What Is My DNS Server?
Your DNS server translates every domain name you type into an IP address. It controls how fast sites load, whether your queries are private, and whether malicious domains are blocked. Find out which one you are using right now.
Check Your DNS Server
Our DNS Privacy Check detects your active resolver, checks for leaks, DNSSEC validation, encrypted DNS, and more. Free and instant.
Check My DNS NowWhy your DNS server matters
- Speed — a slow DNS resolver adds delay to every website you visit. Switching from your ISP default to Cloudflare or Google can cut resolution times by 50% or more.
- Privacy — your DNS server sees every domain you request. ISP resolvers often log queries and may inject ads or redirect failed lookups. Privacy-focused resolvers like Mullvad and Quad9 do not log.
- Security — DNSSEC validation prevents spoofed responses. Threat-blocking resolvers like Quad9 stop connections to malware domains before they start.
Popular public DNS servers
| Provider | Primary | Secondary | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 |
1.0.0.1 |
Speed |
8.8.8.8 |
8.8.4.4 |
Reliability | |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 |
149.112.112.112 |
Security |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 |
208.67.220.220 |
Filtering |
How to change your DNS server
Changing DNS takes less than five minutes on any platform. Pick a provider from the table above and follow the guide for your device:
Related tools
- DNS Privacy Check — full 6-dimension audit of your DNS (leaks, encryption, DNSSEC, IPv6, ECH)
- DNS Gaming Benchmark — test latency to 50+ DNS servers from your browser
- Fastest DNS Servers — speed-ranked by real probe data
- ISP DNS Servers — find your ISP's default DNS and compare alternatives
- DNS Dig Tool — query any domain against any resolver
Frequently asked questions
What is my DNS server?
Your DNS server is the resolver that translates domain names into IP addresses for your device. By default, your ISP assigns one automatically. Use our DNS Privacy Check above to find out which resolver is handling your queries.
How do I check my DNS server?
Click "Check My DNS Privacy" above. Our tool detects your active DNS resolver by triggering a unique DNS lookup and observing which server contacts our authoritative nameserver.
Should I change my DNS server?
If your ISP DNS is slow, hijacks NXDOMAIN responses, or lacks DNSSEC validation, switching to a public DNS like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google (8.8.8.8) can improve speed, privacy, and security.
How do I change my DNS server?
Visit our platform-specific guides for step-by-step instructions on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and router configurations.