If you’re experiencing slow internet speeds, or you suspect that there may be an issue with your DNS server, it’s important to know how to check your current DNS server. Thankfully, this process is relatively simple and can be done in just a few easy steps.
First, you’ll need to understand what DNS servers are and how they work. DNS stands for “Domain Name System” and it’s what allows your computer to translate human-friendly website URLs into IP addresses that machines can understand.
In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to check your current DNS server and explain why it’s important to know. So, grab a coffee and let’s get started!
By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of how DNS servers work and why it’s important to keep your settings up-to-date. So, keep reading to learn how to check your current DNS server in just three easy steps!
Step 1: Understanding DNS Servers
Before we jump into finding out our current DNS server, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what DNS servers are and how they work.
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It’s like a phonebook for the internet, translating domain names into IP addresses. Whenever you type in a website address, the DNS server is responsible for finding the corresponding IP address of that website.
Without DNS servers, we would have to memorize IP addresses for every website we want to visit, which is not practical. There are public and private DNS servers, and each has its own unique set of IP addresses to translate domain names.
Moreover, the DNS server you use can affect the speed and security of your internet browsing. Thus, understanding DNS servers and how to find out your current DNS server can help you optimize your internet experience.
Now that we have a basic understanding of what DNS servers are, let’s dive into how to find out your current DNS server.
What is a DNS Server and How Does it Work?
If you use the internet, then you are using a DNS server. A DNS server translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing your computer to connect to a website. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it acts as the internet’s phonebook, matching website names with their corresponding IP addresses.
When you type a website name into your browser, your computer sends a request to a DNS server to translate that name into an IP address. The DNS server then returns the IP address to your computer, which then connects to the website. The whole process takes only milliseconds.
DNS servers are a crucial part of the internet’s infrastructure, and there are millions of them around the world. Your internet service provider (ISP) will typically provide you with a DNS server, but you can also use public DNS servers such as Google’s Public DNS or Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1.
Step 2: Finding Your Current DNS Server
To check your current DNS server, you need to know where to look. Here are five ways to find your DNS server:
Method 1: Check Your Router Settings
The DNS server settings are often located in your router settings. To access them, you’ll need to enter your router’s IP address into a web browser and log in to your router’s admin page. Once there, look for the DNS server settings and check what’s listed.
Method 2: Check Your Device Network Settings
You can also find your current DNS server by checking the network settings on your device. On a Windows PC, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Change adapter options > right-click on the connection you’re using > Properties > select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > click on Properties. Your DNS server should be listed under “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
Method 3: Use Command Prompt or Terminal
If you’re comfortable using Command Prompt or Terminal, you can find your current DNS server by using the command “ipconfig /all” on Windows or “networksetup -getdnsservers Wi-Fi” on Mac. Look for the “DNS Servers” or “Router” section.
Method 4: Use a DNS Lookup Tool
There are many online DNS lookup tools available that can tell you what your current DNS server is. Simply enter your website’s URL or IP address into the tool, and it will provide you with the DNS server information.
Method 5: Ask Your ISP
If all else fails, you can contact your internet service provider (ISP) and ask them what DNS server they’re using. They should be able to provide you with the information you need.
Method 1: Checking Your Network Adapter Properties
If you’re using a Windows computer, you can easily find your current DNS server by checking your network adapter properties. Follow these steps:
- Click on the Start menu and search for “Control Panel”.
- Open the Control Panel and click on “Network and Sharing Center”.
- Click on “Change adapter settings” on the left-hand side of the screen.
- Right-click on the network adapter you’re currently using and select “Properties”.
- Click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and then click on the “Properties” button.
After clicking on the “Properties” button, you’ll see a window with your current DNS server address listed. The DNS server address will be listed next to the words “Preferred DNS server” or “Alternate DNS server”.
It’s important to note that these instructions may vary slightly depending on your version of Windows, but the general process should be similar.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt to Find Your DNS Server
If you’re more comfortable using the command prompt, you can also find your DNS server using a simple command. This method is quick and easy and can be done in just a few steps.
Step 1: Open the command prompt on your computer. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + R on your keyboard, then typing “cmd” in the Run dialog box and pressing enter.
Step 2: In the command prompt window, type “ipconfig /all” and press enter. This will display detailed information about your network adapter, including your current DNS server.
Step 3: Look for the “DNS Servers” line under your network adapter information. The IP address listed next to it is your current DNS server.
Step 4: You can copy the DNS server IP address by highlighting it with your mouse and pressing Ctrl + C on your keyboard. You can then paste it into a text editor or note-taking app for future reference.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party App to Find Your DNS Server
If you don’t feel comfortable using Command Prompt or navigating through your network adapter settings, there are several third-party apps available that can help you find your DNS server information. These apps are typically free and easy to use, making them a popular option for users who are not tech-savvy.
DNS Benchmark: DNS Benchmark is a popular app that allows you to test the speed and performance of various DNS servers. It can also help you find the best DNS server for your location and ISP.
DNS Jumper: DNS Jumper is a simple app that allows you to easily switch between different DNS servers. It also includes a list of popular public DNS servers, making it easy to find and switch to a faster or more reliable DNS server.
Simple DNSCrypt: Simple DNSCrypt is a user-friendly app that not only helps you find your current DNS server, but also allows you to encrypt your DNS traffic for added security and privacy.
Using a third-party app is a great option if you’re not comfortable with the command line or if you want a more user-friendly way to find your DNS server information.
Step 3: Checking Your Current DNS Server
Once you have identified your DNS server using one of the methods above, it’s time to check whether it is functioning properly.
A simple way to do this is to use the nslookup command in Command Prompt or Terminal. Simply type nslookup followed by the domain name you want to look up. The command will return the IP address of the domain and the name and IP address of the DNS server that resolved the query.
If you’re unsure whether your DNS server is working properly, you can also try flushing the DNS cache. To do this, open Command Prompt or Terminal and type ipconfig /flushdns. This will clear the DNS cache on your computer and force it to retrieve the latest DNS information from your DNS server.
It’s important to keep your DNS server functioning properly to ensure that you can access websites and other online services without any issues. If you encounter problems with your DNS server, you can try resetting your router or contacting your Internet Service Provider for assistance.
How to Check Your DNS Server on Windows
Checking your current DNS server on Windows is a quick and easy process that can be done using the Command Prompt.
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key and typing “cmd”.
Step 2: Type “ipconfig /all” into the Command Prompt and press Enter.
Step 3: Look for the line that says “DNS Servers” and the corresponding IP address. This is your current DNS server.
Using this method, you can easily check your current DNS server on a Windows computer.
How to Check Your DNS Server on macOS
If you are using a macOS device, you can follow these simple steps to check your current DNS server:
- Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
- Click on “Network.”
- Select your network connection from the left-hand column.
- Click on the “Advanced” button in the bottom-right corner.
- Go to the “DNS” tab.
- You should see your current DNS server(s) listed under “DNS Servers.”
If you need to change your DNS server on macOS, you can do so by clicking the “+” or “-” buttons under the “DNS Servers” list to add or remove servers, respectively. Once you have made any necessary changes, click “OK” to save your settings.
Checking your DNS server on macOS is a quick and easy process that can help you troubleshoot network issues and optimize your internet connection.
Why It’s Important to Know Your DNS Server
Security: Knowing your DNS server can help you identify any potential security risks. If your DNS server is compromised, cybercriminals can redirect your traffic to fake websites and steal your sensitive information.
Performance: Your DNS server can affect your internet speed and performance. By knowing your DNS server, you can determine if it’s causing any latency or slow connections.
Customization: Some DNS servers offer customization options that can enhance your internet experience. By knowing your DNS server, you can explore these options and choose the one that best fits your needs.
Improve Your Internet Connection Speed and Security
Knowing your DNS server can help you improve your internet connection speed and reliability. If your ISP’s DNS server is slow or unreliable, switching to a faster or more reliable public DNS server like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS can improve your internet experience.
Additionally, using a trusted DNS server can improve your online security. Some DNS servers may be configured to redirect you to malicious websites or hijack your browsing data. Using a trusted DNS server can help prevent these types of attacks.
You can also use your knowledge of your DNS server to set up parental controls or block specific websites. Some DNS servers offer these features, allowing you to restrict access to certain websites or block them altogether.
Finally, if you’re experiencing internet connection issues, checking your DNS server can help you identify the source of the problem. If your DNS server is down or not responding, you may be unable to access the internet or experience slow browsing speeds.
Resolve Website Access Issues
If you’re experiencing website access issues, such as slow loading times or error messages, it could be due to problems with your DNS server. By checking your DNS server and potentially switching to a faster or more reliable one, you may be able to resolve these issues.
In addition, some websites may be blocked by certain DNS servers. By switching to a different DNS server, you may be able to access these websites that were previously blocked.
Finally, using a third-party DNS service with built-in security features such as malware and phishing protection can help protect you from online threats and improve your overall browsing experience.
Overcome Geo-Restrictions on Websites
Accessing Geo-Restricted Content: Knowing your DNS server allows you to change it to a DNS server that’s located in a different country. This means you can access websites that are restricted to certain regions.
Privacy and Security: Changing your DNS server can also protect your online privacy and security by encrypting your internet traffic and blocking access to malicious websites.
Bypassing Government Censorship: Some countries have strict censorship laws that restrict access to certain websites. Changing your DNS server can help you bypass government censorship and access the websites you need.
Common DNS Issues and How to Fix Them
If you experience slow browsing speeds, it might be because your DNS server is not functioning optimally. Try switching to a faster and more reliable DNS server to resolve the issue.
If you encounter website access issues, it could be due to a DNS server error. Clearing your cache, flushing your DNS cache, or changing your DNS server may help fix the problem.
Internet connectivity issues can also arise due to DNS errors. Try resetting your modem and router, or contacting your internet service provider to troubleshoot the issue.
Slow Internet Connection
If you’re experiencing a slow internet connection, it may be due to issues with your DNS server. Cache problems or incorrect DNS settings can cause delays when loading websites. You can try clearing your DNS cache, which stores temporary DNS information, to resolve this issue.
If that doesn’t work, you can change your DNS server to a faster and more reliable one. Google Public DNS and Cloudflare DNS are popular choices for improving internet connection speed.
You can also try disabling any unnecessary devices on your network that may be hogging bandwidth, or contacting your internet service provider to troubleshoot any network issues that may be causing slow speeds.
If you’re still experiencing slow internet speeds, it may be a hardware issue with your modem or router, and you may need to contact your ISP or a technician to resolve the problem.
Conclusion
DNS is a crucial component of the internet, and it plays a critical role in enabling users to access websites and services. By understanding how DNS works, users can optimize their internet connection and improve their online experience.
Knowing your DNS server can help you troubleshoot website access issues and overcome geo-restrictions on websites. It can also improve your internet connection speed and security by using a faster and more secure DNS server.
Common DNS issues, such as a slow internet connection or DNS server not responding, can be easily fixed with the right tools and knowledge. By following some basic troubleshooting steps, users can resolve these issues and get back to using the internet.
In summary, understanding DNS and knowing your DNS server is essential for anyone who uses the internet. By taking the time to learn about DNS and how it works, users can improve their internet connection and enjoy a better online experience.
If you’re experiencing any DNS issues, we recommend reaching out to your internet service provider or a professional for further assistance.
Check Your DNS Server Today for Better Internet Experience
Improved Security: Using a reputable DNS server can help protect you from malicious websites and online threats, ensuring a safer browsing experience.
Faster Internet: A faster DNS server can reduce the time it takes to resolve website addresses, improving your overall internet speed.
Access to Geo-Restricted Content: Changing your DNS server can help you bypass geo-restrictions, allowing you to access content that may be blocked in your region.
Troubleshooting Made Easier: Checking your DNS server can be a useful first step in diagnosing internet connectivity issues, saving you time and frustration in the long run.
By taking the time to check and potentially change your DNS server, you can improve your internet experience in multiple ways. Don’t let DNS issues slow you down or compromise your security – take control of your browsing experience today.
Try Alternative DNS Services for Improved Security and Speed
DNS services play a critical role in ensuring secure and fast access to websites on the internet. However, not all DNS services are created equal. Some may be slow or lack the necessary security features, putting your online privacy at risk.
Fortunately, there are several alternative DNS services available that can offer improved speed, privacy, and security. These include popular options such as Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, and OpenDNS, among others.
When choosing an alternative DNS service, consider your specific needs and requirements. For instance, some services may prioritize speed over security, while others may offer more advanced features such as parental controls and content filtering.
- Google DNS: offers fast and reliable service with no logs and protection against phishing and malware.
- Cloudflare DNS: offers fast and secure DNS resolution with added protection against DDoS attacks and malicious domains.
- OpenDNS: offers advanced features such as parental controls, content filtering, and protection against phishing and malware.
- Quad9 DNS: offers secure DNS resolution with built-in threat intelligence and protection against malware and phishing.
- CleanBrowsing: offers family-friendly DNS filtering for blocking adult content and other inappropriate websites.
By switching to an alternative DNS service, you can enjoy faster browsing speeds and enhanced online security and privacy. It’s a simple step that can have a significant impact on your overall internet experience.
Contact Your ISP or Network Administrator for Advanced DNS Issues
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and still have issues, it’s time to escalate the problem to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or network administrator. They can assist you with more advanced DNS issues, such as firewall or router settings, network configuration, and DNS server misconfiguration.
It’s essential to provide your ISP or network administrator with detailed information about the issue you’re experiencing. Include the error messages or codes you’ve encountered, the websites or online services you’re having trouble accessing, and any troubleshooting steps you’ve taken so far.
Depending on the severity of the problem, your ISP or network administrator may need to escalate the issue to their technical support team or even the DNS provider. They can provide you with updates on the progress and resolution of the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would you want to find out your current DNS server?
Finding out your current DNS server can be helpful if you are experiencing slow internet speed, as changing DNS servers can improve your connection speed. Additionally, it can be useful for troubleshooting network issues and for setting up certain types of network configurations.
Can you manually change your DNS server?
Yes, you can manually change your DNS server by accessing your network settings and entering the IP address of a new DNS server. There are also many third-party DNS services that you can use to replace your default DNS server.
Is it safe to change your DNS server?
Changing your DNS server can be safe as long as you are using a reputable DNS service. Some DNS services may be less secure than others, so it is important to do your research before switching to a new DNS server. Additionally, changing your DNS server may affect your internet speed and network performance, so it is important to be aware of these potential effects before making any changes.