• Google DNS offers a safe and reliable alternative to the default DNS server provided by your ISP.
  • On Windows, go to Internet Protocol Properties in Wi-Fi Properties, and enter the Google DNS 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4.
  • On Mac, select Details next to your Wi-Fi network, choose DNS, and add the Google DNS 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4.

How to Use Google DNS on Windows

Here’s how you can switch to Google DNS on your Windows PC.

Step 1: Open the Control Panel and select Network and Internet .

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Step 2: Open Network and Sharing Center .

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Step 3: Select your network.

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Step 4: Now, select Properties .

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Step 5: Check the box next to Internet Protocol Verison and click on Properties .

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Step 6: Check the box for Use the following DNS server addresses to enter the DNS server address manually.

Step 7: Now, enter the address 8.8.8.8 in the ‘Preferred DNS server’ box and 8.8.4.4 in the ‘Alternative DNS server’ box. These are the addresses for the Google DNS server IPv4.

Or, you can also use Google Public DNS IPv6 version – 2001:4860:4860::8888, and 2001:4860:4860::8844 (alternative) .

Step 8 : Lastly, click on OK to apply the changes.

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How to Use Google Public DNS Servers on Mac

Here’s how you can switch to Google DNS on your Mac.

Step 1: Click on the Apple logo icon in the toolbar and select System Settings .

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Step 2: Select Network in the sidebar and select Wi-Fi .

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Step 3: Tap on Details next to the connected Wi-Fi network.

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Step 4: Click on DNS in the sidebar.

Step 5: Click on the + icon in the DNS server box.

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Step 6: Now, enter the address 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4 . These are the addresses for the Google DNS server IPv4.

Or, you can also use Google Public DNS IPv6 version – 2001:4860:4860::8888 or 2001:4860:4860::8844 (alternative)

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Why Use Google’s DNS Servers

Here are some of the key features and advantages of the public DNS resolution provided by Google:

  • Google has a distributed network of DNS servers globally, which ensures a reliable DNS resolution service.
  • Google DNS provides faster DNS resolution than most servers. It directs queries to the nearest data center, reduces latency, and improves response times
  • Additionally, Google Public DNS temporarily stores frequently accessed domain names, which can further improve performance.
  • Google DNS protects from DNS spoofing, DDoS attacks, and several other security threats and vulnerabilities.
  • Google DNS does not store IP addresses or personal information that can be mapped to the user.

When your computer needs to resolve a domain name into an IP address, it will send a request to the DNS address. Google’s primary DNS addresses are as follows:

  • IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (alternative)
  • IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888, and 2001:4860:4860::8844 (alternative)

Both the above addresses – IPv4 and IPv6 are different versions of the protocol, and the latter is designed to meet the requirements of ever-advancing computer network infrastructures.

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