DNS Speed Test

Why Change DNS on Roku

Roku is one of the most popular streaming platforms. It is simple, affordable, and works with every major streaming service. But like all streaming devices, it depends on DNS to find the servers that deliver your content.

Roku does not let you change DNS without setting up the network connection from scratch. This is annoying, but it is a one-time thing. Once you set it, the Roku remembers the DNS for that network.

Faster DNS means faster channel loading, smoother browsing in the Roku Channel Store, and less buffering when streaming. It also helps with channel updates, which happen automatically in the background.

Before You Start

Choose your DNS provider. Best options for Roku:

• 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 malicious sites.

Note that Roku only supports DNS over UDP. If you want encrypted DNS, you need to set it up on your router.

Step-by-Step: Change DNS on Roku

1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
2. Go to Settings > Network.
3. Select Set Up Connection.
4. Choose Wireless (or Wired if using Ethernet).
5. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list.
6. When prompted for the connection type, choose Custom instead of Automatic.
7. For IP Address: leave it on Automatic (DHCP).
8. For DNS: select Manual and enter your primary DNS address. For Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1.
9. Enter your secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1.
10. Enter your Wi-Fi password and select Connect.

Roku requires a full connection setup because it does not have a simple DNS override option. You have to go through the entire setup wizard. But once saved, the DNS applies permanently until you forget the network or set it up again.

Best DNS Servers for Roku

Verify Your DNS Settings

After connecting, go to Settings > Network > About. It shows your connection status, IP address, and DNS server. If the DNS matches what you entered, the change worked.

Frequently Asked Questions