Gaming DNS Setup for Nintendo Switch

Recommended DNS Servers for Switch Gaming

These servers offer the best balance of speed, reliability, and security for gaming on Nintendo Switch:

Provider	Primary DNS	Secondary DNS	Best for
Cloudflare	`1.1.1.1`	`1.0.0.1`	Lowest latency, fastest resolution
Google DNS	`8.8.8.8`	`8.8.4.4`	Most reliable, widest compatibility
Quad9	`9.9.9.9`	`149.112.112.112`	Security filtering + DNSSEC
Cloudflare Family	`1.1.1.3`	`1.0.0.3`	Gaming + malware blocking

How to Change DNS on Nintendo Switch

Follow these steps to configure custom DNS on your Switch:

Open Internet Settings
From the HOME menu, select System Settings > Internet > Internet Settings.
Select your network
Select your connected network from the list of registered networks.
Change Settings
Select Change Settings and scroll down to DNS Settings.
Set DNS to Manual
Change DNS Settings from Automatic to Manual.
Enter DNS addresses
Set Primary DNS to 1.1.1.1 and Secondary DNS to 1.0.0.1.
Save
Select Save, then run a Connection Test.

After changing DNS, test your connection to verify everything works. You may need to restart the device or clear the DNS cache.

Find the Fastest DNS for Your Switch

Which DNS is fastest from your location? Run a real-time benchmark to test 24+ servers and find the best one for your Switch gaming.

Run DNS Benchmark

DNS Setup for Other Platforms

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best DNS for gaming on Nintendo Switch?

Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Google (8.8.8.8) are the most popular choices for Nintendo Switch gaming. Cloudflare tends to have slightly lower latency due to its massive anycast network, while Google offers the highest reliability. Run a benchmark from your network to determine which is fastest for you.

Does changing DNS on Nintendo Switch improve gaming performance?

Changing DNS on Nintendo Switch primarily improves connection setup times — how quickly you connect to game servers, matchmaking, and download updates. It does not reduce in-game ping once connected, since game traffic uses direct IP connections after the initial DNS resolution.

Can I use DNS-over-HTTPS on Nintendo Switch?

Nintendo Switch does not natively support DNS-over-HTTPS or DNS-over-TLS. To use encrypted DNS, configure it on your router instead, which will apply to all connected devices including your Switch.

Should I set DNS on my Switch or on my router?

Setting DNS on your router applies the change to all devices on your network, which is simpler to manage. Setting it directly on your Switch overrides the router setting for that device only. For gaming, setting it on the device ensures the DNS is always used, even on other networks.

Best DNS Settings for Nintendo Switch