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DNS Resolvers Guide

Learn about DNS resolvers, compare popular public DNS services, and understand how DNS resolution works

What is DNS Resolution?

The DNS Resolution Process

1

Query Initiation

Your device sends a DNS query to your configured resolver

2

Recursive Resolution

Resolver contacts root servers, TLD servers, and authoritative servers

3

Response Delivery

The IP address is returned to your device and cached

Why Choose Different Resolvers?

  • Speed: Faster response times and lower latency
  • Security: Malware and phishing protection
  • Privacy: Better logging practices and data protection
  • Filtering: Content blocking and parental controls
  • Reliability: Higher uptime and redundancy

Popular Public DNS Resolvers

Cloudflare DNS

Cloudflare

Privacy-focused, fast DNS with DoH/DoT support. Claims to be the fastest consumer DNS service.

IPv4 DNS Servers

1.1.1.11.0.0.1

IPv6 DNS Servers

2606:4700:4700::11112606:4700:4700::1001

Key Features

Privacy-focusedDNSSEC validationDoH/DoT supportGlobal anycast networkMalware blocking (paid)
Coverage: Global (300+ cities)

Google Public DNS

Google

Google's free DNS service with fast response times and comprehensive global coverage.

IPv4 DNS Servers

8.8.8.88.8.4.4

IPv6 DNS Servers

2001:4860:4860::88882001:4860:4860::8844

Key Features

DNSSEC validationIPv6 supportFast resolutionHigh uptimeNo filtering
Coverage: Global

Quad9

Quad9 Foundation

Security-focused DNS with malware and phishing protection built-in.

IPv4 DNS Servers

9.9.9.9149.112.112.112

IPv6 DNS Servers

2620:fe::fe2620:fe::9

Key Features

Malware blockingDNSSEC validationPrivacy protectionThreat intelligenceNo logging
Coverage: Global

OpenDNS

Cisco (OpenDNS)

Cisco-owned DNS service with content filtering and security features.

IPv4 DNS Servers

208.67.222.222208.67.220.220

IPv6 DNS Servers

2620:119:35::352620:119:53::53

Key Features

Content filteringPhishing protectionCustom block listsAnalyticsParental controls
Coverage: Global

Comodo Secure DNS

Comodo

Security-focused DNS service that blocks malicious domains and provides web filtering.

IPv4 DNS Servers

8.26.56.268.20.247.20

IPv6 DNS Servers

2001:db8::12001:db8::2

Key Features

Malware blockingPhishing protectionBotnet blockingReference blockingFast resolution
Coverage: Global

Control D

Control D

Customizable DNS service with advanced filtering options and privacy controls.

IPv4 DNS Servers

76.76.19.1976.76.2.0

IPv6 DNS Servers

2606:1a40::192606:1a40::20

Key Features

Custom filtersAd blockingAnalyticsDevice-specific policiesAPI access
Coverage: Global

DNS Security Features

🔒

DNSSEC

Cryptographic validation ensures DNS responses haven't been tampered with, protecting against cache poisoning and man-in-the-middle attacks.

🛡️

DoH/DoT

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) encrypt DNS queries to prevent eavesdropping and manipulation by ISPs or attackers.

🚫

Threat Filtering

Many resolvers block known malicious domains, phishing sites, and malware command-and-control servers automatically.

How to Change Your DNS Resolver

🖥️ Windows

  1. 1. Open Network and Sharing Center
  2. 2. Click "Change adapter settings"
  3. 3. Right-click your connection → Properties
  4. 4. Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)"
  5. 5. Click Properties → "Use the following DNS server addresses"
  6. 6. Enter your preferred DNS servers

🍎 macOS

  1. 1. Open System Preferences → Network
  2. 2. Select your network connection
  3. 3. Click "Advanced" → "DNS" tab
  4. 4. Click "+" to add DNS servers
  5. 5. Enter your preferred DNS servers
  6. 6. Click "OK" → "Apply"

🐧 Linux

  1. 1. Edit /etc/resolv.conf
  2. 2. Add: nameserver 1.1.1.1
  3. 3. Add: nameserver 1.0.0.1
  4. 4. Save the file
  5. 5. Restart network service or reboot

📱 Mobile Devices

  1. iOS: Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) → Configure DNS → Manual
  2. Android: Settings → Wi-Fi → Long press network → Modify → Advanced → IP settings → Static
  3. Enter DNS servers in the DNS fields
  4. Save and reconnect to the network

Test Your Current DNS Setup

Use our DNS lookup tools to test your current resolver's performance and verify DNS propagation across global servers.

🔍 Basic DNS Lookup🛠️ Advanced DNS Tools