DNS explained (and how to change it)
What DNS does, why your ISP's DNS might be the problem, and how to switch on any device.
What is DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable names like "google.com" into IP addresses like "142.250.187.46". Every time your device needs to connect to a server - loading a web page, fetching an EPG, starting a stream - it first asks a DNS server "what's the IP for this name?"
By default, you use your ISP's DNS servers. These work, but they can be slow, outdated, or - in some cases - deliberately block certain domains.
Why change DNS?
- 1Speed: Google and Cloudflare DNS respond faster than most ISP DNS servers.
- 2Reliability: ISP DNS servers sometimes go down or return stale results.
- 3Unblocking: some ISPs use DNS to block access to certain streaming servers or EPG feeds. Switching DNS bypasses this.
- 4Privacy: Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) is built with privacy in mind and doesn't log your queries long-term.
Recommended DNS servers
Google DNS
8.8.8.8 (primary) and 8.8.4.4 (secondary). The most widely used public DNS. Fast, reliable, available everywhere.
Cloudflare DNS
1.1.1.1 (primary) and 1.0.0.1 (secondary). Slightly faster than Google in most tests. Stronger privacy policy. Also available everywhere.
Tip
Either is fine. You can't go wrong with either choice. Pick one and move on.
How to change DNS
On your router (recommended)
Log into your router admin (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Find DNS settings under WAN, Internet, or DHCP. Set primary to 8.8.8.8 and secondary to 8.8.4.4. Save and reboot. This fixes every device on your network in one go.
Fire TV Stick
Settings > Network > select your Wi-Fi > menu button > Advanced. Note your IP, Gateway, Subnet. Forget network, reconnect, choose Advanced, set Static IP. Re-enter your details with DNS 1: 8.8.8.8, DNS 2: 8.8.4.4.
Windows
Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Change adapter options. Right-click your connection > Properties. Select IPv4 > Properties. Set DNS to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
iPhone / iPad
Settings > Wi-Fi > tap the "i" next to your network > Configure DNS > Manual. Delete existing entries, add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
Android
Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > long-press your network > Modify > Advanced > change IP to Static > set DNS 1 and DNS 2.
Flush your DNS cache after changing
After changing DNS, your device still has old lookups cached. Flush them:
- 1Fire TV / streaming sticks: hard reboot (unplug for 60 seconds).
- 2Windows: open Command Prompt as admin, type ipconfig /flushdns.
- 3Mac: open Terminal, type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.
- 4iPhone / Android: toggle Aeroplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off.
- 5Router: unplug for 30 seconds, plug back in, wait for lights to stabilise.
Did this guide help?
Be the first to vote.
Related guides