# What is a public DNS server and how to use it

> Canonical: https://jethost.com/kb/what-is-a-public-dns-server-and-how-to-use-it/ · Last modified: 2026-09-08T11:02:11+00:00

DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names like `example.com` into IP addresses so your browser can connect to the right server. You use DNS every time you open a website. In particular, your computer normally uses the DNS servers provided by your ISP. A public DNS server is a third-party service such as Google or Cloudflare, that anyone can use instead. Furthermore, public DNS often offers faster resolution, better privacy, and stronger security (DNSSEC, DNS over HTTPS) than some ISP defaults.

## Why use a public DNS server

Switching to a public DNS can speed up browsing, improve reliability, and add privacy. Many public DNS providers support DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT), which encrypt your DNS queries so your ISP cannot see which sites you visit. They also block known malware and phishing domains in some cases. Public DNS is useful when your ISP's DNS is slow, when you've changed your domain's DNS and want to test propagation, or when troubleshooting connectivity issues. See our guide on [flushing DNS cache](https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-flush-dns-cache-on-windows-mac-and-linux/) after changing DNS servers.

## Google Public DNS (`8.8.8.8`)

Google Public DNS is one of the most used public DNS services.

IPv4 addresses:

`8.8.8.8`
`8.8.4.4`

IPv6:

`2001:4860:4860::8888`
`2001:4860:4860::8844`

Google offers global Anycast routing for fast resolution and supports DNSSEC.

## Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1)

Cloudflare DNS emphasizes privacy and speed.

IPv4 addresses:

`1.1.1.1`
`1.0.0.1`

IPv6:
`2606:4700:4700::1111`
`2606:4700:4700::1001`

Cloudflare does not log personal data and purges query logs within 24 hours. It also offers 1.1.1.1 for Families with optional malware and adult content filtering.

## Change DNS on Windows 10 and 11

Open **Settings** → **Network & Internet** → select your connection (Wi‑Fi or Ethernet) → **Edit** next to "DNS server assignment" → set to **Manual** → enable IPv4 and enter your preferred DNS (e.g. `8.8.8.8`) and alternate (e.g. `8.8.4.4`). Click Save. For the classic method: **Control Panel** → **Network and Sharing Center** → **Change adapter settings** → right‑click your adapter → **Properties** → **Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)** → **Properties** → select "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter the IPs.

## Change DNS on macOS

Open **System Settings** (or System Preferences) → **Network** → select your connection → **Details** (or Advanced) → **DNS** tab. Click the **+** button and add your DNS server IPs (e.g. `1.1.1.1` and `1.0.0.1`). Remove any existing entries if you want to use only the new servers. Click OK and Apply.

## Change DNS on Linux

On systems using NetworkManager, open your connection settings and add DNS servers in the IPv4/IPv6 configuration. For a quick change, edit `/etc/resolv.conf` (may be overwritten by systemd-resolved or NetworkManager). Add lines: `nameserver 8.8.8.8` and `nameserver 8.8.4.4`. On Ubuntu with systemd-resolved, create a file in `/etc/systemd/resolved.conf.d/` or use `resolvectl` to set DNS. For a persistent setup, configure DNS in your network manager or in `/etc/netplan/` (Ubuntu) or `/etc/NetworkManager/`.

## Change DNS on your router

Changing DNS on your router applies it to all devices on your network. Log into your router's admin page (often `192.168.1.1` or `192.168.0.1`) in a browser. Go to **WAN**, **Internet**, or **Network** settings. Find the DNS option—it may be labeled "DNS Server Source" or "Use DNS servers"—and change it from "Get from ISP" or "Automatic" to "Use these DNS servers" or "Manual." Enter the primary DNS (e.g. `8.8.8.8`) and secondary (e.g. `8.8.4.4`). Save and apply. Some routers use **DHCP** or **LAN** settings to define which DNS is handed to devices; check your router's manual for the exact location.

## Need more help?

If you're setting up DNS for a domain on JetHost, see our [knowledgebase](https://jethost.com/help/) for domain and DNS guides. JetHost [web hosting](https://jethost.com/web-hosting/) includes reliable DNS management.