Increase your network security and privacy with Cloudflare DNS! Find out why it is worth using it, how to configure it and enjoy faster and safer use of the Internet.
We use the Internet every day – we browse websites, watch movies, and work online. But few people realize that our movements can be tracked. Internet providers (ISP) record our activities, and some websites rub their hands when collecting data about our interests. Sounds a bit uncomfortable, right?
Moreover, the default DNS servers that most people use are not the fastest and do not offer any additional security. Fortunately, you don’t have to accept this. The solution is Cloudflare DNS – a fast, secure and free DNS server that will take care of your privacy and speed up page loading.
What is DNS and how does it work?
Let’s start with the basics. DNS (i.e. Domain Name System) is a “translator” of Internet addresses. When you type something like www.stronainternetowacostamcostam.pl into your browser, the DNS server turns it into a complicated IP address, e.g. 157.240.20.35. Without this system, you would have to remember all these numbers like a robot.
The problem is that your ISP’s default DNS servers are slow, and they also collect information about what sites you visit. If you’re tired of being “tapped” and want your pages to load faster, it’s time to change your DNS to something better.
Cloudflare DNS – what is this magical invention?
Cloudflare DNSknown as 1.1.1.1is a free, fast and secure DNS server from Cloudflare. It is one of the fastest in the world and – more importantly – it does not record activity information. This ensures that your data remains yours.
Cloudflare DNS addresses are:
1.1.1.1 (main server)
1.0.0.1 (backup server)
If you are using IPv6 you can use:
•2606:4700:4700::1111
•2606:4700:4700::1001
Cloudflare also offers special versions of DNS that block malicious sites and adult content:
1.1.1.2 – blocking malware
1.1.1.3 – blocking malware and adult websites
Why use Cloudflare DNS?
Faster internet
Cloudflare DNS is one of the fastest in the world. Thanks to this, pages load faster and you don’t have to wait forever for something to load.
Privacy
Cloudflare does not save your search queries and does not sell your data to advertisers. No tracking, no ads tailored to your searches.
Security
Thanks to DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) encryption, your queries are protected from hackers and prying eyes.
Content control
Do you want to protect your children from inappropriate content? Cloudflare DNS has versions that block malicious sites and adult content.
How to set up Cloudflare DNS?
Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Below you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to do this on different devices.
On a computer with Windows 10/11
- Click Start → Settings → Network and Internet.
- Select your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
- Click Change network card options.
- Right click on your connection and select Properties.
- Mark Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
- Enter:
- Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1
- Alternate DNS server: 1.0.0.1
- Click OK and it’s ready.
On Android
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network and Internet → Advanced → Private DNS.
- Choose Private DNS hostname and type: dns.cloudflare.com.
- Save your changes.
On the router
- Log in to your router’s admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1).
- Find a section DNS or WAN.
- Enter:
- First DNS: 1.1.1.1
- Second DNS: 1.0.0.1
- Save the changes and restart the router.
How to configure Cloudflare DNS on iOS
If you use an iPhone or iPad and want your connection to be faster and more secure, changing your DNS to Cloudflare is fortunately simple.
- Go to Settings on your device.
- Go to section WiFi.
- Find the network you are connected to and click the “i” icon next to its name.
- Scroll down and select an option Configure DNS.
- Change settings to Manually.
- Remove your current DNS servers by clicking on the red minus next to them.
- Add new Cloudflare DNS servers:
- Click Saveto save changes.
How to configure Cloudflare DNS on macOS
Changing DNS on your Mac is literally just a few clicks away. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Open System Preferences on your Mac.
- Click Network.
- Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) from the list on the left.
- Click Advanced in the lower right corner.
- Go to tab DNS.
- Click the “+” sign under the DNS server list and add:
- Click OKto save changes.
- Finally, choose Apply in the main System Preferences window.
Ready. From now on, your device will use faster and more secure DNS from Cloudflare. Please note that changes only apply to a specific Wi-Fi network. If you are connecting to other networks, you will need to repeat this process. If you want to go back to the default settings, simply remove Cloudflare servers from the list and commit the changes.
