Forum Discussion
Changing DNS Server?
Hi, I'd like to try and switch my DNS server to 1.1.1.1 to see if it's any faster than the one from my ISP.
I have a modem/router combo (TP Link TD-9980) which is connected to my desktop PC via ethernet. I don't use wifi to connect to the internet.
I went into the modem's web management page and changed the settings. Then I rebooted the modem. Plus I changed the settings in Windows 7 network adapter.
However, in my modem's status page, it's now still showing 8.8.8.8 for my DNS. I don't get it.
Is there anything else I need to do?
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After rebooting the modem check it again if the DNS is the cloudflares DNS 1.1.1.1 and not google 8.8.8.8?
I rebooted it, but it still showed 8.8.8.8
So after some more research, I realized I was actually connected to and using the 1.1.1.1 DNS server, it just wasn't showing up on my modem's basic status page for some reason. Then I went back into my WAN settings page and discovered deep in the advanced menu an option to "Set DNS server manually". Since it was unpopulated (just with zeros) I filled in 1.1.1.1. When I did that, and checked my basic status page again, it finally showed 1.1.1.1 as my DNS server.
Even though I was using the 1.1.1.1 DNS server when I did the initial change, there was nothing indicating this on my basic status page. At least I have some verification from the modem that I'm using it now.
UPDATE: After using 1.1.1.1 for over a week, I didn't notice any difference in speed. My ping speed was the same, and web pages didn't load any faster. I also used DNS over https (DoH) and didn't notice any increase in security or decrease in ads, in fact there seemed to be more ads.
So I reverted back to my IPS server and https.
Hope this info might be of use to others.
- Nighthawk
Community Power User
That is not a Telus device. You'll either need to get assistance from your ISP or TP link.
Normally if you set the DNS on your computer specifially, you don't need to touch the modem/router. The PC will pull the DNS data from whichever server you put in the IPv4 and v6 settings. You only need to change the router, if it actually supports it, if you want all devices in the house to use one specific DNS server and not have to change the settings on each device.
I did a bunch of research before I changed the settings and none of the websites or youtube channels I looked at said anything about going through your ISP. It's my understanding that this is supposed to be something you can just change on your own. They just gave simple instructions for changing the settings. I only changed the IPv4 settings on my PC. I don't think my connection uses IPv6.
- Nighthawk
When I say go through your ISP, I mean if you are having trouble configuring the modem you got from them, you should contact your ISPs technical support for assistance. Telus doesn't use those modems. Changing DNS settings in most cases is something you can do on your own but some modems/routers will not let you change the settings.
