Learn how to change your DNS settings in case of blocking.

Often unknown to the general public, DNS (Domain Name System) servers are the first intermediaries between our devices and websites. They are used permanently, and make it possible to obtain the IP addresses linked to the domain names sought. Sometimes they cause problems to access certain sites. Find out how to change your DNS easily.

What are DNS?

DNS makes it possible to associate a domain name with an IP address / stock.adobe.com by aa_amie

A DNS is a network computer service that allows you to associate a domain name or a URL with an IP address. To simplify the concept, we can compare the DNS to a directory of websites. If you enter a web address in your browser (eg “www.google.fr”), your device will send a request to the DNS server to obtain in return the IP address of the targeted site. The HTTP request can then be sent, and you can access the site.

By default, your DNS are those used by your Internet service provider, but you can modify them manually if necessary.

Why change your DNS?

It is sometimes necessary to change your DNS to access certain censored websites or protect yourself against possible malicious attacks. Indeed, it is possible that an intermediary can stand between you and the DNS server, to direct you to the wrong website. Some websites are also inaccessible depending on the DNS used, because they only need to delete the website for them to become untraceable by all users. The DNS server can also collect your browsing data.

Problems with connections to certain websites are occasionally due to the DNS, which may experience breakdowns, but also be wrong or be deliberately modified. Note that it is quite possible and legal to change your DNS to use alternative solutions.

How to change your DNS?

Although it may seem complicated, changing your DNS is actually a rather simple operation, which can solve connection problems. To help you quickly change your DNS, we have listed the steps to follow for each operating system:

For Windows

• Go to Windows settings,
• Select the Network and Internet tab  ,
• Click on  Network and Sharing Center ,
• Choose  Advanced Network Settings category ,
• In the window that opens, select Change adapter settings ,
• Right-click on the active connection, then select  Property from the drop-down menu ,
• Double-click the  Internet Protocol Version 4 (TPC/IPv4) option and change the current settings to the ones you want in  Preferred DNS Server and Alternate DNS Server ,
• Confirm by clicking on  Validate settings on exit , then click on  Ok .

For macOS

• Go to macOS settings,
• Select the Network tab  ,
• Click on  Advanced , then on  DNS ,
• Add the DNS of your choice in the tab that appears by clicking on the + located at the bottom left of the screen,
• Commit the operation once you have finished adding everything.

For Linux

• Go to system settings,
• Follow the path that takes you to Network, then select Options ,
• In the IPv4 or IPv6 tabs, choose  DNS ,
• Replace your DNS and validate the operation.

Alternative DNS servers that can be used

There are many alternative DNS servers that allow you to solve your problems accessing websites. If you don’t know which one to choose, we suggest you discover some of the best known, indicating in order the main address, then the auxiliary address:

• Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1
• Quad9: 9.9.9.9 / 149.112.112.112
• Verisign Public DNS: 64.6.64.6 / 64.6.65.6
• Open DNS: 208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220
• Yandex DNS: 77.88.8.88 / 77.88.8.2

Please note, if you are concerned about your confidentiality and your personal data, it is important to know that by choosing to no longer use the DNS offered by your Internet service provider, you are relying on a third party.