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Switch to a faster DNS resolver

Every new website starts with a DNS lookup. Pick the resolver that is fastest from where you are.

DNS turns a site's name into an address before anything loads, so a slow resolver adds a pause to every new site you open. To switch, enter a public resolver's addresses in your router's Internet or WAN settings, which covers every device at home, or in one device's network settings, which covers only that device.

Which resolver to pick

The Lag Check times Cloudflare, Google, Quad9 and AdGuard from your browser, because the fastest one depends on where you are and which network you are on. Use the one it measured fastest. When two are close, choose by what else they do: Quad9 refuses to resolve known malware sites, and AdGuard blocks ads and trackers.

Addresses

  • Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 · encrypted: one.one.one.one
  • Google: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 · encrypted: dns.google
  • Quad9 (blocks known malware): 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112 · encrypted: dns.quad9.net
  • AdGuard (blocks ads): 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15 · encrypted: dns.adguard-dns.com

Where to set it

  • Android 9+: Settings → Network & internet → Private DNS → enter the encrypted hostname.
  • iPhone / iPad: Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) next to your network → Configure DNS → Manual.
  • Windows 11: Settings → Network & internet → your connection → DNS server assignment → Edit → Manual, and set DNS over HTTPS to On.
  • macOS: System Settings → Network → your connection → Details → DNS.
  • Router: look for DNS under WAN or Internet settings.

Check that it worked

Devices remember old lookups, so restart the device or flush its DNS cache, then run the Lag Check again and compare the DNS row with your earlier result. If you set it on the router, reconnect each device to Wi-Fi so it picks up the new setting.

What DNS changes, and what it doesn't

A faster resolver shortens the wait before a page or app starts to connect. It doesn't raise your download speed, and it doesn't lower ping in a game you have already joined, because DNS is only used to find the server. The encrypted options (DNS over HTTPS or TLS) stop others on the network path from reading or changing your lookups; the resolver you chose still sees them. If the problem is lag in games or calls, start with the game lag guide instead.

Common questions

Does changing DNS lower ping in games?

No. DNS is only used to find the server's address before you connect; game packets never pass through it afterwards. A quicker resolver makes sites and apps start loading sooner. For ping, see the game lag guide.

Is it safe to use a public DNS resolver like 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8?

Yes. They are run by large, well-known operators. The resolver you choose sees the names you look up, in place of your provider's, and each one publishes its privacy policy. Use the encrypted option where your device offers it so lookups can't be read or changed on the way.

Should I set DNS on the router or on each device?

The router covers everything at home, including consoles and TVs that have no setting of their own. Setting it on a phone or laptop covers only that device, but follows it onto other networks, and Android's Private DNS and Windows 11 can encrypt the lookups too.

What is the difference between 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1?

They are the main and backup addresses of the same Cloudflare service, just as 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 are for Google. Enter both so lookups keep working if one address can't be reached.

Made a change? Measure again to see the difference.

Run the Lag Check