Swapping my DNS server fixed 3 annoying problems on my home network
Everything got noticeably faster, more open, and more secure
Most of us want our internet to just work and disappear in the background. That was my experience when I set up my Wi-Fi 6 router a few months ago. However, I soon noticed my connection felt slower, especially when loading websites for the first time. Some websites were also inaccessible. This prompted me to consider changing my DNS server.
Changing the default DNS in my router's settings was the solution. The default DNS is programmed to benefit the ISP, not the user, and is rarely the fastest or most secure option.
After switching to a faster DNS like Cloudflare, I noticed an immediate improvement. My phone, PC, and smart TV felt snappier, with apps and websites loading more quickly. I was surprised at how much a small change could enhance my network performance.
The default DNS also blocked access to several websites, including international ecommerce platforms, file-sharing sites, news sites, and torrent sites. While my VPN bypassed these restrictions, it introduced a speed penalty. Switching to a new DNS not only sped up browsing but also unlocked these previously inaccessible sites.
This change only works for basic DNS-level blocks but it's still better than nothing. Your new DNS doesn't carry over to devices outside the network, so changing the DNS server on your device may be more convenient.
ISPs can track your network behavior and use this data to send targeted ads. They do this by seeing unencrypted DNS queries from your devices. Switching to a private DNS server like Cloudflare's, which deletes query logs in 25 hours, can help protect your privacy. Pair it with a VPN for additional security. While it doesn't hide your network activity completely, it's a step in the right direction.
Written by urgent.news from XDA Developers's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
