Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Free & Public DNS Servers (Updated November 2015)
Your ISP automatically assigns DNS servers when your router or computer connects to the Internet via Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)... but you don't have to use those.
But what if those ISP-provided DNS servers aren't reliable or you're troubleshooting an issue and you suspect that DNS might not be working properly?
NOTE: Primary DNS servers are sometimes called preferred DNS servers and secondary DNS servers are sometimes called alternate DNS servers. Primary and secondary DNS servers can be "mixed and matched" to provide another layer of redundancy.
To use Google Public DNS, you need to explicitly change the DNS settings in your operating system or device to use the Google Public DNS IP addresses. The procedure for changing your DNS settings varies according to operating system and version (Windows, Mac or Linux) or the device (computer, phone, or router). We give general procedures here that might not apply for your OS or device; please consult your vendor documentation for authoritative information.
Change your DNS servers settings
Because the instructions differ between different versions/releases of each operating system, we only give one version as an example. If you need specific instructions for your operating system/version, please consult your vendor's documentation.
Many systems allow you to specify multiple DNS servers, to be contacted in a priority order. In the following instructions, we provide steps to specify only the Google Public DNS servers as the primary and secondary servers, to ensure that your setup will correctly use Google Public DNS in all cases.
You can configure Google Public DNS addresses for either IPv4 or IPv6 connections, or both.
You can apply this directly on your PC or Router
The Google Public DNS IP addresses (IPv4) are as follows:
8.8.8.8
8.8.4.4
The Google Public DNS IPv6 addresses are as follows:
2001:4860:4860::8888
2001:4860:4860::8844
You can use either address as your primary or secondary DNS server. You can specify both addresses, but do not specify one address as both primary and secondary.
Below are free DNS servers you can use instead of the ones assigned, the best and most reliable of which, from the likes of Google and OpenDNS, you can find below:
You might also like to read :
Why Use Different DNS Servers?
One reason you might want to change from the DNS servers assigned by your ISP is if you suspect there's a problem with the ones you're using now.
An easy way to test for a DNS server issue is by typing a website's IP address into the browser. If you can reach the website with the IP address, but not the name, then the DNS server is likely having issues.
Or Press Windows Logo + R type "Ping space Your DNS space -t" then press Enter you will see the Reply of your DNS. If there is something worng with your Internet you will receive Request Time Out reply
You might also like :
Another reason to change DNS servers is if you're looking for a better performing service. Many people complain that their ISP-maintained DNS servers are sluggish and contribute to a slower overall browsing experience.
Yet another, increasingly common reason to use DNS servers from a third party is to prevent logging of your web activity and to circumvent the blocking of certain websites.
Bonus information might be helpful for some of you, depending on your needs
Many of the DNS providers listed above have varying levels of services (OpenDNS, Norton ConnectSafe, etc.), IPv6 DNS servers (Google, DNS.WATCH, etc.), and location specific servers you might prefer (OpenNIC).
[1] The DNS servers listed above as Level3 will automatically route to the nearest DNS server operated by Level3 Communications, the company that provides most of the ISPs in the US their access to the Internet backbone.
[2] Google also offers IPv6 public DNS servers: 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844.
[3] OpenDNS also offers DNS servers that block adult content, called OpenDNS FamilyShield. Those DNS servers are 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123. A premium DNS offering is also available, calledOpenDNS Home VIP.
[4] The Norton ConnectSafe DNS servers listed above block sites hosting malware, phishing schemes, and scams, and is called Policy 1. Use Policy 2 (199.85.126.20 and 199.85.127.20) to block those sites plus those with pornographic content. Use Policy 3 (199.85.126.30 and 199.85.127.30) to block all previously mentioned site categories plus those Norton deems "non-family friendly." Be sure to check out the list of things blocked in Policy 3 - there are several controversial topics in there that you may find perfectly acceptable.
[5] GreenTeamDNS "blocks 18 categories which include malware, botnets, dangerous websites, adult related content, aggressive/violent sites as well as advertisements and drug-related websites" according totheir FAQ page. Premium accounts have more control.
[6] Register here with SafeDNS for content filtering options in several areas.
[7] The DNS servers listed here for OpenNIC are just two of many in the US and across the globe. Instead of using the OpenNIC DNS servers listed above, see their complete list of public DNS servers here and use two that are close to you or, better yet, let them tell you that automatically here. OpenNIC also offers some IPv6 public DNS servers.
[9] The censurfridns.dk DNS servers are uncensored, operated by a privately funded individual, and are physically located in Denmark. You can read more about them here. IPv6 DNS servers are also available at 2002:d596:2a92:1:71:53:: and 2002:5968:c28e::53
[10] Hurricane Electric also has an IPv6 public DNS server available: 2001:470:20::2 .
[11] puntCAT is physically located near Barcelona, Spain. The IPv6 version of their DNS server is2a00:1508:0:4::9 .
But what if those ISP-provided DNS servers aren't reliable or you're troubleshooting an issue and you suspect that DNS might not be working properly?
NOTE: Primary DNS servers are sometimes called preferred DNS servers and secondary DNS servers are sometimes called alternate DNS servers. Primary and secondary DNS servers can be "mixed and matched" to provide another layer of redundancy.
To use Google Public DNS, you need to explicitly change the DNS settings in your operating system or device to use the Google Public DNS IP addresses. The procedure for changing your DNS settings varies according to operating system and version (Windows, Mac or Linux) or the device (computer, phone, or router). We give general procedures here that might not apply for your OS or device; please consult your vendor documentation for authoritative information.
Change your DNS servers settings
Because the instructions differ between different versions/releases of each operating system, we only give one version as an example. If you need specific instructions for your operating system/version, please consult your vendor's documentation.
Many systems allow you to specify multiple DNS servers, to be contacted in a priority order. In the following instructions, we provide steps to specify only the Google Public DNS servers as the primary and secondary servers, to ensure that your setup will correctly use Google Public DNS in all cases.
You can configure Google Public DNS addresses for either IPv4 or IPv6 connections, or both.
You can apply this directly on your PC or Router
The Google Public DNS IP addresses (IPv4) are as follows:
8.8.8.8
8.8.4.4
The Google Public DNS IPv6 addresses are as follows:
2001:4860:4860::8888
2001:4860:4860::8844
You can use either address as your primary or secondary DNS server. You can specify both addresses, but do not specify one address as both primary and secondary.
Below are free DNS servers you can use instead of the ones assigned, the best and most reliable of which, from the likes of Google and OpenDNS, you can find below:
Free & Public DNS Servers (Updated November 2015)
| Provider | Primary DNS Server | Secondary DNS Server |
|---|---|---|
| Level31 | 209.244.0.3 | 209.244.0.4 |
| Google2 | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 |
| DNS.WATCH3 | 84.200.69.80 | 84.200.70.40 |
| Comodo Secure DNS | 8.26.56.26 | 8.20.247.20 |
| OpenDNS Home4 | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 |
| DNS Advantage | 156.154.70.1 | 156.154.71.1 |
| Norton ConnectSafe5 | 199.85.126.10 | 199.85.127.10 |
| GreenTeamDNS6 | 81.218.119.11 | 209.88.198.133 |
| SafeDNS7 | 195.46.39.39 | 195.46.39.40 |
| OpenNIC8 | 50.116.40.226 | 50.116.23.211 |
| SmartViper | 208.76.50.50 | 208.76.51.51 |
| Dyn | 216.146.35.35 | 216.146.36.36 |
| FreeDNS9 | 37.235.1.174 | 37.235.1.177 |
| Alternate DNS10 | 198.101.242.72 | 23.253.163.53 |
| censurfridns.dk11 | 89.233.43.71 | 91.239.100.100 |
| Hurricane Electric12 | 74.82.42.42 | |
| puntCAT13 | 109.69.8.51 |
Why Use Different DNS Servers?
One reason you might want to change from the DNS servers assigned by your ISP is if you suspect there's a problem with the ones you're using now.
An easy way to test for a DNS server issue is by typing a website's IP address into the browser. If you can reach the website with the IP address, but not the name, then the DNS server is likely having issues.
Or Press Windows Logo + R type "Ping space Your DNS space -t" then press Enter you will see the Reply of your DNS. If there is something worng with your Internet you will receive Request Time Out reply
You might also like :
Another reason to change DNS servers is if you're looking for a better performing service. Many people complain that their ISP-maintained DNS servers are sluggish and contribute to a slower overall browsing experience.
Yet another, increasingly common reason to use DNS servers from a third party is to prevent logging of your web activity and to circumvent the blocking of certain websites.
Bonus information might be helpful for some of you, depending on your needs
Many of the DNS providers listed above have varying levels of services (OpenDNS, Norton ConnectSafe, etc.), IPv6 DNS servers (Google, DNS.WATCH, etc.), and location specific servers you might prefer (OpenNIC).
[1] The DNS servers listed above as Level3 will automatically route to the nearest DNS server operated by Level3 Communications, the company that provides most of the ISPs in the US their access to the Internet backbone.
[2] Google also offers IPv6 public DNS servers: 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844.
[3] OpenDNS also offers DNS servers that block adult content, called OpenDNS FamilyShield. Those DNS servers are 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123. A premium DNS offering is also available, calledOpenDNS Home VIP.
[4] The Norton ConnectSafe DNS servers listed above block sites hosting malware, phishing schemes, and scams, and is called Policy 1. Use Policy 2 (199.85.126.20 and 199.85.127.20) to block those sites plus those with pornographic content. Use Policy 3 (199.85.126.30 and 199.85.127.30) to block all previously mentioned site categories plus those Norton deems "non-family friendly." Be sure to check out the list of things blocked in Policy 3 - there are several controversial topics in there that you may find perfectly acceptable.
[5] GreenTeamDNS "blocks 18 categories which include malware, botnets, dangerous websites, adult related content, aggressive/violent sites as well as advertisements and drug-related websites" according totheir FAQ page. Premium accounts have more control.
[6] Register here with SafeDNS for content filtering options in several areas.
[7] The DNS servers listed here for OpenNIC are just two of many in the US and across the globe. Instead of using the OpenNIC DNS servers listed above, see their complete list of public DNS servers here and use two that are close to you or, better yet, let them tell you that automatically here. OpenNIC also offers some IPv6 public DNS servers.
[8] These Public-Root DNS servers are the only two currently operating in the United States but if you're located ouside the US, see their complete list here and choose the best servers based on your location.
[9] The censurfridns.dk DNS servers are uncensored, operated by a privately funded individual, and are physically located in Denmark. You can read more about them here. IPv6 DNS servers are also available at 2002:d596:2a92:1:71:53:: and 2002:5968:c28e::53
[10] Hurricane Electric also has an IPv6 public DNS server available: 2001:470:20::2 .
[11] puntCAT is physically located near Barcelona, Spain. The IPv6 version of their DNS server is2a00:1508:0:4::9 .
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