How to Change iPhone DNS: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

What You’ll Need

An iPhone running iOS 14 or later (the exact menu names may differ slightly by version)
The IP address of a DNS server you want to use (e.g., 8.8.8.8 for Google Public DNS, 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare, or 9.9.9.9 for Quad9)
Wi-Fi network access – you must be connected to a Wi-Fi network to change DNS for that network
Optional: a DNS profile (like from NextDNS or AdGuard) if you want the setting to apply to cellular data too

Step-by-Step

Open the Settings app – Tap the gear icon on your home screen. This is where all network and connection settings live.
Go to Wi-Fi – In Settings, tap “Wi-Fi.” You’ll see a list of available networks and the one you’re currently connected to.
Tap the info button – Next to the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to, tap the blue “i” icon in a circle. This opens the network details screen.
Scroll down to Configure DNS – Look for the “DNS” section. It’s usually below IP settings. Tap “Configure DNS.”
Switch to Manual – By default it’s set to “Automatic.” Tap “Manual” to edit the DNS servers. You’ll see a list with one or more servers already added.
Add your DNS server – Tap “Add Server” and type the IP address you want to use. You can add multiple servers (the iPhone will use the first one that responds). When done, tap “Save” in the top-right corner.

That’s it. Your iPhone will now use the custom DNS for that Wi-Fi network. If you want to change DNS for cellular data, you’ll need to install a DNS profile (see Tips).

Common Mistakes

Typing the wrong IP address – A single typo (like 8.8.8.8 vs 8.8.8.0) will break DNS resolution. Double-check the numbers before saving.
Forgetting to tap Save – If you switch to Manual and add a server but don’t tap Save, your changes are lost.
Changing DNS on the wrong network – The setting applies per Wi-Fi network. You must repeat the steps for each network you use.
Using a DNS server that’s down – If the server you choose is unreachable, your internet will stop working. Use a well-known public DNS server.
Assuming it affects cellular data – The built-in method only changes DNS for Wi-Fi. To change DNS on cellular, you need a profile.

Tips

Use a reliable public DNS – Popular options: Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), Quad9 (9.9.9.9). These are fast and have high uptime.
Add multiple servers – You can add two or more for redundancy. If the first fails, your iPhone will try the next.
For system-wide DNS (including cellular) – Download a DNS profile from a provider like NextDNS or AdGuard. Install it in Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. This applies DNS to all connections.
Test your DNS – After changing, visit a website to see if it loads. You can also use a DNS checker app to confirm the server is active.
Reset to automatic anytime – Go back to Configure DNS and choose “Automatic” to revert to your ISP’s default.

Troubleshooting

Internet stops working after change – This usually means the DNS server is wrong or unreachable. Go back to Wi-Fi settings, tap the info icon, tap Configure DNS, and switch back to Automatic. Then re-add the correct server.

DNS changes don’t stick – Make sure you tapped Save after editing. Also, if you have a VPN or a DNS profile installed, it may override your manual settings. Check Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.

Websites load slowly – The DNS server you chose might be slow or congested. Try a different one, like switching from Google to Cloudflare.

Can’t find Configure DNS – On older iOS versions, the option is under Wi-Fi > (i) > DNS. If you don’t see it, make sure you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network – it won’t appear on the cellular data screen.

Profile won’t install – You need to download the profile first (usually via Safari), then go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and tap the profile to install it. You may need to enter your passcode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing DNS speed up my internet?

It can, especially if your ISP’s DNS is slow. A fast public DNS like Cloudflare or Google often reduces the time it takes to load a website’s address, but it won’t increase your raw download speed.

Is it safe to use public DNS servers?

Yes, reputable public DNS servers are safe and often more private than your ISP’s. However, they can see your DNS queries, so choose one with a clear privacy policy.

Does changing DNS affect my battery life?

No, DNS changes have a negligible effect on battery. The impact is too small to notice.

Can I change DNS on iPhone without Wi-Fi?

You can’t change DNS for cellular data using the built-in settings. You need to install a DNS profile that applies to all connections, including cellular.

Will a DNS change bypass geo-blocking?

It can help with some regional restrictions, but it won’t bypass content that’s blocked based on your IP address or require a VPN. DNS only resolves domain names, it doesn’t hide your location.

How do I revert to the original DNS?

Go to Wi-Fi settings, tap the info icon, tap Configure DNS, and select “Automatic.” This restores the DNS provided by your router or ISP.

Sources: Apple Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.