How to Find Your Current DNS Server in 30 Seconds ⚡️
The Domain Name System, known as DNS, is a fundamental process that links domain names to their corresponding IP addresses. This system is key to allowing us to navigate and access different websites quickly and efficiently from our browsers.
What is DNS?
The DNS works as a database containing domain names and their associated IP addresses. Every time you type a name like Google.com or Yahoo.com into your browser, the DNS servers look up and translate these names into IP addresses to connect to the corresponding web server.
However, DNS servers, especially those provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), are not always entirely reliable or stable.
This explains why you sometimes encounter DNS errors when trying to access different websites.
What is a custom DNS and why use it?
If you're using your ISP's default DNS servers, you're likely to experience frequent DNS-related errors.
Some common mistakes include DNS Lookup Failed, DNS Server Not Responding and DNS_Probe_Finished_Nxdomain.
Most of these problems are easily solved by using custom DNS. There are many free public options, such as Google DNS and OpenDNS, that offer greater stability and speed. You can check out our complete guide here. switch to Google DNS.
Before changing, it's important to note your current DNS server so you can revert changes if necessary.
How do I know which DNS I'm using?
There are several methods to find out which DNS your device uses. Below are the easiest ways to check them on different operating systems.
How to Check DNS in Windows
To find your DNS server in Windows, first open a command prompt with administrator privileges. Right-click the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin).
Then, enter this command to list the DNS servers configured on your computer:
ipconfig /all | findstr /R "DNS\ Servers"
Another alternative is to use the command:
nslookup google.com
You can replace google.com with any web domain to check its DNS.
How to Check DNS on Mac and Linux
On Mac and Linux, use the Terminal to run commands similar to those you run on Windows. The nslookup command is:
nslookup google.com
Just change the google.com domain to any other domain you want to search for.
How to check the DNS server on Android
On Android, the easiest way is to use network scanning apps. We recommend the app Network Info II, free and without advertising.
Within the app, go to the WiFi tab and look for the DNS1 and DNS2 entries; there you will see the addresses DNS that your phone is using.
How to check the DNS server on iPhone
On iOS, there are also useful apps to find out which DNS you're using. We recommend Network Analyzer, a complete tool that offers data about your WiFi network.
Use this app to easily check the DNS server IP on iPhone.
How to know which DNS your router uses
Your router typically uses the DNS servers assigned by your ISP, although you can configure it to use custom DNS to improve performance and security.
To check or change the DNS server on your router, enter its IP address in a browser (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and log in with your credentials.
Depending on the model, check the tab Wireless Network or Network where you'll find options for DNS 1 and DNS 2. From there, you can upgrade to a public or custom DNS to improve your experience.
The best free public DNS servers
Your ISP's default DNS servers are often slow and cause frequent errors. Therefore, switching to public DNS servers offers faster, more secure, and more stable browsing.
Some popular free DNS servers include:
- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
- Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
In addition to improving speed and security, these DNS can help you unblock restricted content in certain countries.
How to change DNS servers on Windows and Android
These simple techniques will help you improve your connection and avoid DNS errors.
Need more help or have questions? Leave us a comment! And if you found this guide helpful, share it with your friends so they can improve their web browsing too. 🚀💻
