Almost all communication on the Internet starts with a so-called ‘DNS request’. For example, if you want to visit Appletips, enter ‘appletips.nl’ in the Safari address bar. After you press enter, a DNS server will be asked at which IP address the domain appletips.nl can be found.
After this, your web browser will connect via the IP address and the website will appear. A DNS server links domain names to the IP address of the server where the domain is hosted. Not only your web browser uses a DNS server, but also all applications and system processes.
You will receive DNS addresses that you can use via your internet provider’s router. These are often servers within the network of the internet provider itself. Unfortunately, the performance of these servers often leaves much to be desired and they have a slow response time. A shorter DNS response time results in a website loading faster. The good news: you don’t have to use your provider’s (suggested) DNS server.
Cloudflare DNS
Cloudflare Together with APNIC, we offer alternative super-fast DNS servers that are on average 28 percent faster. You can check this on the dnsperf.com website; the website monitors DNS servers and for some time now Cloudflare’s DNS (called 1.1.1.1 in the results) has been the fastest with a response time around 11 ms.
In contrast to, for example, the Google DNS (8.8.8.8) with an average response time of 19 ms, your privacy is better guaranteed with the Cloudflare DNS. Cloudflare DNS user data is only stored for 24 hours (for debugging purposes) and is not resold to other commercial companies.
Set up Cloudflare DNS on your Mac
- Go to  ▸ System Settings
- Click on ‘Network’
- Open ‘Wifi’
- Click ‘Details’ next to your current WiFi connection
- Open the ‘DNS’ menu option
- Click on the ‘+’ button
- Add addresses 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- Click the ‘OK’ button and then ‘Apply’
Your Mac is now set up to use the Cloudflare DNS; these settings are retained for this network until restored. If you connect to another network, for example your work network, you must also adjust the DNS for this network.
Set up Cloudflare DNS on your iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad
- Navigate to Wifi and tap the i button behind the connected network
- Tap Configure DNS
- Choose Manual
- Tap ‘Add server’
- Add: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- Remove the other DNS servers
- Tap ‘Save’
IPv6 addresses
In the steps above we use the IPv4 addresses (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) of the DNS server; If you want to use IPv6, that is also possible. Use the IPv6 addresses 2606:4700:4700::1111 and 2606:4700:4700::1001 for this. Please note that your local network and internet router must support IPv6.
Set up other devices
Of course you can also change your DNS server on your Apple TV, Windows laptop, etc. On the Cloudflare website you will find more information and instructions on how to set up DNS on other devices. Also for your router; By adjusting the DNS accordingly, you in principle do not have to do this for all devices separately. However, this is not always possible; An example is routers that are also used for interactive TV over the internet cable.
In most cases, do not expect a significant speed improvement after the adjustment. Via the Cloudflare DNS we save (only) a few tens of milliseconds when setting up a connection. But every little bit helps and if your ISP’s DNS is very slow, you will notice the difference. As far as privacy is concerned, you will certainly make some progress.