How to Use Google Public DNS: A Deep Dive for Optimal Internet Performance

Want a faster, more secure, and reliable internet experience? Ditch your ISP’s potentially sluggish and vulnerable DNS servers and switch to Google Public DNS. Implementing Google Public DNS is surprisingly simple and can yield significant benefits for both novice users and seasoned tech enthusiasts alike.

How to use Google Public DNS?

The core process involves configuring your device or router to use Google’s DNS server addresses instead of the default ones provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). You’ll need to manually enter the following IP addresses in your network settings:

• Preferred DNS server (Primary): 8.8.8.8
• Alternate DNS server (Secondary): 8.8.4.4

The specific steps vary depending on your operating system, device, or router model. We’ll cover the most common scenarios in detail. This switch allows your device to use Google’s highly optimized and secured DNS infrastructure to translate domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses (like 142.250.184.78) much more efficiently, leading to faster page load times and improved overall internet performance.

Configuring Google Public DNS on Different Devices

Configuring on Windows

1. Open Control Panel: Search for “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar and open it.
2. Network and Internet: Click on “Network and Internet,” then “Network and Sharing Center.”
3. Change Adapter Settings: In the left-hand menu, click on “Change adapter settings.”
4. Select Your Network Adapter: Right-click on the network adapter you’re using (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select “Properties.”
5. Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4): Scroll down in the list, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4),” and click “Properties.”
6. Use the Following DNS Server Addresses: Select the option “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
7. Enter DNS Addresses: Enter 8.8.8.8 in the “Preferred DNS server” field and 8.8.4.4 in the “Alternate DNS server” field.
8. Validate Settings Upon Exit: Optionally, check the “Validate settings upon exit” box to ensure the new settings are working correctly.
9. Click OK: Click “OK” on all open windows to save the changes.
10. Flush DNS Cache: Open the Command Prompt as Administrator and run ipconfig /flushdns to clear your local DNS cache and ensure the new DNS servers are used immediately.

Configuring on macOS

1. Open System Preferences: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select “System Preferences.”
2. Network: Click on the “Network” icon.
3. Select Your Network Connection: Select the network connection you’re using (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) from the left-hand menu.
4. Advanced: Click the “Advanced…” button.
5. DNS Tab: Click on the “DNS” tab.
6. Add DNS Servers: Click the “+” button to add a new DNS server.
7. Enter DNS Addresses: Enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 as DNS servers.
8. Click OK: Click “OK” and then “Apply” to save the changes.
9. Flush DNS Cache: Open the Terminal application and run sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder to clear your local DNS cache. You’ll be prompted for your administrator password.

Configuring on Android

Note: The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your Android version and device manufacturer.

1. Open Settings: Open the “Settings” app on your Android device.
2. Connections/Network & Internet: Tap on “Connections,” “Network & Internet,” or a similar option depending on your device.
3. Wi-Fi: Tap on “Wi-Fi.”
4. Long Press Your Network: Long-press the name of the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.
5. Manage Network Settings: Select “Manage network settings” or a similar option.
6. Show Advanced Options: Check the box next to “Show advanced options.”
7. IP Settings: Change the “IP settings” from “DHCP” to “Static.”
8. Enter DNS Addresses: Enter 8.8.8.8 in the “DNS 1” field and 8.8.4.4 in the “DNS 2” field. You may also need to manually enter your device’s IP address, gateway, and network prefix length. Consult your router’s documentation for these values.
9. Save: Tap “Save” to save the changes.

Important Note for Android: Changing DNS settings on Android only affects the specific Wi-Fi network you’ve configured. You’ll need to repeat the process for each Wi-Fi network you use. For a system-wide DNS change on Android, you may need to use a third-party app like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1.

Configuring on iOS (iPhone/iPad)

1. Open Settings: Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Wi-Fi: Tap on “Wi-Fi.”
3. Tap on Your Network: Tap the “i” icon next to the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.
4. Configure DNS: Scroll down and tap on “Configure DNS.”
5. Manual: Select “Manual.”
6. Add DNS Servers: Tap the “+” button to add a new DNS server.
7. Enter DNS Addresses: Enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 as DNS servers.
8. Save: Tap “Save” in the top-right corner.

Configuring on Your Router

Configuring Google Public DNS on your router is the most effective way to ensure that all devices connected to your network use Google’s DNS servers automatically. The steps vary greatly depending on your router’s make and model, but generally involve accessing your router’s administration interface through a web browser.

1. Access Router Settings: Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address in the address bar. This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Consult your router’s documentation if you’re unsure.
2. Login: Enter your router’s username and password. The default credentials are often printed on a sticker on the router itself.
3. Find DNS Settings: Look for DNS settings in the router’s configuration menu. This may be under “Internet,” “WAN,” “Network,” or “DNS.”
4. Enter DNS Addresses: Enter 8.8.8.8 as the “Primary DNS server” and 8.8.4.4 as the “Secondary DNS server.”
5. Save Changes: Save the changes and reboot your router.

Important Note for Router Configuration: If your router requires you to specify a “DNS Proxy” or “DNS Relay,” disable it or set it to “Disable.” This ensures that your devices are using Google’s DNS servers directly, rather than relying on the router’s DNS cache.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Google Public DNS

1. What are the benefits of using Google Public DNS?

Using Google Public DNS offers several advantages, including increased speed and performance, improved reliability, and enhanced security against DNS spoofing and other attacks. Google’s infrastructure is globally distributed and highly optimized, providing faster DNS lookups than many ISP-provided DNS servers.

2. Is Google Public DNS free to use?

Yes, Google Public DNS is completely free to use for individuals and businesses.

3. Is Google Public DNS safe and private?

Google Public DNS is designed with security and privacy in mind. While Google collects some DNS query data, it is anonymized and aggregated to improve the service. Google also supports DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT), which encrypt DNS queries to protect them from eavesdropping. You should enable DoH or DoT in your browser for maximum privacy.

4. What is DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT)?

DoH and DoT encrypt DNS queries to protect them from being intercepted by third parties. This prevents your ISP or other entities from seeing the websites you are visiting. DoH encrypts DNS queries using HTTPS, while DoT encrypts them using TLS. Both protocols significantly enhance privacy.

5. How do I enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH) in my browser?

The process varies slightly depending on the browser:

• Chrome: Navigate to chrome://settings/security and enable “Use secure DNS.” Choose Google Public DNS as your provider.
• Firefox: Navigate to about:preferences#privacy and scroll down to “DNS over HTTPS.” Enable it and choose Google Public DNS as your provider.
• Edge: Navigate to edge://settings/privacy and enable “Choose a service provider” under “Secure DNS.” Select Google Public DNS.

6. Will using Google Public DNS affect my IP address?

No, using Google Public DNS will not change your IP address. Your IP address is assigned by your ISP, and changing your DNS server does not affect that.

7. How do I revert back to my ISP’s default DNS settings?

To revert to your ISP’s default DNS settings, simply change the DNS server settings back to “Obtain DNS server address automatically” (or a similar option) in your network configuration.

8. Will Google Public DNS work in my country?

Google Public DNS is available globally and should work in most countries. However, some countries may block or filter Google Public DNS, requiring you to use alternative DNS servers or a VPN.

9. Can I use Google Public DNS on my gaming console?

Yes, you can configure Google Public DNS on gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. The steps are similar to configuring it on a computer, involving accessing the console’s network settings and manually entering the DNS server addresses. This can potentially improve your gaming experience by reducing latency.

10. What are the alternative DNS servers to Google Public DNS?

Some popular alternatives to Google Public DNS include Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1, OpenDNS, and Quad9. Each provider has its own strengths and weaknesses in terms of speed, privacy, and security.

11. How do I test if Google Public DNS is working correctly?

You can use online DNS leak test tools to verify that your DNS queries are being routed through Google Public DNS servers and not your ISP’s servers. A simple way to test is to use nslookup command in the command prompt.

12. What if I’m still experiencing slow internet speeds after switching to Google Public DNS?

While Google Public DNS can often improve internet speeds, it’s not a guaranteed fix for all connectivity issues. Other factors, such as your internet connection speed, network congestion, and the performance of the websites you’re visiting, can also impact your experience. Consider troubleshooting other aspects of your network connection if you’re still facing slow speeds.

By following these steps and understanding these FAQs, you can effectively leverage Google Public DNS to enhance your internet experience. Enjoy a faster, more reliable, and more secure online journey!