If you suffer from slow internet or malfunctions, adjusting your DNS server can solve many problems. In this article, we’ll show you how to customize it on your iPhone or Mac.
Adjust DNS server: this is how it works
A DNS server (domain name system) actually works like a phone book for the internet. If you request a domain name (such as www.iphoned.nl) in your browser, it asks the DNS server which IP address belongs to it. If this request does not arrive properly or is slow, it can lead to a slow or non-working connection.
By default, your device uses the DNS servers of your internet provider, but public servers can also be set that are often faster and more reliable. Internet companies such as Google, Cloudflare and Comodo offer DNS servers that offer decent speeds worldwide.
Do you want to adjust the DNS server on your iPhone or Mac? Then follow the corresponding step-by-step plan below. At the bottom you will find a list of our favorite DNS services, including the corresponding IP addresses.
Change DNS server on Mac
Adjusting the DNS server on your Mac is done in a jiffy. Follow the steps below to adjust your DNS settings.
- Open ‘System Preferences’ and go to ‘Network’;
- Choose the internet connection you are using. This can be either ‘Ethernet’ (wired) or ‘Wifi’;
- Select ‘Advanced’ and go to the ‘DNS’ tab;
- Click on the plus sign and enter an address. Enter at least two addresses, in case one doesn’t work;
- Press ‘OK’ to confirm.
Set up DNS server on iPhone and iPad
Setting up another DNS server on your iPhone or iPad is also a piece of cake. It is good to know that you can only change the DNS setting on your iPhone for the WiFi connection. This is not possible for your 4G connection. Follow the step-by-step plan below to arrange it.
- Go to ‘Settings’ and tap on ‘Wifi’;
- Find your WiFi network in the list and tap the blue ‘i’;
- Tap on ‘Configure DNS’ and choose ‘Manual’;
- Delete the servers that are already filled in with the minus and tap the plus to enter the new one;
- Tap Save when you’re done.
Overview of dns servers
In our experience, the dns servers from Google, OpenDNS and Cloudflare work the fastest. Below you will find the corresponding IP addresses. It is good to remember that you can always go back to the default settings by following the steps above and choosing ‘Automatic’.
Google: 8.8.4.4 and 8.8.8.8
OpenDNS: 208.67.220.220 and 208.67.222.222
Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
Looking for more tips? Then quickly check the large iPhone tips overview!