What Is an Domain Name Server (DNS)?

A Domain Name Server (DNS) is a computer on the Internet that provides services to map domain names to IP addresses.

When you connect your device to the Internet, Domain Name Server is an important setting in the connection configuration.

In most Internet connections, the Domain Name Server is automatically set to the IP address of a Domain Name Server operated by the Internet service provider.

For example, if you are using an iPhone with a WiFi connection, you can check the DNS setting of the connection as shown below:

1. Tap "Settings > WiFi".

2. Tap "i" at the end of the connected WiFi name. "Configure DNS" should be set to "Automatic".

3. Tap ">" at the end of "Configure DNS" line, if you want to change it to another DNS.

4. Tap "Manual" to change the setting.

5. Tap "Add Server" to enter a new DNS IP address.

6. Enter Google's DNS: "8.8.8.8".

Here are some popular DNS IP addresses:

Provider            Primary DNS      Secondary DNS
-------------       --------------   ---------------
Google              8.8.8.8          8.8.4.4
Quad9               9.9.9.9          149.112.112.112
OpenDNS Home        208.67.222.222   208.67.220.220
Cloudflare          1.1.1.1          1.0.0.1
CleanBrowsing       185.228.168.9    185.228.169.9
Alternate DNS       76.76.19.19      76.223.122.150
AdGuard DNS         94.140.14.14     94.140.15.15
DNS.WATCH           84.200.69.80     84.200.70.40
Comodo Secure DNS   8.26.56.26       8.20.247.20
CenturyLink         205.171.3.66     205.171.202.166
SafeDNS             195.46.39.39     195.46.39.40
OpenNIC             172.98.193.42    66.70.228.164
Dyn                 216.146.35.35    216.146.36.36
FreeDNS             45.33.97.5       37.235.1.177
Yandex.DNS          77.88.8.8        77.88.8.1
UncensoredDNS       91.239.100.100   89.233.43.71
Hurricane Electric  74.82.42.42   
puntCAT             109.69.8.51   
Neustar             64.6.64.6        64.6.65.6
Fourth Estate       45.77.165.194    45.32.36.36

⇒ Domain Name to IP Address Resolution

⇐ Domain Name System and Structure

⇑ Domain Name Server/System

⇑⇑ Internet Connection - Frequently Asked Questions