Cloudflare has recently launched its own consumer DNS service, which promises to speed up your internet connection and help keep it private.
The service is using 1.1.1.1 address, and it’s an actual DNS resolver that is free to use by anybody. According to Cloudflare, it will be “the Internet’s fastest, privacy-first consumer DNS service.” There are other DNS services that are popular and widely used, such as: While OpenDNS and Google DNS. However, Cloudflare's main focus is on the privacy aspect. The service promises to wipe all DNS queries logs within 24 hours.
Your internet service provider usually provides DNS services to resolve domain names, like BroadbandCompare.co.nz or Stuff.co.nz into a real IP address that can be understood by routers. DNS services are essential for the internet, but DNS servers that ISPs provide are usually unreliable and slow. When you connect to any Wi-Fi network, ISPs who provide their DNS servers can identify all sites that are visited, and it can cause privacy problems.
Cloudflare has teamed up with APNIC to release its DNS service through 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. They now offer support for both DNS-over-TLS and DNS-over-HTTPS protocols. The global response time for Cloudflare’s DNS is currently 14ms, in comparison to 20ms for OpenDNS and 34ms for Google’s DNS. Thus far, it’s the fastest DNS resolver for consumers. There is more info available at 1.1.1.1 DNS service official website.
Don't take our word for it. Check what Cloudflare has to say about its service.
Setting up 1.1.1.1 takes just a few minutes and requires no technical skills or software. Here is a quick step-by-step instruction for any device:
Windows
Open the Control Panel. Click on Network and Internet, and then Network and Sharing Center. Choose “Change Adapter Settings” from the list on the left.
Next, right click on whatever Wi-Fi network you’re currently on, and choose Properties. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), and then click Properties.
Click “Use The Following DNS Server Addresses,” and replace whatever’s there with your new DNS. In the case of Cloudflare, you’d enter 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Click OK, followed by Close, and you’re done.
Android
Android requires a static IP address to use custom DNS addresses, which takes additional setup steps. The router approach is recommended here.
If you’ve already done that, go to settings, then Wi-Fi. Long-press on your current Wi-Fi network and choose “Modify Network.” You might need to go to an advanced section depending on your Android device’s software. Add your new primary and secondary DNS addresses to the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields.
iOS
Go to settings. Pick Wi-Fi, then tap the blue “i” next to your preferred network. Tap “Configure DNS” and make sure it’s set to manual, not automatic. Then delete any entries under DNS services and choose “Add Server” to enter your new DNS resolver. Using Google Public DNS as an example, you would add two entries: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Save your changes, and you’re done.
macOS
Open System Preferences. Instead of clicking through numerous menus, the fastest way to get where you want to be is just by searching for “DNS servers” at the top right. That’ll take you to the right screen, where you can click the + symbol to add whichever DNS you want to try.
Router
Your router’s configuration may vary. Consult your manual for more information. Connect to your preferred wireless network. Enter your router’s gateway IP address in your browser. If prompted, fill in your username and password. This information may be labeled on the router. In your router’s configuration page, locate the DNS server settings. Write down any existing DNS server entries for future reference. Replace those addresses with the 1.1.1.1 DNS addresses: For IPv4: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1; For IPv6: 2606:4700:4700::1111 and 2606:4700:4700::1001
Save your settings, then restart your browser.
You’re all set! Your devices now have faster, more private DNS servers.
