Almost everyone now uses the Internet. In fact, we live in a different world on the Internet. If you visit different websites, you might be aware of DNS (Domain Name System).
Domain Name System, or DNS, is an important process that matches domain names to their correct IP Addresses. It’s a very important system, as it enables us to see different web pages on our web browser.
What Is DNS?
Let’s keep things simple and try to understand DNS. In simple words, DNS is a database consisting of different domain names and IP addresses.
Whenever you enter domain names like Google.com or Yahoo.com, the DNS servers look at the IP addresses associated with the domains.
After matching with the IP Address, it comments on the web server of the visiting site. However, DNS servers were not always stable, especially the ones assigned by the ISPs.
That’s the most probable reason behind the DNS errors you see while browsing different websites.
What About Custom DNS?
If you are using your ISP’s default DNS servers, you will most likely face DNS-related errors at regular intervals.
Some common DNS errors include DNS Lookup Failed, DNS Server Not Responding, DNS_Probe_Finished_Nxdomain, etc.
Almost every DNS-related issue could be solved by choosing a custom DNS. Many public DNS servers are available, such as Google DNS, OpenDNS, etc. We have also shared a detailed guide on Switch To Google DNS, which you can consider.
However, before switching the DNS server, it’s always best to note down the current DNS server.
So, What DNS Am I Using?
There are multiple methods to check what DNS you are using. Below, we have listed some of the best methods to help you check your DNS used in Windows.
How to Check DNS On Windows
To check the DNS server you are using on Windows, you need to use CMD. Right-click the Start Button and then choose Command Prompt (Admin).
Now, on the Command Prompt, you need to enter the following command.
ipconfig /all | findstr /R "DNS\ Servers"
This command will list the current DNS server that you are using. You can also use another command to find the DNS server on Windows. To do so, enter this command:
nslookup google.com
You can use any website domain instead of Google.com. The command will list the current DNS server.
How to Check DNS in Mac & Linux?
On Mac and & Linux-based computers, you need to enter the same CMD command to know what DNS server you are using. Enter the command given below to do nslookup on any website.
nslookup google.com
Again, you can replace Google.com with any website of your choice. This is how you can check the DNS server on Mac and Linux computers.
How to Check DNS Server On Android
You can use any network scanner app on Android to know what DNS Server your Android is using. In addition, you can use free apps like Network Info II, which doesn’t show any ads.
On Network Info II, you must look at the WiFi tab and then check the DNS1 And DNS2 entries. These are the DNS addresses your phone is using.
How to Check DNS Server on iPhone?
Like Android, iOS has numerous network scanner apps to help you find the DNS server. One of the popular network scanner apps for iOS is Network Analyser. Network Analyzer for iOS provides plenty of useful information about your WiFi network.
So, on iOS, you can use Network Analyzer and then look at the ‘DNS Server IP’.
How to Check the DNS Server Of the Router
For those who don’t know, the router uses the DNS Server, which the ISP assigns. However, that can be changed by following the guidelines given in this article. If you want to know what DNS server your router is using, head to the router’s IP Address (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and log in with the username and password.
Now, you will see the Router homepage. Depending on the router mode, you must check the Wireless Network or Network tab. There, you will find the options for DNS 1 and DNS 2 entries. If you wish to change the DNS address, you can update it there.
Best Free Public DNS Servers
Your ISP provides you with a default DNS server, which often leads to various web errors. In addition, the ISP-assigned DNS servers also lead to slow internet speed.
Hence, if you want better speed and better security, switching to public DNS servers is recommended. Many free public DNS servers are available out there that provide better browsing speed and security.
Some free public DNS servers can even unblock blocked content on the web.
How To Change DNS Servers on Windows and Android?
We have shared a detailed guide on how to change DNS servers on Windows 10 computers. If you are using a Windows operating system, read our article – How To Change Default DNS To Google DNS For Faster Internet.
For Android users, we recommend this article: 10 Best DNS Changer Apps For Android. In this article, we have shared a few best Android apps for changing the DNS server on Android.
These are some simple methods to find out the DNS server used on your devices. If you need more help on this topic, feel free to discuss it with us in the comments. And if you find this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with others.
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