Slow internet can be really annoying when you want to watch Netflix, scroll through YouTube, or play an online game without lag. Most people think they always need a better package or a new connection, but sometimes a slight change in their setting can make a big difference. One of the easiest tricks is to increase internet speed with DNS by switching to faster DNS servers. This simple change can help website load faster, reduce buffering, and make your overall internet experience feel smoother.
What Is DNS and Why Does It Matter for Speed?
When you type youtube.com or netflix.com, your device doesn’t recognize the domain name. It understands numbers called IP addreses.
DNS (Domain Name System) works like an address book for the internet:
- You type the website name
- The DNS server looks up the correct IP address.
- Your device connects to that IP address.s
If the DNS server is slow or poorly optimized, your request takes longer to resolve. That delay can make your internet feel sluggish, even when your actual download speed is fine.
Changing DNS will not turn a 5 Mbps connection into 100 Mbps, but it can:
- Improve WiFi speed for everyday browsing
- Help fix slow internet response time.
- Make streaming and page loading feel faster.
- Sometimes, reduce the ping in online games.
In short, better DNS server settings help optimize your home internet connection without changing your internet plan.
What Are We Going To Do?
To increase internet speed with DNS, the plan is simple:
- Test which DNS servers are fastest for you
- Copy those DNS values.
- Change DNS on WiFi in your device settings
- Use the internet as usual and compare the experience.
This method works on most phones and laptops. It is a safe and common way to improve WiFi speed and reduce internet lag.
Step 1: Test DNS Speed
You need to know which DNS server is actually fast in your location.
- Open your phone or computer browser.
- Go to a search engine to find a DNS speed test online, such as DNS. Online or another trusted DNS testing site.
- Look for a button labeled “Check DNS Speed” then tap or click it.
- Wait a few seconds while the website tests different DNS servers.
When the test finishes, you will see a list of DNS servers with response times. This shows how quickly each server replies to your request.
Usually:
- The DNS server with the lowest response time, or the one at the top of the list, is the fastest in your area.
Step 2: Copy the Fast DNS Values
From the results page:
- Find the fastest DNS server in the list.
- You will see numbers such as 1.1.1.1, 8.8.8.8, or similar.
- There are often two values:
- Primary DNS
- Secondary DNS
Copy both values and save them somewhere safe:
- Notepad on your computer
- A notes app on your phone
- Any simple text file
You will use these values when you change your WiFi DNS server settings.
Step 3: Open Your WiFi Settings
Now you will change the device’s DNS settings on its WiFi.
The exact menu names may vary slightly across devices, but the idea remains the same.
On most devices:
- Open Settings.
- Go to WiFi or Network & Internet.
- Tap or click the WiFi network you are currently connected to.
- Look for Advanced settings or Modify network.
- Find the IP setting.
By default, IP settings are usually set to DHCP. To enter your own DNS server setting, you need to change this to Static.
Step 4: Enter the DNS Server Settings
Once you change IP settings to Static:
- You will see fields named DNS 1 and DNS 2.
- In DNS 1, enter the primary DNS value you copied from the speed test.
- In DNS 2, enter the secondary DNS value.
Do not change other fields, such as IP address or gateway, if you are not sure what they mean.
Then:
- Tap or click Save or Apply.
Your WiFi may disconnect for a moment and then reconnect. That is normal.
At this point, you have successfully updated your DNS server settings, which can help improve WiFi speed and reduce buffering in streaming and browsing.
Step 5: Check the Difference
Now use your internet as you usually do and see how it feels.
You can test it like this:
- Watch a YouTube video in HD and see how quickly it start
- Skip forward and backward in a Netflix show and check for buffering.
- Open a few websites and notice how fast they load
- Play an online game and watch your ping and response time.
If everything is set up correctly, you may notice:
- Faster streaming and browsing
- Less buffering on videos
- Slightly better ping in online games
- A smoother overall internet experience
This method mainly helps with slow response and delay. It does not replace the need for a higher speed package if your usage requires more bandwidth.
Essential Things To Remember
1. Save Your Old Settings
Before you change anything:
- Take a screenshot of your existing WiFi settings
- Or write down the original values.
If something goes wrong, you can easily go back to the previous configuration.
2. Different Devices, Same Concept
On Android phones, iPhones, and Windows laptops, the menus may look different, but the basic steps are the same:
- Go to your WiFi network setting
- Open advanced or IP settings.
- Change from DHCP to Static
- Enter the new DNS server value.s
You feel stuck, you can search “how to change DNS on [your exact device name]” for screenshots.
3. If the Internet Stops Working
If the internet does not work after changing the DNS:
- Check that both DNS numbers are typed correctly
- If it still fails, revert the IP settings to DHCP.
- Save and reconnect to your WiF.i.
This will restore the default DNS settings on your router, and your connection should return to normal.
4. It Is Safe and Common
Changing DNS server settings is a standard and safe practice. Many users do it to improve WiFi speed, reduce internet lag, and create a more stable online experience.
Just make sure you use trusted DNS providers and not random numbers from unknown sources.
Extra Note for Gamers
If you enjoy online gaming, you already know how frustrating high ping and lag can be.
With better DNS settings:
- Game servers can sometimes respond more quickly
- Menus, shops, and in-game content that are loaded from the internet can feel smother.
- You may reduce ping slightly and avoid some lag spikes.s
At least then, if you lose a match, you will know it happened because of your own decision, not only because of a slow, unresponsive connection.
Final Thoughts
You do not always need a new router or a more expensive package to improve your experience online. Sometimes a small, smart change, like updating DNS, is enough to increase internet speed and make daily use much smoother.
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