Changing your DNS provider to reduce DNS propagation delays

Changing your DNS provider to reduce DNS propagation delays

When you change the name servers for your domain, DNS propagation can take 1 to 4 hours to complete. Learn how to reduce this propagation delay by switching DNS providers on your computer.

After updating your domain’s name server settings, DNS (Domain Name System) propagation can sometimes take up to 24 hours to fully complete. If your computer uses a DNS server that updates slowly, you’ll need to wait longer before accessing your site.

However, some DNS providers update their records more frequently — often faster than many internet service providers (ISPs). By switching your computer to use these faster DNS servers, you can reduce the time it takes to access your site after making DNS changes.

Selecting a DNS provider
Many companies offer DNS services, but the following three are among the most popular and reliable. They update their DNS servers frequently, and choosing one depends on your personal preference.

Google
As one of the largest internet companies, Google operates a vast global network that ensures fast and secure DNS lookups. Their DNS server IP addresses are also easy to remember:

• Primary DNS server: 8.8.8.8

• Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

• TLS hostname: dns.google

Cloudflare
Cloudflare provides fast and secure DNS lookups backed by its extensive infrastructure. Their DNS IP addresses are also simple to remember:

• Primary DNS server: 1.1.1.1

• Alternate DNS server: 1.0.0.1

• TLS hostname: 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com

OpenDNS
OpenDNS has a long-standing reputation for providing secure and privacy-focused DNS services. Although their IP addresses are not as easy to memorize as the others, they remain a strong alternative:

• Primary DNS server: 208.67.222.222

• Alternate DNS server: 208.67.220.220

• TLS hostname: OpenDNS does not support TLS hostnames, so it cannot be used with Android devices.

Changing the DNS settings on your computer

After choosing a DNS provider, follow the appropriate steps below based on your operating system.

Microsoft Windows (Windows 10)

1. Click the Windows icon.

2. Click the Settings (gear) icon.

3. Select Network & internet.

4. Click Advanced network settings.

5. Locate your network adapter, click the down arrow icon, and under More adapter options, click Edit.

6. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties.

7. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses.

8. Enter the Primary DNS server IP address from your chosen provider.

9. Enter the Alternate DNS server IP address.

10. Click OK, then click OK again to save the settings.

macOS

1. On the Apple menu, click System Preferences.

2. Select Network.

3. In the sidebar, choose your connection and click Advanced.

4. Go to the DNS tab.

5. Under DNS Servers, click the + icon.

6. Enter the Primary DNS server IP address, then press Enter.

7. Click the + icon again, add the Alternate DNS server IP, then press Enter.

8. Remove any old IPs by selecting them and clicking the – icon.

9. Click OK to save your changes.

Linux
Steps for changing DNS servers vary depending on your Linux distribution. Consult your distribution’s documentation for details on updating network settings.

Android

1. Open Settings, then tap Network & internet.

2. Select Private DNS.

3. Tap Private DNS provider hostname.

4. Enter the TLS hostname for your selected provider.

Note: As mentioned earlier, OpenDNS does not support TLS hostnames, so it cannot be used on Android devices.

5. Tap Save to apply the settings.

iOS

1. Go to Settings and select Wi-Fi.

2. Locate your current connection and tap the information icon (i).

3. Scroll to DNS, then tap Configure DNS.

4. Choose Manual.

5. Under DNS SERVERS, tap Add Server.

6. Enter the Primary DNS server IP address.

7. Tap Add Server again to enter the Alternate DNS server IP address.

8. Tap Save to update the DNS settings for your connection.