Introduction
If you have ever experienced a sudden slowdown while browsing the web or found that certain websites take forever to load despite having a high-speed fiber connection, the problem might not be your bandwidth. In many cases, the culprit is a slow or congested Domain Name System (DNS) server. For internet users in India, relying on the default DNS provided by local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like BSNL, Jio, or Airtel can sometimes lead to latency issues, frequent timeouts, and even difficulty accessing certain legitimate resources. Changing your DNS settings is one of the most effective and simplest ways to optimize your internet experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore exactly how to change DNS settings on various devices, why it matters for Indian users, and which providers offer the best performance in the subcontinent.
What is DNS and Why Should You Change It?
To understand why you should change your DNS settings, you first need to understand what DNS does. Think of the Domain Name System as the phonebook of the internet. Computers do not understand website names like google.com; they communicate via numerical IP addresses. When you type a URL into your browser, the DNS server translates that name into the corresponding IP address so your computer can connect to the right server. By default, your ISP automatically assigns you a DNS server. However, these ISP-owned servers are often slow, poorly maintained, or used to track your browsing habits. In India, ISP DNS servers are also frequently used to implement censorship or blocks on specific websites, sometimes even by mistake. By switching to a third-party DNS provider, you can enjoy several benefits.
Improved Browsing Speed
Third-party providers like Google DNS and Cloudflare have massive infrastructure across India, with data centers in major hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore. Because their servers are faster at resolving queries, your websites start loading much quicker. This reduces the initial lag you feel when clicking a link.
Enhanced Security and Privacy
Many public DNS providers offer built-in protection against phishing sites and malware. Furthermore, while some Indian ISPs may log your DNS queries to sell data or monitor behavior, providers like Cloudflare or Quad9 offer much stricter privacy policies, often deleting logs within 24 hours.
Reliability and Uptime
ISP DNS servers are prone to crashing, especially during peak hours in high-density areas. Professional DNS services have 99.99% uptime, ensuring you stay connected even when your ISP’s internal systems are struggling.
Top DNS Providers Recommended for Indian Users
Before we jump into the steps of how to change DNS settings, you need to choose a provider. Here are the most reliable options for users in India:
- Google Public DNS: Reliable and fast across all Indian circles. (Primary: 8.8.8.8 | Secondary: 8.8.4.4)
- Cloudflare DNS: Known for being the fastest in the world, with great routing in India. (Primary: 1.1.1.1 | Secondary: 1.0.0.1)
- OpenDNS: Excellent for families as it allows for content filtering and blocking adult websites. (Primary: 208.67.222.222 | Secondary: 208.67.220.220)
- Quad9: Focused on security, it automatically blocks malicious domains. (Primary: 9.9.9.9)
How to Change DNS Settings on Windows 11 and 10
Windows is the most common operating system for work and gaming in India. Changing the DNS here can drastically improve your ping in games like Valorant or BGMI (if played via emulator) and improve general browsing. To change your settings on Windows, follow these steps:
Using the Control Panel
- Press the Windows Key + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter. This opens the Network Connections window.
- Right-click on your active network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
- In the list, find and click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then click the Properties button.
- Select the option Use the following DNS server addresses.
- Enter your preferred DNS (e.g., 8.8.8.8 for Google) in the first box and the secondary (8.8.4.4) in the second box.
- Click OK and close all windows.
It is also recommended to do the same for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) if your ISP supports it, using the IPv6 addresses provided by your chosen DNS service.
How to Change DNS Settings on Android
With India being a mobile-first nation, most users access the internet through Android smartphones. Since Android 9 (Pie), the process has become much easier thanks to a feature called Private DNS. This uses DNS over TLS to encrypt your queries.
Steps for Modern Android Devices
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Go to Network & Internet or Connections.
- Tap on Private DNS. If you do not see it, search for Private DNS in the settings search bar.
- Select the Private DNS provider hostname option.
- Enter a hostname like dns.google or 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com.
- Tap Save.
For older Android versions, you may need to go into your Wi-Fi settings, long-press your network name, select Modify Network, and change IP Settings to Static to manually enter DNS IPs.
How to Change DNS Settings on iPhone (iOS)
Apple makes it relatively straightforward to change DNS for specific Wi-Fi networks. Note that this change only applies to the specific Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to.
- Open Settings and tap on Wi-Fi.
- Tap the small i icon next to the name of the network you are using.
- Scroll down and tap on Configure DNS.
- Change the setting from Automatic to Manual.
- Tap Add Server and enter the DNS IP addresses (e.g., 1.1.1.1).
- Tap Save at the top right corner.
Changing DNS Settings on Your Wi-Fi Router
If you want every device in your home—including Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and smart home gadgets—to use the new DNS settings, the best way is to change it at the router level. Whether you use a TP-Link, D-Link, or the default router provided by Airtel Xstream or JioFiber, the process is similar.
- Connect to your Wi-Fi and open a browser.
- Enter your router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.29.1 for Jio).
- Log in with your credentials (check the sticker on the back of the router if you haven't changed the defaults).
- Look for WAN or Internet settings under the Advanced or Network tab.
- Locate the DNS settings and change them from 'Get Automatically from ISP' to 'Use These DNS Servers'.
- Input your chosen DNS addresses and Save the settings.
- Restart your router to ensure the changes take effect across all devices.
Verifying Your New DNS Settings
After you have followed the steps on how to change DNS settings, you should verify if they are working correctly. You can visit websites like dnsleaktest.com. Run the standard test; if the results show the name of the provider you chose (like Google or Cloudflare) instead of your ISP's name, you have successfully changed your settings. Another quick way is to open the Command Prompt on Windows and type nslookup google.com. The result will display the server address currently being used for the resolution.
Conclusion
Changing your DNS settings is a small tweak that offers significant rewards. For users in India, it is a practical solution to bypass ISP-level bottlenecks, improve privacy, and ensure a more stable connection for both work and entertainment. Whether you choose Google for its reliability, Cloudflare for its speed, or OpenDNS for its security filters, the process of switching is quick and completely free. By taking control of your DNS, you are ensuring that your high-speed broadband connection actually performs the way it was meant to, providing a smoother and more secure journey through the digital world.
Is it safe to change DNS settings?
Yes, changing your DNS to a reputable provider like Google, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS is perfectly safe. These providers are often more secure than the default servers provided by local ISPs in India, as they offer better protection against malicious websites and do not track your data for advertising purposes.
Which DNS is best for gaming in India?
For gamers in India, Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Google DNS (8.8.8.8) are generally considered the best. Cloudflare often provides the lowest latency (ping) due to its extensive network of servers in cities like Mumbai and Chennai. Lower ping results in a smoother experience in competitive games like Valorant, CS:GO, and BGMI.
Does changing DNS increase my actual download speed?
Changing DNS does not increase your maximum bandwidth or raw download speed (e.g., a 100 Mbps plan will stay 100 Mbps). However, it makes the internet feel much faster because it reduces the time it takes to find and start loading a website. It improves the 'responsiveness' of your connection.
Can I revert back to my original DNS settings?
Absolutely. You can revert to your original settings at any time by going back to the same menu where you made the changes and selecting the 'Obtain DNS server address automatically' option. This will restore the default settings provided by your ISP.
Will changing DNS allow me to access blocked websites?
In many cases, yes. Many website blocks in India are implemented at the DNS level by ISPs. By using a third-party DNS provider, you bypass the ISP's filtering system, which may allow you to access websites that are incorrectly blocked or restricted at the local level.
