How do I change DNS on macOS?

Open System Settings → Network → select your active connection → Details → DNS tab. Click the + button under DNS Servers, add your preferred server IPs (e.g. 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1), then click OK and Apply.

Where is the DNS setting on newer macOS versions?

On macOS Ventura and later, it is System Settings → Network → click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection → Details (or the "..." menu) → DNS. On older macOS it is System Preferences → Network → Advanced → DNS.

Does macOS support encrypted DNS?

macOS supports DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS via configuration profiles (.mobileconfig). Providers like Cloudflare and NextDNS offer downloadable profiles, or you can use a third-party app. The built-in Network settings only configure plain DNS.

How do I flush the DNS cache on macOS?

Open Terminal and run: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder. Enter your password when prompted. This clears cached lookups after you change DNS servers.

How do I verify my new DNS server?

In Terminal, run dig @1.1.1.1 example.com or nslookup example.com. The output shows which server answered. You can also visit 1.1.1.1/help in Safari to confirm you are using Cloudflare.

What DNS servers work best on Mac?

Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1) is fastest for most users. Google (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) is highly reliable. Quad9 (9.9.9.9) blocks malicious domains. See our best DNS servers guide for details.

Is the DNS change system-wide or per-network?

DNS in macOS Network settings is set per network service (Wi-Fi and Ethernet are separate). If you switch between Wi-Fi and a wired connection, configure both.

Will changing DNS on my Mac improve speed?

It can reduce name-resolution latency and bypass a slow ISP resolver, making browsing feel faster. It does not change your bandwidth. Use a speed test to measure actual download and upload rates.

How do I revert to the default DNS?

In the DNS tab, select the servers you added and click the − button to remove them. With no manual servers listed, macOS falls back to the DNS provided by DHCP from your router or ISP.

How to Change DNS on macOS — InternetSpeedTest.ae

Why Change DNS on Your Mac

macOS uses the DNS servers your router hands out, which usually come from your ISP (e& or Du). Switching to a faster, privacy-focused resolver can shorten the delay before pages load, block malicious sites, and — with an encrypted profile — hide your lookups from anyone on the network. If DNS is new to you, read What Is DNS first.

Change DNS in System Settings

Open System Settings → Network
Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
Click Details… (or the "…" menu next to the connection)
Go to the DNS tab
Under DNS Servers, click the + button and add each server IP
Click OK, then Apply

On older macOS versions the path is System Preferences → Network → Advanced → DNS.

Recommended DNS Servers

Provider	Primary	Secondary	Best for
Cloudflare	1.1.1.1	1.0.0.1	Speed & privacy
Google	8.8.8.8	8.8.4.4	Reliability
Quad9	9.9.9.9	149.112.112.112	Security

Enable Encrypted DNS (DoH / DoT)

The built-in Network panel only sets plain DNS. To encrypt your queries, install a configuration profile: Cloudflare and NextDNS both provide a downloadable .mobileconfig file that enables DNS over HTTPS or DNS over TLS system-wide. Open the file, then approve it in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Profiles.

Flush the DNS Cache

Open Terminal and run these two commands together:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Enter your admin password when prompted. This clears any stale cached lookups.

Verify the Change

In Terminal, run dig @1.1.1.1 example.com or nslookup example.comto see which server answers. For Cloudflare, open 1.1.1.1/help in Safari to confirm. DNS changes don't affect bandwidth — measure that with a speed test, and see your full connection details on What's My IP.

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