The DNS Swap: Speed Up Your Internet and Privacy in 2 Minutes

Most people pay for high-speed internet but leave their connection's performance to chance. If you are still using the default settings provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), you are likely dealing with slower page loads and unnecessary tracking. The fix is a simple ‐ but powerful ‐ tech tip: changing your DNS.

What is DNS and Why Should You Care?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. Think of it as the phonebook of the internet. When you type a website like google.com into your browser, your computer needs to translate those letters into a numerical IP address that servers understand. This translation happens via a DNS server.

By default, your router uses your ISP’s DNS servers. These are often sluggish, prone to downtime, and — most importantly — they allow your ISP to see every domain you visit. By switching to a third-party provider, you can often shave milliseconds off every click and gain an extra layer of privacy.

The Top Contenders

You don't need to be a network engineer to use better DNS. Here are the three most reliable options:

• Cloudflare (1.1.1.1): Known as the fastest consumer DNS service. They prioritize privacy, promising never to sell your data or log your IP address.
• Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8): Extremely reliable and handles heavy traffic well. It is a great alternative if your ISP's servers are frequently crashing.
• Quad9 (9.9.9.9): This is the security-focused choice. It automatically blocks access to known malicious domains, providing a built-in layer of protection against phishing.

How to Make the Switch

You can change these settings on individual devices, but for the biggest impact, change them on your router. This covers every device in your house, from your laptop to your smart TV.

1. Access your router: Open your browser and type in your router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Find DNS settings: Look for a section labeled ‘WAN’ or ‘Internet Settings.’
3. Enter the numbers: Change the DNS server addresses from ‘Automatic’ to ‘Manual.’ Enter 1.1.1.1 for the Primary and 1.0.0.1 for the Secondary (if using Cloudflare).
4. Save and Restart: Hit save and restart your router to apply the changes.

The Immediate Benefit

Once you switch, you won't see your download speeds double (that is limited by your hardware and plan), but you will notice that the web feels ‘snappier.’ Browsers will resolve addresses faster, and you will have peace of mind knowing your ISP isn't harvesting your browsing habits quite so easily. It is one of the few tech upgrades that is completely free and takes less than five minutes to complete.