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window, select Use the following DNS server addresses.
- Enter the IP addresses of your desired DNS servers in the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server fields.
- Click OK to save your changes.
Changing your DNS server on Windows can be a quick and easy way to improve your internet speed and security. By following these simple steps, you can change your DNS server to a faster and more reliable one, ensuring a better browsing experience.
How to Change Your DNS Server on Mac
Changing your DNS server on a Mac can help you increase your browsing speed, improve your online security and bypass geographical restrictions. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Open System Preferences by clicking on the Apple icon on the top left corner of your screen and selecting “System Preferences” from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Click on the “Network” icon in the System Preferences window.
Method 1: Changing DNS Server on Wi-Fi
- Step 3: Select your Wi-Fi connection from the list of available networks and click on the “Advanced” button in the bottom right corner of the window.
- Step 4: Click on the “DNS” tab.
- Step 5: Click on the “+” button at the bottom left corner of the window to add a new DNS server.
- Step 6: Type the IP address of the DNS server you want to use and click “OK”.
- Step 7: Click “Apply” to save the changes.
Method 2: Changing DNS Server on Ethernet
- Step 3: Select your Ethernet connection from the list of available networks and click on the “Advanced” button in the bottom right corner of the window.
- Step 4: Click on the “TCP/IP” tab.
- Step 5: Click on the “Renew DHCP Lease” button to release the current DNS server.
- Step 6: Click on the “DNS” tab.
- Step 7: Click on the “+” button at the bottom left corner of the window to add a new DNS server.
- Step 8: Type the IP address of the DNS server you want to use and click “OK”.
- Step 9: Click “Apply” to save the changes.
By following these steps, you can easily change your DNS server on a Mac and enjoy faster and more secure browsing.
The Best DNS Servers for Faster Internet Speed
Internet speed is essential for today’s digital world, and having a fast and reliable DNS server can significantly improve your browsing experience. DNS servers act as a directory for the internet, translating human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers can understand. The DNS server you use can affect your internet speed, so it’s essential to choose the best one.
Here are some of the best DNS servers that can provide you with a faster internet speed:
Google DNS
- Reliability: Google DNS is one of the most reliable DNS servers and rarely experiences downtime.
- Speed: Google DNS is one of the fastest DNS servers, making web browsing and downloads faster.
- Security: Google DNS has built-in security features that protect you from phishing attacks and malware.
Cloudflare DNS
- Speed: Cloudflare DNS is one of the fastest DNS servers, providing faster website loading times.
- Security: Cloudflare DNS uses advanced security features, including DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS, to protect you from online threats.
- Privacy: Cloudflare DNS is privacy-focused and doesn’t store your browsing data or sell it to advertisers.
OpenDNS
- Speed: OpenDNS provides fast internet speed, making your browsing experience smoother.
- Security: OpenDNS has built-in security features that protect you from phishing attacks and malware.
- Customization: OpenDNS offers advanced customization options, allowing you to block specific websites and content categories.
Choosing the right DNS server can have a significant impact on your internet speed and security. While these three DNS servers are some of the best available, there are many others to choose from. Try out a few and see which one works best for you!
How to Troubleshoot DNS Server Issues
If you are experiencing slow internet or no internet connection, it might be due to DNS server issues. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot:
Step 1: Check Your Network Connection
Make sure your device is properly connected to your network. If you are using Wi-Fi, try restarting your router and modem.
Step 2: Check Your DNS Settings
- Make sure you have entered the correct DNS server address in your network settings. You can try using a public DNS server such as Google’s (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1).
- You can also try resetting your DNS settings to default and restarting your device.
Step 3: Clear Your DNS Cache
Your device’s DNS cache stores information about websites you have visited, and it can sometimes cause issues. Clear your DNS cache by opening your terminal and typing “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder”.
Step 4: Contact Your ISP
If none of the above steps work, it might be a problem with your Internet Service Provider. Contact them to see if there are any known issues in your area.
By following these steps, you can troubleshoot DNS server issues and get your internet connection back up and running smoothly.
Additional Tips for Faster Internet Speed
Aside from using the best DNS servers, there are other tips to improve your internet speed. One of them is to clear your browser’s cache regularly. The cache is a temporary storage of frequently visited websites, and clearing it can help speed up your browsing.
Another tip is to limit the number of devices connected to your network. The more devices connected, the slower the internet speed. You can also try rebooting your modem and router, as this can help refresh your network connection and potentially improve your internet speed.
Adjust Your Router’s Settings
- Change the channel on your router to avoid interference from nearby networks
- Disable unused features and services to free up bandwidth
Upgrade Your Internet Plan
If you frequently experience slow internet speeds, upgrading to a higher-speed plan may be worth considering. Contact your internet service provider to see what options are available.
Consider a Wired Connection
If possible, using a wired connection rather than Wi-Fi can provide a more stable and faster internet connection. Ethernet cables offer faster and more reliable data transfer speeds compared to Wi-Fi, which can be affected by interference and signal strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I increase internet speed by changing DNS server?
A: Changing your DNS server to a faster and more reliable one can help increase your internet speed by reducing the time it takes to resolve domain names. By using a DNS server that has a lower response time, you can improve the speed at which your computer can access websites and services online.
Q: How do I know if my DNS server is causing slow internet speed?
A: If you are experiencing slow internet speed, you can check if your DNS server is the culprit by running a DNS benchmark test. This will help you identify if your DNS server is slow or unreliable, and if changing it can improve your internet speed.
Q: Can I change my DNS server on any device?
A: Yes, you can change your DNS server on any device that connects to the internet, including your computer, smartphone, tablet, and gaming console. However, the process of changing your DNS server may vary depending on the device and operating system you are using.
Q: Is it safe to change my DNS server?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to change your DNS server as long as you use a trusted and reliable DNS service provider. However, it is important to be cautious and avoid using DNS servers that are unsecured or run by malicious entities, as they can compromise your internet security and privacy.
Q: How often should I change my DNS server?
A: There is no set timeframe for changing your DNS server, as the need to change it depends on various factors, such as the reliability and speed of your current DNS server and your internet usage patterns. However, it is recommended to test your DNS server periodically and switch to a faster and more reliable one if necessary.
Q: Can I use a free DNS server to increase my internet speed?
A: Yes, there are many free DNS servers available that can help increase your internet speed. However, it is important to note that not all free DNS servers are reliable or secure, and some may even slow down your internet speed. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a trusted and reputable DNS service provider for optimal performance.