In today’s connected world, almost everyone relies on the Internet. One of the key components that make the web function smoothly is the Domain Name System (DNS). If you’ve ever browsed different websites, you’ve likely used DNS, even if you didn’t know it.
What is DNS?
To put it simply, DNS is a system that translates domain names (like Google.com) into their corresponding IP addresses. It’s an essential process that allows you to access websites by matching domain names with the correct servers.
Every time you type a domain name into your browser, DNS servers find the IP address associated with it and direct your browser to the right web server. However, DNS servers provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) aren’t always stable, which can lead to errors while browsing.
Why Consider Custom DNS?
If you’re using your ISP’s default DNS, you may encounter frequent issues like “DNS Lookup Failed,” “DNS Server Not Responding,” or “DNS_Probe_Finished_Nxdomain.” Fortunately, many public DNS servers—such as Google DNS or OpenDNS—can resolve these issues.
Before switching DNS servers, it’s a good idea to note which DNS server you’re currently using.
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How to Check Your Current DNS Server
There are several ways to check which DNS server you’re using, depending on your device.
On Windows:
1. Right-click the Start Button and select Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Enter the following command:
ipconfig /all | findstr /R “DNS\ Servers”
This command will display the DNS server currently in use.
Alternatively, you can use this command:
nslookup google.com
You can replace “google.com” with any other domain to see your DNS server.
On Mac and Linux:
On Mac and Linux, you can check your DNS using the same `nslookup` command:
nslookup google.com
This command will show the DNS server used to resolve the domain. You can replace “google.com” with any other website.
On Android:
You can use a network scanner app like Network Info II to find out which DNS server your Android device is using:
1. Open the app and navigate to the WiFi tab.
2. Look for the DNS1 and DNS2 entries—these are the DNS addresses your phone is using.
On iPhone:
iOS users can use an app like Network Analyzer to check their DNS:
1. Open the app and find the DNS Server IP under your network information.
On Your Router:
If you want to know what DNS server your router is using:
1. Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Log in with your router’s username and password.
3. Go to the Network or Wireless settings to find the DNS1 and **DNS2 entries. You can also update the DNS settings here if necessary.
Best Free Public DNS Servers
Default DNS servers provided by ISPs often cause slow browsing speeds and errors. Switching to public DNS servers—such as Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS—can improve speed, security, and sometimes even unlock restricted content.
How to Change DNS Servers on Windows and Android
If you want to change your DNS for faster or more secure browsing, we’ve shared detailed guides:
– For Windows users: Check out our article on How to Change Default DNS to Google DNS for Faster Internet.
– For Android users: Read 10 Best DNS Changer Apps for Android, which outlines the top apps for changing DNS on Android.
By following these steps, you can easily check your current DNS server and make the switch to a better one for an enhanced browsing experience. Learn More
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