How to Change DNS on iPhone: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Better Performance

Changing your DNS settings on iPhone can dramatically improve your internet speed, enhance security, and protect your privacy. While most users stick with their default DNS provided by their internet service provider (ISP), switching to faster, more secure DNS servers can optimize your browsing experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through how to change DNS on iPhone, explain the benefits, recommend the best DNS providers, and help you troubleshoot common issues.

Why Change DNS Settings on Your iPhone?

Before diving into the steps, it's important to understand why you might want to change your DNS settings:

Performance Benefits:

Faster website loading with optimized DNS resolution
Reduced latency for better browsing and streaming
Improved app performance for services that rely on DNS lookups

Security and Privacy Benefits:

Malware and phishing protection from secure DNS providers
Enhanced privacy with no-logging DNS services
Content filtering options for safer browsing
DNS over HTTPS (DoH) support for encrypted queries

Access Benefits:

Bypass geographic restrictions on certain content
Access blocked websites in restrictive networks
Improve reliability when your ISP's DNS is down

How to Change DNS on iPhone: Step-by-Step Instructions

Changing DNS settings on iPhone requires modifying your Wi-Fi network configuration. Here's how to do it:

Method 1: Change DNS for Wi-Fi Networks (Recommended)

This method changes DNS settings for specific Wi-Fi networks you connect to:

Step 1: Access Wi-Fi Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPhone
Tap Wi-Fi
Make sure you're connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to modify

Step 2: Configure Network Settings

Tap the "i" (information) icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network
Scroll down to find the DNS section
Tap Configure DNS

Step 3: Switch to Manual Configuration

Select Manual (instead of Automatic)
You'll see existing DNS servers listed
Tap the red minus (-) button to remove existing DNS servers
Tap Add Server to add new DNS addresses

Step 4: Add Your Preferred DNS Servers

Enter your primary DNS server (e.g., 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare)
Tap Add Server again
Enter your secondary DNS server (e.g., 1.0.0.1 for Cloudflare)
Tap Save in the top-right corner

Step 5: Test Your Connection

Try browsing to different websites
Check if your internet connection is working properly
You can test your DNS performance to verify the changes

Method 2: Change DNS Using Shortcuts (iOS 14+)

For advanced users, you can create a Shortcut to quickly switch between DNS providers:

Step 1: Download DNS Shortcuts

Open the Shortcuts app
Search for "DNS" shortcuts in the Gallery
Add shortcuts for different DNS providers

Step 2: Run the Shortcut

Run your chosen DNS shortcut
Follow the prompts to configure your network
The shortcut will automatically update your DNS settings

Best DNS Providers for iPhone

Here are the top DNS providers we recommend, all of which you can test for performance to see which works best in your location:

1. Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1)

Primary: 1.1.1.1
Secondary: 1.0.0.1
Best for: Speed and privacy
Features: Fastest global performance, no logging, free

2. Google DNS (8.8.8.8)

Primary: 8.8.8.8
Secondary: 8.8.4.4
Best for: Reliability and compatibility
Features: Excellent uptime, global network, free

3. Quad9 DNS (9.9.9.9)

Primary: 9.9.9.9
Secondary: 149.112.112.112
Best for: Security and malware protection
Features: Blocks malicious domains, privacy-focused, free

4. OpenDNS (208.67.222.222)

Primary: 208.67.222.222
Secondary: 208.67.220.220
Best for: Content filtering and family safety
Features: Customizable filtering, phishing protection

5. AdGuard DNS (94.140.14.14)

Primary: 94.140.14.14
Secondary: 94.140.15.15
Best for: Ad blocking and privacy
Features: Blocks ads and trackers, no logging

How to Change DNS on iPhone Using Cellular Data

Changing DNS for cellular connections requires a different approach:

Using DNS Profile (Recommended)

Download a DNS profile from your preferred provider
Install the profile in Settings > General > VPN & Device Management
Enable the DNS profile to apply settings system-wide

Using DNS Apps

Several apps can manage DNS over cellular:

1.1.1.1 by Cloudflare (free)
AdGuard DNS (free with premium options)
NextDNS (free tier with premium features)

Testing Your New DNS Settings

After changing your DNS settings, it's important to verify they're working correctly:

Quick Verification Steps:

Check basic connectivity by browsing to major websites
Test DNS resolution speed using our DNS Speed Test
Verify DNS servers by checking what DNS you're actually using
Test specific domains with our DNS Lookup tool

Performance Testing:

Want to see how your new DNS settings compare? Use our comprehensive DNS performance testing tool to:

Compare multiple DNS providers
Test from different global regions
Measure actual resolution times
Get personalized recommendations

Troubleshooting Common DNS Issues on iPhone

Issue 1: Internet Not Working After DNS Change

Solution:

Go back to Wi-Fi settings
Tap "Configure DNS"
Select "Automatic" to revert to default settings
Try a different DNS provider with known working servers

Issue 2: Some Websites Won't Load

Possible causes:

DNS server is blocking the domain
DNS propagation delay
Incorrect DNS server addresses

Solution:

Double-check your DNS server addresses
Try accessing the site after a few minutes
Use a different DNS provider
Test the specific domain to verify DNS resolution

Issue 3: Slow Internet After DNS Change

Solution:

Test different DNS providers to find the fastest
Try servers geographically closer to your location
Check if your ISP throttles external DNS traffic

Issue 4: Can't Change DNS Settings

Solution:

Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi (not cellular)
Restart your iPhone and try again
Reset network settings (will clear all Wi-Fi passwords)
Contact your network administrator if on enterprise Wi-Fi

DNS Security Best Practices for iPhone

Enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH)

Use DNS providers that support DoH (like Cloudflare or Quad9)
Install provider-specific apps for automatic DoH configuration
Verify encrypted DNS is working properly

Regular DNS Monitoring

Test DNS performance periodically with our speed test tool
Check for DNS leaks to ensure privacy
Update DNS settings when traveling to different regions

Avoid Suspicious DNS Servers

Only use reputable, well-known DNS providers
Avoid free DNS services with unclear privacy policies
Be cautious of DNS servers that promise to "unblock everything"

Advanced DNS Configuration Options

Using DNS Profiles for Multiple Networks

Create profiles for different scenarios (home, work, travel)
Switch between profiles as needed
Use automation with Shortcuts app

Setting Up Custom DNS with Pi-hole

If you run your own DNS server:

Use your Pi-hole server's IP address as primary DNS
Set a reliable public DNS as secondary (backup)
Ensure your Pi-hole is accessible from your iPhone's location

Conclusion: Optimize Your iPhone's DNS for Better Performance

Changing DNS settings on your iPhone is a simple yet powerful way to improve your internet experience. Whether you prioritize speed, security, or privacy, there's a DNS provider that fits your needs.

Key takeaways:

Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) offers the best speed and privacy
Quad9 DNS (9.9.9.9) provides excellent security features
Google DNS (8.8.8.8) delivers reliable performance worldwide
Always test your changes to ensure they're working properly

Ready to Optimize Your DNS?

Don't guess which DNS provider is best for your location and needs. Use our comprehensive testing tools to make data-driven decisions:

👉 Test DNS Performance Now - Compare all major DNS providers from your location

👉 Check Your DNS Records - Verify your domain's DNS configuration

👉 Run a Quick DNS Test - Get instant performance results

By following this guide and using our testing tools, you'll ensure your iPhone is using the fastest, most secure DNS servers available for your specific location and requirements.

Need help choosing the right DNS provider? Our DNS speed test tool will show you real-time performance data from multiple global regions, helping you make the perfect choice for your iPhone's DNS settings.