Set Internet DNS Resolver to Cloudflare or Google

In the digital age, a fast and reliable internet connection is essential for various online activities. One factor that can significantly impact your internet experience is the Domain Name System (DNS). By default, your internet service provider (ISP) assigns a DNS resolver, but opting for faster and more secure alternatives like Cloudflare or Google can make a noticeable difference.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to change DNS settings on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, as well as on your modem, Further, we will let you know a one-click solution to active 1.1.1.1 DNS using the Cloudflare App.

How does the internet make a website show up in my browser when I type its address?

What is a DNS server?

Think of DNS as the contacts search system on your phone. DNS servers are like phonebooks, storing details about websites and telling us who owns each IP address or the site’s hosting server IP.

Why Change DNS?

Google DNS 

•  8.8.8.8
•  8.8.4.4

Cloudflare DNS

• 1.1.1.1
• 1.0.0.1

Changing DNS in OS:

Windows 7 :

Note: These steps can be applied in the Win 8,10 & 11.

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Navigate to “Network and Sharing Center.”
3. Click on “Change adapter settings” on the left sidebar.
4. Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties.”
5. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” from the list.
6. Click on “Properties.”
7. Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter your preferred DNS server (e.g., 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8).
8. Click “OK” to save changes.

Windows 8, 10, and 11:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select “Network Connections.”
2. Choose your active network connection, right-click, and select “Properties.”
3. Click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” or “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).”
4. Click “Properties.”
5. Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter your preferred DNS server.
6. Click “OK” to save changes.

MacOS:

• Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
• Choose “Network” from the System Preferences window.
• Identify the network connection you are using, whether it’s Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
• Click on “Advanced” in the bottom right corner.
• Navigate to the “DNS” tab.
• Click the “+” icon to add DNS server addresses (e.g., 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8).
• Click “OK” and then “Apply” to save the changes.

Ubuntu / Linux:

• Click on the network icon in the top-right corner and choose “Edit Connections.”
• Select the network connection you’re using, be it Wi-Fi or Wired.
• Click “Edit” for the chosen connection.
• Depending on your network, go to either the “IPv4” or “IPv6” tab.
• Change the method to “Automatic (DHCP) addresses only.”
• Add the DNS server addresses in the “DNS Servers” field (e.g., 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8).
• Click “Save” to apply the changes.
• Restart your network connection or reboot your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

In Linux Terminal:

• Launch the terminal on your Linux system.
• Use a text editor like nano or vi to open the network configuration file.
  For example:
  sudo nano /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-<interface>

• Replace <interface> with your specific network interface name (e.g., ifcfg-enp0s3).
• Add or edit the following lines to include your preferred DNS server addresses.
  For example:
DNS1=1.1.1.1
DNS2=8.8.8.8
• Save your changes and close the text editor.
• Restart the network service to apply the changes.
  sudo systemctl restart network

• Confirm that your DNS settings are applied by checking the /etc/resolv.conf file:
  cat /etc/resolv.conf

• The output should display your configured DNS server addresses.

Changing DNS on Modem:

Accessing your modem’s settings requires a web browser and knowledge of your modem’s IP address.

1. Open your preferred web browser and enter your modem’s IP address in the address bar. Common addresses include 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. Usually found at the back side of the modem.
2. Log in using your modem’s credentials.
3. Navigate to the DNS settings section (may vary based on the modem model).
4. Enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses (e.g., Cloudflare or Google).
5. Save the changes and restart your modem if necessary.

Changing DNS in Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and go to the menu in the top-right corner (three vertical dots).
2. Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
3. Under the “Privacy and Security” section, click on “Security.”
4. In the “Advanced” section look for the “Use secure DNS” option and toggle it on.
5. Choose a DNS provider from the dropdown menu or add a custom one.

Changing DNS in Firefox:

1. Open Firefox and click on the menu in the top-right corner (three horizontal lines).
2. Select “Options” or “Preferences” (depending on your operating system).
3. In the left sidebar, click on “General” or “Privacy & Security.”
4. Scroll down to the “DNS over HTTPS:” section, under it you will find “Enable secure DNS using:“
5. Switch “Default Protection” to “Max Protection”.
6. Choose a DNS provider from the dropdown menu or add a custom one.

Remember to save your changes and restart the browser for the new DNS settings to take effect.

One-Click Activation with Cloudflare App:

1. Explore the straightforward process of enhancing your DNS settings by visiting Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 website (  https://1.1.1.1 ) . A single click allows you to transition to the 1.1.1.1 DNS, prioritizing speed and privacy.
   • If you encounter download restrictions from your ISPs, consider using Mobile Data or an alternative connection.
2. Locate the conspicuous “Install the App” button. Begin the installation process with a straightforward click.
3. The Cloudflare App will seamlessly guide you through the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions for a trouble-free setup.
4. Select 1.1.1.1 from settings and Connect. By default, it is set to 1.1.1.1 with WARP.
5.  Navigate to App Settings and switch from 1.1.1.1 to 1.1.1.1 with WARP. This additional step adds an extra layer of security, encrypting your traffic like a VPN. This guarantees a secure network, preventing your Internet Service Provider from monitoring your activities. Opt for this option if using solo 1.1.1.1 doesn’t resolve specific internet issues on certain sites.