How to Change DNS Settings In Mac, iPad, iPhone And Stop Your ISP From Tracking You?

We live in a technologically interconnected world where everyone from machines to individuals are linked. Therefore, we assume you have heard terms like DNS, browsing history and ISP. But do you know what they are and how they work? Your ISP can track and record DNS browsing history?

For those who don’t know, about these terms let me explain:

Domain Name System (DNS) is a classified decentralized naming system for computer, services or other devices connected to Internet. In simpler words it is the phonebook of the Internet, a route that directs to the right site when you browse. But there’s a catch it isn’t secure as it is non-encrypted, and this may disclose your entire browsing history. Even if you browse in incognito mode nothing is secure and hidden. Also, the little green icon that denotes a secure connection won’t help. Besides, DNS is slow too.

Domain Name System (DNS) Browsing History is stored information of your searches that lets anyone see the domain names that you accessed.

Internet Service Provider (ISP) is an organization that provides access to the Internet and other related services such as Web site building and virtual hosting. Each time you are connected to the Internet, your connection is routed through an ISP.

Internet Protocol (iP) Is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses Internet Protocol for communication.

Hope you have understood the terms. So, now let’s proceed with the problem that exists in DNS, ISP tracking and how to resolve it.

We have already read about 2 basic problems that DNS has, one it isn’t secure and second it is slow. To fix both the problem Domain Name System (DNS) provider should be changed to Cloudflare’s new 1.1.1.1 service. Apart from these basic problems DNS has other problems too that are listed below:

• DNS is public this means ISP knows about the sites you visit or have visited whether in normal browser mode or incognito.
• It can be used to trick user into visiting fake site.
• It can be used to restrict access of certain websites in a country.

Cloudfare DNS 1.1.1.1 is the solution for all these problems, but how? Let’s understand it in depth.

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Cloudflare DNS 1.1.1.1

It is a fast and private way to browse the Internet. As we know, DNS is the phonebook of the Internet and helps to visit the site that we have searched for. Each device that is connected to the Internet has a unique IP address that is used by other machines to locate the device. With DNS servers in use the need to memorize IP addresses is eliminated.

DNS 1.1.1.1. is replacement for the current DNS provider and is offered by Cloudflare a content-delivery and DNS company.

Need of Cloudfare DNS 1.1.1.1.

The primary reasons due to which we have switched to third party DNS are security and performance. ISPs don’t use strong encryption thus make DNS queries vulnerable to data breaches and man-in-middle attacks.

DNS 1.1.1.1 offers the following advantages:

• Privacy
• Speed

Now that we know what DNS, ISP, IP is about and why there is a change. We need to know how to set the new DNS server setting on Mac, iPhone and iPad. To know about this, you need to read further.

How to Change DNS Server Settings on Mac

After knowing how vulnerable your DNS setting in Mac is you might want to change the DNS server address to 1.1.1.1 on your Mac. To do so please follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Head to System Preferences.
2. Now click on the Network panel > Wi-Fi > Advanced.
3. Here, you will be able to see a tab named DNS. Type the DNS address 1.1.1.1 by clicking on the + button.
4. Again, click the + button, and type in the backup server address as 1.0.0.1.
5. Click Ok followed by Apply to bring changes into effect.

You’re all set.

As these settings will be applied you will be re-directed via cloudfare DNS to browse the internet.

Also Read :  1.1.1.1 Cloudflare & APNIC Introduce Fastest & Most Secure DNS Service

How to Set a New DNS Server Settings on iPad or iPhone

On iPhone and iPad, the steps will be same. So, we are just mentioning them once. To make changes follow the steps below:

1. Head to Settings.
2. Next, Wi-Fi, and tap on the ⓘ icon. You will find it next to the name of your Wi-Fi network.
3. Here, you will be able to see a button that reads Configure DNS.
4. Tap on it and then tap on + Add Server button, here type in your numbers: 1.1.1.1, and 1.0.0.1.
5. Tap Save to bring changes into effect.

You’re all set.

Other setups

Besides this you need to know few other things too. First, you cannot alter settings for your cellphone DNS server on iOS. This means Cloudfare DNS can only be used on Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.

Second, you can change DNS server settings for your home Wi-Fi router.

The steps mentioned above will help you in setting up a more secure and private DNS server. Hope you liked the article. If you have any suggestions to make please feel free to share your feedback, it is valuable for us.