How do I switch to a public DNS to strengthen my connection?

This may be a step worth trying if other connectivity troubleshooting has failed. A DNS server translates domain names into IP addresses.

Home networks typically are set up with a DNS server that works with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Using a third-party service, such as Google DNS, may improve search performance, and strengthen your connection and security.

If you do not wish to use Google DNS, you can also try Cloudflare's Public DNS. Otherwise, follow the steps below for the right platform to set up Google DNS:

Xbox

1. Go to Settings.
2. While on the General tab, select Network Settings.
3. Select Advanced settings.
4. Select DNS settings.
5. Change the setting to Manual.
6. From there, enter the following:
   • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
   • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4

PlayStation

1. Go to Settings.
2. Go to Network.
3. Go to Set Up Internet Connection.
4. Select Wifi/LAN depending on what you use to connect (LAN/wired connection is highly recommended).
5. Select Custom (if you are on Wi-fi, you will need to select the Network and enter its password).
6. Make sure the following settings are set with these selections:
   • IP Address Settings (Automatic)
   • DHCP Host Name (Do Not Use)
   • DNS Settings (Manual)
7. Enter the following IP addresses:
   • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
   • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
8. Select Next.
9. Make sure the following settings are set with these selections:
   • MTU Settings (Automatic)
   • Proxy Server (Do Not Use)
10. Select Test Internet Connection.

Nintendo Switch

1. From the Home menu, select System Settings.
2. Select Internet Settings.
3. Select Connection Settings.
4. On the connection settings screen, select the connection file.
5. Select Change Settings.
6. Select DNS.
7. On the following screen, where it says Auto-Obtain DNS, select No.
8. Select Detailed Setup.
9. Enter the following IP addresses:
   • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
   • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
10. Select OK twice to return to the Edit Connection Settings screen.
11. Select Save.
12. Select OK.
13. Select Test to begin the connection test.

PC (Windows)

1. Click on the Start menu, then click on Control Panel.
2. Go to Network and Internet.
3. Click on Network and Sharing Center.
4. Click on Change adapter settings.
5. Right-click on the network you are connected to, then click Properties.
6. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (or Version 6 if desired).
7. Click Properties.
8. Write down any existing DNS server entries for future reference.
9. Click Use The Following DNS Server Addresses
10. Replace the IP addresses with the following:
    • IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
    • IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844
11. Click OK, then Close.

Android 9 (Pie) or higher

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet
2. Find the Private DNS option (may be under advanced settings)
3. Select Private DNS provider hostname
4. Enter dns.google as the hostname and save your changes.

If this did not help solve the issue try the next step in our troubleshooting: How can I sync the clock on my device?