How to Find the DNS Server on a Mac: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a Mac user, you may need to find the DNS server at some point to troubleshoot network connectivity issues or configure custom settings. Knowing how to find this crucial piece of information is essential for advanced users, but it can be tricky if you’re new to the platform.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore different ways to locate your DNS server on a Mac. Whether you prefer a graphical user interface or command-line tools, we have you covered. We’ll also explain why finding the DNS server is important for your Mac and how to troubleshoot common problems that might arise.

So, if you’re ready to take your Mac skills to the next level and become a networking pro, keep reading!

Method 1: Using Network Preferences

If you want to find the DNS server on your Mac, the first method you should try is using Network Preferences. It is a built-in tool that allows you to manage your network settings, including the DNS server.

To get started, go to System Preferences, click on Network, and select the network interface you are currently using. Next, click on Advanced, and go to the DNS tab.

Here, you will see a list of DNS servers that your Mac is currently using. If you want to add a new DNS server, click on the + button, and enter the IP address of the DNS server you want to use. To remove a DNS server, select it from the list, and click on the – button.

Once you have added or removed a DNS server, click on OK to save the changes. If you want to make sure that the new DNS server is working properly, you can use the ping command in the Terminal app to test the connection.

Using Network Preferences is a quick and easy way to find the DNS server on your Mac. However, if you prefer using Terminal or a third-party app, there are other methods you can try as well. Keep reading to learn more!

Method 1: Using Network Preferences

Step 1: Open Network Preferences

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen.

2. Select “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.

3. Click on the “Network” icon in the System Preferences window.

4. Select the network connection for which you want to find the DNS server from the left-hand column.

Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut “Command + Spacebar” to open Spotlight, then type “Network Preferences” and hit “Enter” to launch the Network Preferences window.

Step 2: Select Network Connection

After opening Network Preferences, select the network connection for which you want to find the DNS server. If you are using a wired connection, select Ethernet. If you are using Wi-Fi, select Wi-Fi.

Tip: If you are not sure which network connection you are using, check the Wi-Fi or Ethernet icon in the menu bar. The icon will have a dot next to it indicating the current connection.

Once you have selected the correct network connection, click on the Advanced button located at the bottom right corner of the Network Preferences window.

You will now see a new window with multiple tabs. Click on the DNS tab to see the DNS server information.

Step 3: Click on Advanced and DNS Tab

After selecting the network connection, click on the Advanced button located on the bottom-right corner of the window. This will open a new window with advanced network settings.

In the Advanced window, navigate to the DNS tab. Here, you will find the DNS server information for your Mac. The DNS server addresses will be listed in the box on the right side of the screen. You can also add or remove DNS servers by clicking the “+” or “-” buttons at the bottom of the DNS Servers list.

If you want to change the order of the DNS servers, you can do so by clicking on a server and dragging it up or down the list. The Mac will query the servers in the order they are listed, so if you have multiple servers, you can change the order to prioritize one over the other.

Method 2: Using Terminal

Using the Terminal application is a quick way to find the DNS server on your Mac. Follow these steps to do so:

Step 1: Open Terminal by searching for it in the Spotlight or by going to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

Step 2: Type in the following command and hit Enter: networksetup -getdnsservers Wi-Fi (replace “Wi-Fi” with the name of the network connection you are using).

Step 3: The DNS server IP addresses will be displayed in the Terminal window.

Step 4: To copy the IP addresses, highlight and right-click on the text and select “Copy.”

Step 5: To exit the Terminal window, type “exit” and hit Enter or simply close the window.

Step 1: Open Terminal

The first step to find the DNS server using the Terminal on your Mac is to open it. Terminal is an application that allows you to access the command-line interface on your Mac. To open Terminal, you can either use Spotlight or go to the Applications folder in Finder and then click on the Utilities folder. Once you’re in the Utilities folder, double-click on the Terminal icon to launch it.

Alternatively, you can also use the keyboard shortcut “Command + Spacebar” to open Spotlight, type “Terminal” in the search bar, and hit enter. This will launch Terminal on your Mac.

If you’re new to using the Terminal, don’t worry. You only need to enter a few simple commands to find the DNS server on your Mac.

Note: You need to have administrative privileges on your Mac to use the Terminal application.

Step 2: Type “networksetup -getdnsservers Wi-Fi”

Once you have Terminal open, type the following command: networksetup -getdnsservers Wi-Fi. This command will display the DNS servers currently being used by your Wi-Fi network. Make sure to include the hyphen in “get-dns-servers” or the command won’t work.

When you hit “Enter”, you’ll see a list of one or more IP addresses. These are the DNS servers that your Mac is currently using for this particular network connection.

If you see multiple DNS server IP addresses listed, your Mac is likely using a round-robin algorithm to balance the load between them. This is a common configuration used by many networks to distribute DNS queries across multiple servers for redundancy and improved performance.

If you don’t see any IP addresses listed, it means that your Mac is not currently configured to use any DNS servers for this network connection.

Method 3: Using System Profiler

System Profiler is a built-in application on Mac that provides detailed information about your hardware and software configuration. It also allows you to view your network settings, including your DNS server.

To find your DNS server using System Profiler, follow the steps below.

NOTE: The following steps apply to Mac OS X 10.7 and later versions.

Step 1: Click on Apple Menu

To find DNS server information using System Profiler, click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen.

From the drop-down menu, select “About This Mac.”

In the window that appears, click the “System Report” button.

Method 4: Using a Third-Party App

If you prefer using a graphical user interface, you can use a third-party app to manage your DNS servers. There are many apps available on the App Store that can help you do this. Some popular options include DNS Override, Lockdown, and AdGuard.

With these apps, you can easily configure your DNS settings without having to use the command line or dig around in system settings. They typically offer a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of changing your DNS servers.

In addition to allowing you to change your DNS servers, some of these apps offer other features like ad blocking, VPNs, and more. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution to manage your network settings, using a third-party app may be a good option for you.

Keep in mind that some of these apps may come with a cost, so be sure to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase. Also, make sure you download an app from a reputable developer to avoid any potential security risks.

Step 1: Download and Install Third-Party App

The first step in using a third-party app to find your DNS servers is to download and install the app on your computer. There are many different apps available, so be sure to choose one that is reputable and well-reviewed by other users.

Once you have downloaded the app, double-click on the installation file to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the app on your computer.

After the installation is complete, launch the app to begin using it. Most third-party apps are designed to be very user-friendly, so you should be able to easily navigate the app and find the information you need.

Keep in mind that using a third-party app to find your DNS servers can be a good option if you are not comfortable using the Terminal or System Profiler methods. However, be sure to choose a reputable app and exercise caution when granting it access to your system.

Common DNS Server Problems on Mac and How to Fix Them

Slow internet connection: If you experience slow internet speeds, it may be due to a problem with your DNS server. Try changing your DNS server or flushing your DNS cache.

Can’t connect to the internet: If you are unable to connect to the internet, make sure that your DNS settings are correct and try resetting your router.

DNS server not responding: If your DNS server is not responding, try restarting your modem or router. You can also try resetting your DNS settings or changing your DNS server.

Can’t access certain websites: If you are unable to access certain websites, it may be due to a problem with your DNS server. Try changing your DNS server or resetting your DNS cache.

DNS spoofing: DNS spoofing occurs when a malicious party redirects a legitimate website to a fake website. To protect against DNS spoofing, use a reputable antivirus software, keep your software up to date, and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

Issue 1: Slow Internet Connection

If you are experiencing slow internet connection on your Mac, one possible reason could be that your DNS server is not responding properly. You can try the following steps to fix the issue:

• Step 1: Restart your router and modem to refresh the network connection.
• Step 2: Clear the cache on your Mac by going to Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All. This will clear all the cache and cookies from your browser.
• Step 3: Check your DNS server settings and make sure that they are correct. You can use any of the four methods mentioned earlier to check your DNS server settings.
• Step 4: Try using a different DNS server, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1), to see if the issue is resolved.

Issue 2: DNS Server Not Responding

• DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is responsible for resolving domain names to IP addresses. A DNS server not responding can cause websites to fail to load or take a long time to load.
• One possible solution is to restart the DNS client service. To do this, open the Command Prompt and type “net stop dnscache” followed by “net start dnscache”.
• Another solution is to change the DNS server to a different one. Google Public DNS and OpenDNS are two popular choices. To change the DNS server, go to the Network and Sharing Center, click on Change adapter settings, right-click on the network adapter, select Properties, and then select Internet Protocol Version From there, click on Properties again, select Use the following DNS server addresses, and then enter the new DNS server addresses.
• A third solution is to clear the DNS cache. To do this, open the Command Prompt and type “ipconfig /flushdns”. This will clear the DNS cache and force the computer to obtain new DNS information.

If none of these solutions work, it may be a problem with the router or modem. Try resetting the router or modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in. If the issue still persists, contact your internet service provider for further assistance.

Issue 3: Incorrect DNS Server Address

If none of these solutions work, it may be necessary to contact the internet service provider for further assistance. It is also important to ensure that the correct DNS server address is being used to avoid further issues with internet connectivity.

Why Finding the DNS Server is Important for Your Mac

As a Mac user, understanding how to find and configure your DNS server is critical for a number of reasons. Firstly, it allows you to troubleshoot any network issues you may be experiencing. This is particularly important if you are experiencing slow internet speeds or difficulty accessing certain websites.

Secondly, being able to find your DNS server allows you to protect your privacy and security while online. By using a reliable and secure DNS server, you can help prevent cyberattacks and protect your sensitive information from being compromised.

Thirdly, configuring your DNS server can help you bypass geographic restrictions on certain websites or content. This can be particularly useful if you are traveling or living in a country where certain websites or services are blocked. By changing your DNS server, you can access content that would otherwise be unavailable to you.

Finally, finding your DNS server can also improve your internet speed and browsing experience. By choosing a fast and reliable DNS server, you can reduce latency and improve the speed at which websites load. This can make a significant difference in the overall performance of your Mac.

Importance of DNS Server for Internet Connection

If you’re not familiar with how the internet works, you might not think much about the DNS server that your Mac is using. But the reality is that the DNS server plays a crucial role in ensuring that you can connect to the websites and services that you want to use.

Without a reliable DNS server, you might find that your internet connection is slow, unreliable, or even non-existent. When your Mac needs to access a website or service, it sends a request to the DNS server to translate the domain name into an IP address that it can use to connect.

If the DNS server is slow to respond or if it provides incorrect information, your Mac might not be able to connect to the website or service at all. That’s why it’s important to make sure that your Mac is configured to use a reliable DNS server that can provide fast and accurate responses.

By understanding the importance of the DNS server, you can take steps to ensure that your internet connection is as fast and reliable as possible. Whether you’re a casual internet user or you rely on the internet for work, having a fast and reliable connection is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions