Why Change DNS on Chromebook
Chromebooks run Chrome OS, which is essentially the Chrome browser turned into an operating system. That means every single thing you do on a Chromebook involves DNS lookups. Every website, every web app, every extension update.
Chrome OS uses the DNS from your router by default. If your ISP DNS is slow, your Chromebook feels slow too. Changing to a faster public DNS can make your browser snappier, especially on sites with lots of third-party resources.
Chromebooks are popular in schools and businesses. If you use a school-managed Chromebook, the DNS settings might be locked by the administrator. In that case, you cannot change DNS without admin rights.
Before You Start
Choose your DNS provider. Best options for Chromebook:
- Cloudflare —
1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Fast, private.
- Google —
8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Reliable.
- Quad9 —
9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112. Blocks malware.
Step-by-Step: Change DNS on Chromebook
- Click the time area in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Select the Settings gear icon.
- In the left menu, select Network.
- Select your active Wi-Fi network or Ethernet connection.
- Select the Network tab at the top.
- Scroll down to DNS section.
- Click the dropdown and select Custom name servers.
- Enter your DNS addresses separated by commas. For Cloudflare:
1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1.
- Close the Settings window. Changes apply immediately.
On older Chrome OS versions, the DNS option is under the Advanced section of the network settings. The layout changes slightly between versions, but the custom name servers option is always there for non-managed devices.
Verify Your DNS Settings
Go back to Settings > Network and check your network connection. The DNS field should show your custom addresses. Open a browser and visit a verification site like 1.1.1.1/help to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change DNS on a school-managed Chromebook?
No. If your Chromebook is managed by a school or organization, the DNS settings are locked. You need administrator permission to change them.
Does Chrome OS support DNS over HTTPS?
Yes. Chrome OS supports DoH. You can enable it in Settings > Privacy and Security > Security > Use secure DNS.
How do I revert DNS to automatic?
Go back to Settings > Network > your connection > DNS, and select Automatic name servers.
Will changing DNS help with Chromebook performance?
Yes. Faster DNS reduces delay when loading websites and web apps, making the overall experience feel faster.