How to Find Your DNS Server on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone

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A DNS server helps your device find the IP address associated with a domain name. When you open a website, your device usually relies on a DNS resolver to look up the address needed to connect.

If you want to troubleshoot a slow connection, investigate DNS problems, or check whether your device uses your internet provider's DNS service, finding your current DNS settings is a useful first step.

Quick answer: You can usually find DNS settings in your device's network configuration. Windows and macOS provide network settings or command-line tools, while Android and iPhone display DNS information through Wi-Fi or network settings. The exact steps depend on your operating system and connection type.

What is a DNS server?

The Domain Name System (DNS) translates human-readable domain names, such as example.com, into IP addresses that computers use to communicate.

A DNS resolver receives a query and helps find the DNS information needed for the requested domain.

Your DNS service may be provided by:

  • your internet service provider (ISP),
  • your home router,
  • a public DNS provider,
  • a VPN service,
  • or an encrypted DNS service configured on your device or browser.

Learn more in our guide: What Is DNS?

Before you start: DNS server vs. router address

Your device may show your router's local IP address as its DNS server. This does not necessarily mean the router performs the full DNS lookup itself. Many routers forward DNS requests to another resolver, such as one operated by your ISP or a public DNS provider.

Also, the DNS server configured on your device may differ from the resolver actually used by an application if that application uses its own encrypted DNS settings.

How to find your DNS server on Windows 11 and Windows 10

Method 1: Use Windows Settings

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Network & internet.
  3. Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on how your computer connects.
  4. Open the properties or hardware properties for your active connection.
  5. Look for the DNS server assignment or DNS server information.

The labels and exact location may vary between Windows versions and network configurations.

Method 2: Use Command Prompt

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Search for Command Prompt.
  3. Open it and enter this command:
ipconfig /all

Find the active network adapter and look for the line labeled DNS Servers.

If several addresses appear, Windows may have multiple DNS servers configured for that adapter.

Method 3: Use PowerShell

Open PowerShell and run: 

Get-DnsClientServerAddress

The output lists DNS server addresses configured for available network interfaces, including IPv4 and IPv6 where applicable.

How to find your DNS server on macOS

Method 1: Use System Settings

  1. Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
  2. Select Network.
  3. Choose your active connection, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
  4. Open Details if that option is shown.
  5. Select the DNS section.

The DNS section shows the configured DNS servers for that connection. The interface may differ slightly between macOS releases.

Method 2: Use Terminal

Open Terminal and enter: 

scutil --dns

This command displays DNS configuration information used by macOS. The output may contain several resolvers and search domains, so it can be more detailed than the basic network settings.

How to find your DNS server on Android

Android menus vary by manufacturer and operating-system version. The following steps are a general guide.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & internet or Connections.
  3. Open Wi-Fi.
  4. Tap the connected network or its settings icon.
  5. Look for network details or advanced IP settings.

Some Android versions show DNS addresses in the network details. Others may not display them clearly when the network uses automatic DHCP configuration.

Check Private DNS on Android

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Search settings for Private DNS.
  3. Open the Private DNS option.
  4. Check whether it is set to Off, Automatic, or a specified provider hostname.

Private DNS uses DNS-over-TLS when configured and supported. The setting shows the selected mode or provider hostname, not necessarily every DNS server address involved in resolving a domain.

If you use mobile data rather than Wi-Fi, the DNS configuration may be managed by your mobile provider or by a VPN or other network service.

How to find your DNS server on iPhone or iPad

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Wi-Fi.
  3. Tap the information icon next to the connected network.
  4. Scroll to the Configure DNS section.
  5. Open it to view the DNS configuration.

If the setting is set to Automatic, the DNS servers are generally provided through the network configuration. If it is set to Manual, the configured server addresses should be listed.

A VPN, configuration profile, or encrypted DNS application may affect the DNS service used by the device. The Wi-Fi screen alone may not show the complete effective configuration in every case.

How to find DNS settings on your router

If you want to know which DNS servers your router is configured to use, open the router's administration interface.

  1. Connect to your home network.
  2. Open your router's local administration address in a browser.
  3. Sign in using your router's administrator credentials.
  4. Look for Internet, WAN, DHCP, or DNS settings.
  5. Check whether DNS is automatic or manually configured.

The menu name depends on the router model. Some routers receive DNS addresses automatically from the ISP, while others allow you to specify custom servers.

If you do not know your router's local address, read: How to Find Your Router IP Address on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone .

How to check whether a DNS server is responding

Finding the configured address does not prove that the server is reachable or answering correctly. You can test DNS resolution using a command-line tool.

Windows

nslookup example.com

macOS or Linux

nslookup example.com

The output typically identifies the DNS server queried and shows the response returned for the domain. Exact output varies by operating system and tool.

How to use IPScope DNS Lookup

You can also use the IPScope DNS Lookup tool to query DNS records for a domain name.

Open the IPScope Network Toolbox

A DNS lookup checks the response for the domain you enter. It does not necessarily reveal every resolver used by your device, browser, VPN, or operating system.

Why might the DNS server shown differ from the one actually used?

Several factors can affect which resolver handles a particular DNS query:

  • VPN software: may direct DNS requests through its own servers.
  • Encrypted DNS: a browser or operating system may use DNS-over-HTTPS or DNS-over-TLS.
  • Router forwarding: a device may send queries to the router, which forwards them upstream.
  • Multiple network adapters: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, virtual adapters, and VPN interfaces can have different settings.
  • Automatic configuration: DNS addresses may be assigned by DHCP or another network configuration method.

Can I change my DNS server?

Many devices allow you to configure a different DNS service. Before changing settings, make sure you understand the provider you intend to use and how to restore the original configuration.

If DNS is managed by your workplace, school, VPN, or network administrator, changing it may affect access to internal services or violate network policies.

A different DNS resolver does not automatically make your entire internet connection private or anonymous.

Common DNS troubleshooting tips

  • Check that your device is connected to the correct network.
  • Restart the browser or reconnect to the network if name resolution fails.
  • Check whether other devices on the same network have the same problem.
  • Temporarily review VPN or encrypted DNS settings if they may be relevant.
  • Use a DNS lookup command to check whether a domain resolves.
  • Contact your network administrator or ISP if the problem continues.

Frequently asked questions

Is my DNS server the same as my IP address?

No. Your public IP address identifies the internet-facing address associated with your connection, while a DNS server is a resolver that helps translate domain names into IP addresses. They are different types of network information.

Is my router usually my DNS server?

Your device may list the router as its DNS server. The router may then forward queries to another resolver, such as your ISP's DNS service or a public DNS provider.

Can I have more than one DNS server?

Yes. A device or network adapter can have multiple DNS server addresses configured. How they are selected depends on the operating system and network configuration.

Does using a VPN change my DNS server?

Many VPN services route DNS requests through their own resolvers, but the exact behavior depends on the VPN application and its configuration.

Does a DNS lookup show which DNS server my phone uses?

Not necessarily. A DNS lookup tool queries a resolver to obtain DNS records. It is different from inspecting the DNS settings currently used by your phone.

Conclusion

You can usually find your DNS configuration through your operating system's network settings, your router's administration page, or command-line tools. Remember that the DNS address shown in settings may not tell the whole story if a VPN, router, or encrypted DNS service is involved.

Understanding your DNS configuration can help you troubleshoot connection problems and better understand how your device reaches websites.

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