Updated July 2026

How to Change DNS on iPad

Change DNS settings on your iPad through iPadOS network configuration. Takes under two minutes.

Why Change DNS on iPad

iPad runs iPadOS, which handles DNS the same way as iPhone and Mac. It uses the DNS from your router by default. For most people, that is their ISP's DNS server, which is not optimized for performance or privacy.

Changing DNS on your iPad makes Safari faster, apps load quicker, and streaming services buffer less. Every time you open a website or app, your iPad makes DNS lookups. A slow DNS adds visible delay to every interaction.

iPadOS has a handy feature: you can configure DNS per Wi-Fi network. Set Cloudflare DNS for your home network and Google DNS for your office network. The iPad remembers the settings for each network.

Before You Start

Pick your DNS provider. Best options for iPad:

  • 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. Security focused.

Step-by-Step: Change DNS on iPad

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Wi-Fi.
  3. Tap the blue (i) info button next to your connected Wi-Fi network.
  4. Scroll down and tap Configure DNS.
  5. Change from Automatic to Manual.
  6. Tap any existing DNS server entries to remove them, then tap Add Server.
  7. Enter your primary DNS address. For Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1.
  8. Tap Add Server again and enter your secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1.
  9. Tap Save in the top right corner.

The DNS change takes effect immediately. You do not need to reconnect to Wi-Fi. Safari and other apps will use the new DNS for all subsequent lookups.

Best DNS Servers for iPad

Provider Primary / Secondary Why Use It
Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1 Fastest, privacy
Google 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 Very reliable
Quad9 9.9.9.9 / 149.112.112.112 Blocks malware
AdGuard 94.140.14.14 / 94.140.15.15 Ad blocking

Verify Your DNS Settings

Go back to Settings > Wi-Fi and tap the (i) on your network. Scroll down to DNS and confirm your addresses are there. Open Safari and visit 1.1.1.1/help to verify Cloudflare or dns.google for Google DNS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the iPad support DNS over HTTPS?

iPadOS supports DoH and DoT through configuration profiles. You can install a profile from your DNS provider or use a third-party app like NextDNS or Cloudflare 1.1.1.1.

Will changing DNS on iPad affect Apple services?

No. Apple services like iCloud, Apple Music, and the App Store work with any DNS provider. Faster DNS can even make these services feel more responsive.

How do I revert DNS to automatic?

Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > (i) on your network > Configure DNS > Automatic > Save.

Do I need to change DNS for each Wi-Fi network?

Yes. iPadOS allows per-network DNS settings. You need to configure DNS separately for each Wi-Fi network you connect to.