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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallTo use Google Public DNS, replace the DNS servers for the connection you want to affect with 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for IPv4, or 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844 for IPv6. Change the setting on your router to configure the network, or on an individual device to configure only that device. Save your existing DNS values first, then test the connection.
What changes when you switch DNS?
DNS translates a domain name, such as google.com, into an IP address that devices use to reach a website. Changing DNS changes which resolver handles those lookups; it does not change your internet provider or protect all of your internet activity.
A router-level change is intended to configure DNS for devices using that network. A device-level change applies to that device and can differ from the DNS supplied by the router. The exact result depends on the router and the client’s network configuration. Google describes Nest Wifi and Google Wifi as DNS proxies: they receive clients’ queries, contact a public DNS service, and return the response (Google Home and Nest Help).
Google Public DNS addresses
| Address type | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|
| IPv4 | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 |
| IPv6 | 2001:4860:4860::8888 | 2001:4860:4860::8844 |
Google’s setup guidance recommends entering at least two distinct addresses where the interface supports them; either address in a pair can be primary or secondary. Some devices require IPv6 addresses to be entered in expanded form rather than using the abbreviated :: notation. Check the device maker’s instructions if the address is rejected. Record the current DNS values before replacing them so you can restore them (Google Public DNS setup guidance).
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Choose where to change DNS
| Where you change it | Scope | Practical trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Router or Wi-Fi system | Devices using the network, subject to router and client configuration | One configuration can serve the network, but device-specific settings may differ. |
| Individual device | That device’s selected connection or DNS setting | Allows different DNS choices per device, but requires configuring each device separately. |
Change DNS on Google Nest Wifi or Google Wifi
- Open the Google Home app and go to your Wi-Fi network settings.
- Open Advanced Networking > DNS.
- Select a public DNS option, or choose Custom and enter the primary and secondary addresses. Custom DNS supports IPv4 and IPv6.
- Save the change and test whether connected devices can access websites.
Menu wording can vary with the app version and product setup. Google notes that an incorrect or unavailable custom resolver can interrupt internet access for connected clients; the router or primary Wifi point may remain reachable for recovery (Google Home and Nest Help).
Change DNS on another router
Use the router manufacturer’s instructions to find its DNS settings, which may be under WAN, LAN, or network settings. Enter the Google addresses in the appropriate IPv4 or IPv6 fields and save. Router menus and behavior vary, so do not assume that a path for one model applies to another. Keep the previous values available in case you need to revert.
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Change DNS on Android
- Open Settings > Network and Internet > Private DNS.
- Choose one of the displayed options: Off, Automatic, or Private DNS provider hostname.
- Save the setting.
Android’s help guidance recommends keeping Private DNS on and says menu options vary by device and software version (Android Help: Manage advanced network settings). Private DNS is a setting for DNS questions and answers, not a general-purpose privacy or security control. The cited Android guidance does not identify a Google Public DNS provider hostname. If you need to enter a hostname, verify the current value in Google’s own Public DNS documentation rather than guessing.
Change DNS on Windows, macOS, iPhone, or another device
Use the network settings for the specific operating system and connection, then enter the address pair in the appropriate DNS fields. Google’s general setup guidance cautions that steps differ by operating system version and device; its example path is not universal. Follow the current instructions from the device or operating-system vendor for the exact menus (Google Public DNS setup guidance).
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Test the change and restore your previous settings if needed
- After saving, try opening websites and confirm the device can reach the internet.
- If name lookups or internet access fail, check that the entered addresses match the correct IPv4 or IPv6 fields and that the device accepts the format.
- If the problem continues, restore the DNS values you recorded, or return the setting to automatic or ISP-provided DNS.
Google advises testing after changing DNS. For Nest Wifi and Google Wifi, its help page notes that an incorrect or unavailable custom DNS server can prevent connected clients from accessing the internet (Google Public DNS setup guidance; Google Home and Nest Help).
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What to consider before switching
- Choose router settings when you want a network-level configuration; choose device settings when you want to affect only one device.
- Use two distinct resolver addresses where supported and retain the prior settings for recovery.
- The reviewed setup instructions do not establish that Google DNS is faster, safer, or better for every user. Whether to switch depends on your reason for doing so and your ability to restore the previous configuration.
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