Modern users often face the need to change network connection settings to increase speed or bypass provider restrictions. DNS addresses (Domain Name System) is a critical parameter that determines how your device finds websites by their names. When you enter a website address in your browser, it's the DNS server that translates the human-readable name into the digital IP address your computer needs to connect.
By default, when you connect to Wi-Fi, your router or the computer automatically obtains DNS addresses from the internet service provider. However, these default settings do not always provide maximum response speed or sufficient privacy. Many advanced users prefer to use public servers, such as Google DNS or Cloudflareto speed up page loading and improve connection security.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to find the current DNS addresses on various devices connected to your wireless network. You'll learn how to check these settings on smartphones, tablets, Windows and macOS computers, and directly in your router's interface. Understanding where these settings are located is the first step to optimizing your home network.
Checking DNS on Windows computers
Windows users have several ways to obtain information about current network settings. The fastest and most reliable method is to use the command line, which allows you to view detailed information about all active connections. This method is universal and works on all OS versions, from older ones. Windows 7 to the latest Windows 11.
To get the data, press the key combination Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. In the window that opens, enter the command ipconfig /allIn the list that appears, find the section corresponding to your wireless adapter (usually labeled "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi"). The "DNS Servers" lines will show the IP addresses your computer is currently using.
An alternative option for those who prefer a graphical interface involves using the network settings menu. This method is more intuitive, but the path to the settings may vary slightly depending on the operating system version and installed interface updates.
⚠️ Attention: If the DNS line shows an address starting with 192.168... or 10.0..., this means your computer is receiving its DNS address from the router. To find out the actual external DNS, you need to access the router's settings.
Below is a table to help you decipher the main parameters displayed in the command line during network diagnostics:
| Parameter | Description | Example of meaning |
|---|---|---|
| DHCP is enabled | Automatic settings acquisition indicator | Yes |
| IPv4 DNS servers | Primary and alternate addresses for name resolution | 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 |
| Default Gateway | Your router's local network address | 192.168.0.1 |
| Physical address | Unique MAC address of the network card | A4-C3-F0-xx-xx-xx |
How to view DNS on Android and iPhone smartphones
Mobile devices are becoming the primary means of internet access, so the question of how to find the Wi-Fi DNS on a phone is extremely relevant. In the operating system Android The process may vary depending on the manufacturer and version of the shell, but the general principle remains the same. You need to go to your Wi-Fi settings, select your active network, and view the connection details.
On most modern Android smartphones you need to go to Settings → Wi-Fi, click the name of the connected network or the gear icon next to it. In the menu that opens, find "Advanced Settings" or "IP Settings." If it's set to "Static," the DNS addresses will be specified explicitly. If it's set to "DHCP," the phone will obtain them automatically from the router.
For device owners Apple iPhone (iOS) has benefited from a more unified interface. To access settings, go to Settings → Wi-Fi, click the blue information icon (the letter "i" in a circle) next to your network name. Scroll down to the "DNS" section. Your current DNS servers will be listed there.
- 📱 On Android, you often need to tap "Edit" or "Advanced" to see hidden DNS fields.
- 🍏 On iOS, DNS addresses are displayed immediately in the network settings list without any additional steps.
- 🔒 If you use "Private DNS" on Android, real IP addresses may be hidden behind a hostname (e.g. dns.google).
It's worth noting that mobile devices often use security features that can redirect DNS traffic through secure channels, hiding real addresses from easy viewing in Wi-Fi settings.
DNS diagnostics via the router's web interface
The most accurate way to find out which DNS servers your Wi-Fi network is using is to look inside your router. It's the one that distributes addresses to all connected devices unless they have static settings. To access the control panel, you need to know the gateway IP address (often this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and administrator login and password.
After logging into the web interface (usually in a browser), you need to find the section related to WAN or Internet settings. Depending on your router model (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik), this section may have different names: "Internet," "WAN," "Global Network," or "Connection." This is where you enter the settings received from your provider or manually set.
☑️ Checking router settings
In the WAN status or main settings section, you'll see the "Primary DNS" and "Secondary DNS" fields. If they contain addresses other than 0.0.0.0, the router is using them. If the fields are empty or contain zeros, the router is automatically retrieving DNS from the ISP's equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces are constantly being updated. The menu layout may differ from what's described. Look for sections labeled "Internet," "WAN," or "Status."
Changing DNS at the router level is the most effective method, as the new settings will be applied to all devices in the home automatically, including Smart TVs, game consoles, and smart bulbs that don't have their own network settings.
Using the Command Prompt and Terminal for Diagnostics
For technically advanced users and system administrators, the command line remains an indispensable tool. It allows not only for current settings but also for testing DNS servers. On Windows, the utility nslookup, and on macOS and Linux - dig or the same nslookup.
Team nslookup google.com will show which server was used to resolve the name and the IP address returned. The server's response will include the DNS address that processed your request. This allows you to verify that the device is actually using the correct server, even if a different one is specified in the network settings (for example, due to interception by the ISP).
nslookup ya.ruServer: router.keenetic.net
Address: 192.168.1.1
Non-authoritative answer:
Name: ya.ru
Address: 77.88.55.242
In the example above, you can see that the request went to the router (192.168.1.1), which most likely forwarded it further. For more in-depth diagnostics, you can use the command tracert (Windows) or traceroute (Linux/Mac) to see the packet's path to the DNS server.
What is DNS cache and how to clear it?
The DNS cache is a temporary storage area on your computer or router that stores the IP addresses of recently visited websites. This speeds up re-logging into websites. However, if a website changes servers or DNS settings are changed, the old cache may interfere with proper operation. To clear it on Windows, use the ipconfig /flushdns command in the Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
Popular public DNS servers and their benefits
Knowing how to check current settings, many users decide to change them. Providers' default servers are often slow or susceptible to censorship. Public DNS services offer an alternative with increased speed, reliability, and sometimes additional security features.
One of the most popular options is Google Public DNSIts addresses (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) are known worldwide. This service is characterized by high response speed and stability, making it an excellent choice for most users simply looking to speed up their internet.
Another market leader is Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). The company positions its service as the fastest in the world and places a strong emphasis on user privacy, promising not to sell browsing data. There is also OpenDNS (Cisco), which offers flexible content filtering settings.
- 🚀 Speed: Public servers often have better infrastructure than local provider nodes.
- 🛡️ Safety: Many services block access to phishing sites and botnets at the DNS level.
- 🌍 Availability: Using an alternative DNS can help bypass simple resource blocking imposed by your ISP.
However, it's important to remember that changing your DNS isn't a panacea. If your internet problem is caused by a cable break or a problem with your ISP, changing your server addresses won't restore your connection.
Possible problems and solutions
When setting up DNS on your own, users may encounter a number of difficulties. The most common one is a loss of internet access after changing addresses. This can occur if the entered addresses are incorrect, the server is unavailable in your region, or is blocked by your ISP.
Another problem is the so-called "DNS leak." Even if you've configured secure DNS in your browser or app, the operating system may continue to send regular DNS requests through your ISP's server. You can check this using special testing sites that show which DNS server the resources you visit are seeing.
⚠️ Attention: Some internet service providers (ISPs) may block access to third-party DNS servers by redirecting all requests to their own servers (a technique known as DNS Hijacking). In such cases, the only solution is to use encrypted protocols such as DoH (DNS over HTTPS) or DoT (DNS over TLS).
If pages stop opening after changing your settings, but instant messaging apps still work, try re-enabling automatic DNS retrieval. To do this, select "Obtain DNS server address automatically" in your network adapter settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if my ISP has blocked DNS changes?
You can check this using online DNS leak detection services or the command line. Compare the IP address returned by the nslookup command with the server address you entered manually. If they differ and match your provider's DNS, then your connection is being intercepted or blocked.
Does changing DNS affect video loading speed (YouTube, Netflix)?
Indirectly, yes. A faster DNS response speeds up the initial download (the wait time before playback starts), but the actual stream speed depends on your bandwidth and the video hosting servers. However, some DNS servers can route you to closer CDN servers, which will improve speed.
Is it safe to use Google DNS or Cloudflare?
Yes, these are large, reliable companies with high security standards. Using their services is often safer than using the default DNS of smaller local providers, which may not encrypt traffic and are susceptible to attacks.
Do I need to change DNS on each device separately?
No, it's not necessary. If you enter DNS addresses in your router settings (in the WAN/Internet section), all devices connecting to your Wi-Fi will automatically receive these settings. You only need to change these settings on each phone or laptop if your router doesn't allow editing these settings.
What should I do if I forgot my router password after changing the settings?
If you've changed your router's administrator password and forgotten it, the only solution is to reset the device to factory settings. To do this, press the button Reset on the router body (usually you need to hold it for 10-15 seconds while the power is on). After this, the router will reset to the factory passwords indicated on the sticker on the bottom.