macOS Networking

Change DNS servers on macOS

Point your Mac at reliable DNS and confirm the change stuck.

8 min read Beginner Updated 9 Jun 2026

Step-by-step guide

Work through each section in order. Stop when your issue is resolved — you do not need every step for every situation.

Warning

Create a Time Machine backup before major updates, disk operations, or security changes on macOS.

What you will achieve

Point your Mac at reliable DNS and confirm the change stuck.

1) Set DNS in network service

  1. Open System Settings → Network.
  2. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet service, then Details → DNS.
  3. Add resolvers like 1.1.1.1 and 9.9.9.9.

2) Apply and reconnect network

Click OK, then Apply.

3) Validate from Terminal

networksetup -getdnsservers Wi-Fi
scutil --dns

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