How to Set Up Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) Print

Overview
Google Public DNS is a free Domain Name System (DNS) service offered by Google to make internet browsing faster and more secure. Switching your device’s DNS to Google’s servers can:

• Improve speed and reliability

• Fix issues with websites not loading

• Provide more consistent access across networks

This guide explains how to configure Google DNS on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Google DNS Addresses

• IPv4

  • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8

  • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4

• IPv6 (optional)

  • Preferred DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8888

  • Alternate DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8844

Windows 10 / 11

1. Right-click the network/Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar → Open Network & Internet Settings.

2. Select Change adapter options.

3. Right-click your active connection → Properties.

4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties.

5. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses:

   • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8

   • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4

6. (Optional) Repeat for IPv6 with the above IPv6 addresses.

7. Click OK, then reconnect to your network.

macOS (Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, older)

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions).

2. Go to Network.

3. Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) → Details/Advanced.

4. Go to the DNS tab.

5. Remove any existing entries, then add:

   • 8.8.8.8

   • 8.8.4.4
     (Optional: add IPv6 addresses)

6. Click OK, then Apply.

Linux (Ubuntu/Debian – Network Manager GUI)

1. Click the network icon → Settings.

2. Choose your active connection → Settings.

3. Under IPv4 (and IPv6 if needed), set DNS to:

   • 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4
     (IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888, 2001:4860:4860::8844)

4. Save and reconnect.

Linux (Command Line – resolv.conf)

1. Open a terminal and edit resolv.conf:

    

   sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf

2. Add:

    

   nameserver 8.8.8.8 nameserver 8.8.4.4

3. Save and exit (CTRL+O, CTRL+X).

4. Restart networking:

    

   sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

(Note: Some distros overwrite resolv.conf on reboot. Use NetworkManager or systemd-resolved for persistent changes.)

Verify the Setup

To confirm you’re using Google DNS:

• Visit https://dns.google/

• Or run in terminal/command prompt:

   

  nslookup example.com

  It should show Google’s DNS server IP.

✅ Tip: For offices, it’s often best to set Google DNS directly on the modem/router so all connected devices benefit automatically.