How to Change DNS on a Mac
Changing your DNS settings on your Mac can improve your internet browsing experience by providing faster and more reliable connections. It can also help you bypass censorship and access blocked websites.
Why Change DNS?
- Faster Loading Times: Your DNS server translates domain names (like google.com) into numerical IP addresses that your computer can understand. Using a faster DNS server can significantly speed up the process of resolving these names and loading websites.
- Improved Security: Public DNS servers can sometimes be compromised, leading to potential security risks. Using a reputable and secure DNS server can help mitigate these risks.
- Bypass Censorship: Some countries or organizations block access to certain websites. Using a DNS server that isn't subject to these restrictions can allow you to bypass these blocks.
- Geo-Location: Some websites and services display different content based on your geographical location. Using a DNS server in a different location can help you access content that might otherwise be restricted.
Steps to Change DNS on a Mac
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Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences."
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Go to Network: Click on the "Network" icon.
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Select Your Network Connection: In the list of network connections, select the one you're currently using (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
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Click on "Advanced": Click on the "Advanced" button at the bottom right of the window.
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Go to the "DNS" Tab: Select the "DNS" tab in the new window.
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Add or Remove DNS Servers:
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To Add a Server: Click on the "+" button and enter the IP addresses of the DNS servers you want to use.
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To Remove a Server: Select the server you want to remove and click on the "-" button.
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To Replace Existing DNS Servers: Select all existing servers and click on the "-" button. Then, add the new DNS servers you want to use.
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Click "OK" and "Apply": Click "OK" in the "DNS" window, then click "Apply" in the "Network" window to save your changes.
Popular Public DNS Servers:
- Google Public DNS:
- IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844
- Cloudflare DNS:
- IPv4: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- IPv6: 2606:4700:4700::1111 and 2606:4700:4700::1001
- OpenDNS:
- IPv4: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
- IPv6: 2620:0:2d0:200::222 and 2620:0:2d0:200::220
Testing Your DNS
Once you've changed your DNS settings, it's a good idea to test them to ensure they're working correctly. You can use a website like DNS Leak Test (https://www.dnsleaktest.com/) to verify that your computer is using the new DNS servers.
Troubleshooting DNS Issues
If you're experiencing problems with your internet connection after changing your DNS settings, try the following:
- Reset Your Mac's Network Settings: Go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > TCP/IP. Click on "Renew DHCP Lease" and then click "Apply."
- Try a Different DNS Server: If your chosen DNS server is not working properly, try using a different one.
- Contact Your ISP: If you're still having trouble, contact your internet service provider (ISP) for assistance.
Conclusion
Changing your DNS settings on your Mac can significantly improve your internet browsing experience. By using a faster, more secure, or more geographically appropriate DNS server, you can enjoy faster loading times, better privacy, and access to more content. Remember to test your DNS after making changes and troubleshoot any issues you encounter.