When the internet suddenly starts to slow down or refuses to open certain websites, the first thought is usually to check the connection speed. However, the root of the problem often lies deeper, in parameters that the user rarely sees in everyday life. One such hidden, yet critical element is the DNS server address that your WiFi router received from the provider or used by default.
Knowing where to find this data is essential not only for diagnosing network issues but also for improving security and bypassing ISP-level blocking. In this article, we'll explore all possible ways to obtain this information on various platforms.
Knowing your current address allows you to quickly switch to a more reliable one. Google Public DNS or Cloudflare, if the current one has stopped responding. This often solves the problem of "there's internet, but pages won't load."
Receiving data via the router's web interface
The most direct and reliable way to find out which DNS server your home network is using is to look at your router's settings. The router acts as an intermediary between your ISP and your devices, receiving network parameters when connecting to the global network. To access the control panel, you'll need to enter the gateway IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) in your browser's address bar.
After authorization, the path to the required data may be named differently depending on the hardware model. Typically, these are partitions WAN, Internet or NetIn the connection status you will see fields marked as Primary DNS And Secondary DNSIf the addresses there are different from 0.0.0.0, it means that the router either received them automatically from the provider, or you entered them manually earlier.
In some modern router models, especially those with updated interfaces, information may be hidden in the "Traffic Monitoring" or "System Status" sections. If you see provider domain names or specific IP addresses there, these are the current settings.
⚠️ Warning: Changing WAN port settings may result in loss of internet access. Write down the current values before changing them to static ones.
It's worth noting that on dual-band routers, DNS settings for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are usually synchronized, but in rare cases, the guest network may have its own settings.
Checking DNS on Windows 10 and 11
Windows operating systems offer convenient built-in network diagnostic utilities that allow you to instantly obtain complete connection information, including DNS. The fastest way is to use the command line. Press the following key combination: Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter.
In the black window that opens, enter the command ipconfig /allThe system will display a huge list of parameters for all network adapters. Find the section corresponding to your WiFi adapter (usually called "Wireless Network" or "Wireless LAN Adapter"). Look for the "DNS Servers" line, which will list the IP addresses.
An alternative method for those who prefer a graphical interface is to go to "Settings" → "Network & Internet." With your active WiFi connection selected, scroll down to the "Properties" button. In the list of properties that appears, you'll see "Designated DNS Servers."
☑️ Check Windows settings
Please note that if the DNS field contains the router's address (e.g., 192.168.1.1), your computer delegates name resolution to the router. In this case, to find the actual DNS address, you need to check the router's settings, as described in the previous section.
Finding DNS on Android and iOS smartphones
Mobile devices often hide technical connection details for the sake of interface simplicity, but they can still be accessed. On smartphones running Android The procedure may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer's operating system (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). The standard path is: "Settings" → "Wi-Fi" → tap the gear icon or the name of the current network → "View details" or "IP settings."
If your IP settings are set to "Static," you'll see the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields. If they're set to "DHCP (automatic)," Android may not display the addresses received from the router directly in this menu. In this case, installing a third-party network analysis app, such as Network Analyzer or Fing, which will show the real DNS gateway.
On devices Apple iOS (iPhone, iPad) The situation is similar. Go to "Settings" → "Wi-Fi" and tap the blue "i" icon next to the network name. Scroll down to the "DNS Settings" section. If it says "Automatic," your device is using the DNS provided by the router. To view a specific IP address, you'll need a third-party app from the App Store.
⚠️ Note: Android 9 and later have a "Private DNS" feature that encrypts DNS requests. This can override system DNS settings, even if your WiFi connection is set to obtain DNS automatically.
It is important to distinguish between the system DNS and the DNS used by a specific browser. For example, Google Chrome on Android can use its own "Secure DNS", ignoring the phone's settings.
Using the command line and terminal
For users who value precision and speed, the command line remains an indispensable tool. On Windows, as mentioned, it works ipconfigHowever, the commands will be different for macOS and Linux. On Mac, open Terminal and enter the command scutil --dns or networksetup -getdnsservers Wi-Fi.
In Linux operating systems like Ubuntu or Debian, information is often stored in a configuration file. You can display the contents of the file. /etc/resolv.conf using the command cat /etc/resolv.conf. In lines beginning with the word nameserver, the IP addresses of the name servers will be indicated.
There's also a universal check method that shows which server responded to your request right now. This can be done using the utility nslookup or dig. Enter in the console nslookup google.comThe server's response will contain a "Server:" or "Address:" line, which will indicate the DNS IP address that processed this particular request.
nslookup google.comServer: 192.168.1.1
Address: 192.168.1.1#53
This method is great because it checks DNS performance in real time, rather than just displaying static interface settings. If the router is forwarding requests, you'll see its address, even if an external server is configured.
Comparison of popular DNS servers
Knowing how to view current settings, many users wonder: is it worth changing them? Providers' default DNS services are often slow or susceptible to censorship. There are many public alternatives that are faster and more reliable.
Below is a table with the most popular and time-tested servers that can be registered in a router or device.
| DNS provider | Main IP | Alternative IP | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | High speed, stability |
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 | Emphasis on privacy, no logs |
| OpenDNS (Cisco) | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 | Phishing protection, parental control |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 | Blocking malicious domains |
Switching to Cloudflare or Google This often helps speed up page response times, especially if your provider is using overloaded servers. However, if you're on a corporate network, changing your DNS may prevent you from accessing internal company resources.
Common problems and their solutions
Users often encounter situations where the DNS appears to be set correctly, but the internet is down or intermittent. One common problem is a "DNS leak." This occurs when you use a VPN, but your system's DNS settings remain the same, causing requests to bypass the secure tunnel.
Another issue is caching. If you've changed your DNS server, but websites still open incorrectly or don't open at all, the old address may be cached in the system. On Windows, you can clear the cache with the command ipconfig /flushdns in the command line with administrator rights.
It's also worth considering that some providers use DNS Hijacking, forcibly redirecting all requests to their servers, even if you've configured different ones in your router settings. In such cases, the only solution is to use DNS over HTTPS (DoH) in your browser or set up a VPN.
What is DNS Hijacking?
This is a technique whereby your ISP intercepts your DNS requests and redirects them to their servers. This is done for advertising, censorship, or statistics collection. The only way to circumvent this is by encrypting your DNS traffic.
If your internet speed has dropped after changing the settings, try swapping your primary and secondary DNS or selecting a server from a different provider from the table above. The server's geographic distance also affects response time.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use public DNS servers?
Yes, using public DNS services like Google or Cloudflare is generally safer and more reliable than using servers from smaller providers. Large companies invest heavily in protecting their infrastructure from DDoS attacks and implement modern encryption standards.
Will changing DNS affect internet speed?
Changing your DNS won't increase your maximum file download speed (bandwidth), but it can significantly speed up website page loading. This happens because the website's IP address is obtained more quickly the first time it's accessed.
Can my ISP see what websites I visit if I change my DNS?
Yes, it can. Standard DNS requests are not encrypted, and your ISP can see which IP address you're accessing, even if the request goes to a Google server. To hide your browsing history from your ISP, you need to use a VPN or DoH/DoT protocols.
What should I do if the Internet stops working after changing DNS?
Reset your settings to "Automatic" (obtain DNS address automatically). Most likely, the addresses you entered were unavailable or blocked by your ISP. Try the alternatives from the table in this article.