One of the ways by which we can achieve faster and safer internet access is by configuring our devices with third-party Domain Name Resolvers or DNS like Cloudflare.
Put plainly, we can equip our browsers/devices/computers with a custom DNS from Cloudflare to achieve safer and faster connections.
Cloudflare introduced us with their 1.1.1.1 DNS that offers not only a faster, safer DNS resolution, but also privacy-first. This means they do not sell user data or target advertising.
Cloudflare introduces additional “flavors”
- 1.1.1.1 – standard service
- 1.1.1.2 – blocks Malware
- 1.1.1.3 – blocks Malware AND Adult Content
Here are the settings to use:
Malware Blocking Only
Primary DNS: 1.1.1.2
Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.2
Malware and Adult Content
Primary DNS: 1.1.1.3
Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.3
For IPv6 use:
Malware Blocking Only
Primary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1112
Secondary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1002
Malware and Adult Content
Primary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1113
Secondary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1003
How do I install Cloudflare DNS?
Android and iOS users can download the “1.1.1.1” app too for easier setup and on-demand use.
For Android
Step 1: Open up Settings.
Step 2: Click on Wi-Fi.
Step 3: Press down and hold on the name of the network you are currently connected to.
Step 4: Click Modify Network.
Step 5: Click the check box called Show Advanced Options.
Step 6: Change the IP Settings to the option called Static.
Step 7: Remove any IP addresses that may be already listed and in their place add:
1.1.1.1
1.0.0.1
2606:4700:4700::1111
2606:4700:4700::1001
Step 8: Click Save. You may need to disconnect from the Wi-Fi and reconnect for the changes to take place.
For iPhone
Step 1: Go to Settings.
Step 2: Click on Wi-Fi.
Step 3: Click the information ‘i’ icon next to the Wi-Fi name you are connected to.
Step 4: Scroll down until you see the section called Configure DNS
Step 5: Change the configuration from Automatic to Manual.
Step 6: Click Add Server.
Step 7: Remove any IP addresses that may be already listed and in their place add:
1.1.1.1
1.0.0.1
2606:4700:4700::1111
2606:4700:4700::1001
Step 8: Click Save.
For Windows
Step 1: Click on the Start menu, then click on Control Panel.
Step 2: Click on Network and Internet.
Step 3: Click on Change Adapter Settings.
Step 4: Right click on the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
Step 5: Click Properties.
Step 6: Select Internet Protocol Version 4.
Step 7: Click Properties.
Step 8: Click Use The Following DNS Server Addresses.
Step 9: Remove any IP addresses that may be already listed and in their place add:
1.1.1.1
1.0.0.1
Step 10: Click OK.
Step 11: Go now to Internet Protocol Version 6.
Step 12: Click Properties
Step 13: Click Use The Following DNS Server Addresses.
Step 14: Remove any IP addresses that may be already listed and in their place add:
2606:4700:4700::1111
2606:4700:4700::1001
Step 15: Click Close.
For macOS
Step 1: Go to System Preferences. You can find it by pressing Command+Space on your Mac and typing System Preferences.
Step 2: Click on the icon called Network.
Step 3: Click Advanced.
Step 4: Select the DNS tab. Remove any IP addresses that may be already listed and in their place add:
1.1.1.1
1.0.0.1
2606:4700:4700::1111
2606:4700:4700::1001
Step 5: Click OK.
Step 6: Click Apply.
For Routers
Step 1: Go to the IP address used to access your router’s admin console in your browser.
- Linksys and Asus routers typically use http://192.168.1.1
- Netgear routers typically use http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1
- D-Link routers typically use http://192.168.0.1
- Ubiquiti routers typically use http://unifi.ubnt.com
Step 2: Enter the router password.
Step 3: Find the place in the admin console where DNS settings are set.
Step 4: Replace the existing addresses with:
1.1.1.1
1.0.0.1
2606:4700:4700::1111
2606:4700:4700::1001
Step 5: Save and exit.