How to Change Your DNS Server on Your Mac Devices?
Many times when a website shows down on your web browser, it is not actually down. It is just that you can’t see them because your device doesn’t know the route.
In Mac devices, the Domain Name System (DNS) is used to access websites on the web browser. This means if DNS servers are not working or configured properly, the website may load slowly or not show at all on your Mac.
Thus, it is important for Mac users to know how to change DNS server settings for smooth web browsing. Before moving ahead, we recommend our readers get the CleanMyMac X software for improving Mac devices’ speed. The program can remove all malicious and junk files in order to improve system performance and internet speed.
What is a DNS Server?
Domain Name System server maps domain names to IP addresses. When a DNS server is used in conjunction with a search domain, it lets you access websites and servers you often visit without even typing the complete web address.
Your home or office router is likely to be set up default to use your ISP’s DNS servers, which might not be reliable. Thus, many users prefer getting third-party DNS servers such as Google Public DNS, OpenDNS, and Cloudflare.
Third-party DNS servers are secure and contain comprehensive IP address database options. They can also assure high privacy and speed to Mac users.
How Do DNS Servers Work?
The DNS works pretty simply. When you enter a domain name in your Mac browser, the computer will contact a DNS server to locate the IP address associated with the domain name.
Basically, DNS is a directory that contains Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of all the websites available on the internet. Every Internet service provider manages its DNS servers.
But when the DNS servers are not available at the time of web browsing, Mac can’t load any website. And then, you have to use the third-party DNS servers support.
How Does a DNS Server Help With Privacy?
By default, your Mac computer is programmed to reach out to a DNS server regulated by your ISP. That means your ISP can easily see the websites you have visited because they got your IP address and name. So, your web browsing is not private.
However, if you use a DNS server offered by a different company, they might also record your information. But it will be harder for them to figure out who is browsing those websites, which can make the data less valuable.
In addition, DNS providers like Cloudflare say they never collect data from you and are even open to third-party evaluation.
How to Change a DNS Server on Mac via the DNS Settings
On Mac devices, there is a dedicated section for the DNS server settings. From there, you can access all the available server settings and change them. Here’s how you can change a DNS server settings on Mac:
Step 1. Go to the Apple Home Menu and select System Preferences. Alternatively, you click on the Dock option.

Step 2. Under the System Preferences window, click on the Network Preferences window through the Network option. The screen will display all the active network connections.

Step 3. Select the preferred connection for your DNS and access the Advanced window. Normally, one connection is active — WiFi. The green dot will appear beside the active network. That could be anyone like Bluetooth, Ethernet or Thunderbolt Bridge.
Step 4. Click on the DNS tab that will show two separate panes — Search Domains and DNS Servers. The DNS Server list can appear empty or have entries in dark text or greyed-out areas.

If the entries are greyed, it means the IP addresses are running with another device or the network router. You can edit the list and overwrite it via the Network Preference window (we will discuss ahead).
On the contrary, empty entry fields mean that DNS servers are not yet assigned.
How to Change a DNS Server on Mac via the System Preferences
The simple method to change DNS servers is to access System Preferences. That’s how the process works:
Step 1. Click on the Apple Home Menu from the left-hand corner and select System Preferences.
Step 2. Select the Network options from the neck screen.
Step 3. After that, the system will show you all the available network connections. From the left sidebar, select the preferred network connection among all the green ones.
Step 4. Select the Advanced option that is available on the right side of the dialogue box.

Step 5. Click on the DNS tab on the upper side of the window.

Step 6. Select the Plus (+) icon below the pane for the DNS Servers list. A text input field will come up in the list. You can manually add your DNS address and click on Return.
Suppose you want to use the Google DNS address. In that case, you can add these addresses after clicking on the Plus icon—
8.8.4.4
8.8.8.8
2001:4860:4860::8844
2001:4860:4860::8888

The first two addresses are IPv4 addresses, and the last two are IPv6 addresses. You can also replace any greyed-out entries that appear while adding the DNS servers. If you want, you can delete them too.
Step 8. Next, you have to add the primary and secondary DNS addresses. This will resolve an URL entry when you change the DNS server on Mac that the system will prompt when the first DNS server fails. The process will continue until the system receives a response from the website.
Step 9. Click on the OK button that will take you back to the pre-opened Network window.
Step 10. Finally, select the Apply button to activate the DNS changes.

Bottom Line
It is a straightforward process to change DNS server settings for Mac users. You simply have to use System Preferences and easily change the DNS settings. Also, ensure that you have an administrator account/password to access other DNS IP addresses.
In addition, download the MacPaw CleanMyMac X software to clean your device and boost its performance. Meanwhile, keep on exploring other helpful guides only here.
Popular Post
Recent Post
How To Download and Update 802 11n WLAN Driver
Having trouble with your WLAN drivers? Explore a step-by-step guide to download 802 11n WLAN driver on Windows, including manual settings and automatic updates.
How to Fix Mac Won’t Boot Into Recovery Mode (9 Solutions)
Stuck with the Mac won’t boot into recovery mode issue? In this guide, we will explore the most probable causes behind this issue and provide you with practical solutions.
How to Print Double-Sided on a Mac
Learn how to print double sided on Mac, whether you’re using the Notes app, Word app or want to print web pages or PDFs online.
How to Fix Calendar App Not Working on Windows (7 Solutions)
The calendar app plays a vital role in managing daily schedules. In this troubleshooting guide, we have listed some of the best fixes to fix the Calendar app not working issue on Windows.
How to Fix Downloads Folder Not Responding on Windows
Introduction: The Downloads folder on our Windows computers serves as a crucial hub for storing all the files we acquired from the web. Whether it’s important documents, entertaining videos, or software installations, this folder plays a vital role in organizing and accessing our digital content. However, encountering the downloads folder not responding issue can be […]
How to Fix Your IP Has Been Temporarily Blocked
Introduction: Encountering the “Your IP has been temporarily blocked” on your PC can be frustrating as it hinders your browsing experience. Whether you are trying to access a website, send an important email, or stream your favorite content, receiving the dreaded message can leave you feeling helpless and disconnected from the online world. The good […]
How to Print Text Messages From Android Phone (3 Methods)
Introduction: Text messaging has become deeply ingrained in our daily lives. Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation, important information, or cherished memories, our Android phones store a treasure trove of valuable messages. But what happens when you need a hard copy of those messages? Fear not, for we have the solution. In this comprehensive guide, we […]
How to Upload Videos on YouTube: A Step-By-Step Guide!
Introduction: Gone are the days when video creation and sharing were reserved for a privileged few. In today’s age, YouTube has become the ultimate hub for video content and entertainment that draws countless viewers from all corners of the world. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker, a passionate vlogger, or a business owner seeking to expand […]
How to Use ChatGPT on iOS and Android Mobile
Introduction: Agree or not but ChatGPT is an extraordinary AI marvel that has taken the digital world by storm. With the help of this intuitive platform, you can have endless human-like conversations and get answers to almost anything. Powered by the latest breakthroughs in natural language processing, ChatGPT has revolutionized the way we interact, learn, […]
How to Fix the “Windows Can’t Connect to This Network” Error in Windows 11
Introduction Windows losing its network connection without warning may be very upsetting. Whatever the connection to your Wi-Fi is steady, you could still see the error message “Windows can’t connect to this network.” Fortunately, you may attempt a variety of options. This article will examine five solutions to a Windows computer’s inability to link to […]