Why Change DNS on Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch uses Wi-Fi by default. It is a portable console, so it does not have an Ethernet port out of the box. That means your DNS choice matters more because Wi-Fi is already less stable than a wired connection.
The Switch's Wi-Fi chip is not the strongest. It only supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz on older hardware revisions. A faster DNS can offset some of the latency introduced by wireless connections. Every millisecond counts when you are playing Splatoon or Super Smash Bros. online.
Download speeds on the eShop are notoriously slow for many users. While DNS is not the main bottleneck, it helps with the initial connection to Nintendo's servers. Some users report noticeable improvements in eShop browsing speed after switching to Cloudflare or Google DNS.
Changing DNS on the Switch is per-network. You set it once for each Wi-Fi network you use, and it remembers the settings.
Before You Start
Pick a DNS provider. These work best on the Switch:
- Cloudflare —
1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Fastest, strong privacy.
- Google —
8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Very reliable.
- Quad9 —
9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112. Blocks malware.
Run our DNS speed test on another device to find the fastest for your location.
Step-by-Step: Change DNS on Nintendo Switch
- From the Home menu, select System Settings (the gear icon).
- Scroll down and select Internet.
- Select Internet Settings.
- The Switch will scan for networks. Select your current Wi-Fi network.
- Select Change Settings.
- Scroll down to DNS Settings.
- Change from Automatic to Manual.
- Enter your Primary DNS and Secondary DNS. For Cloudflare:
1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
- Select Save to apply the changes.
- Select Connect to This Network to test the connection.
The Switch will test the connection and show the result. If it fails, double-check the DNS addresses. Make sure there are no typos.
Verify Your DNS Settings
After saving, the Switch connects to the network and tests the connection. The results screen shows your IP address and the DNS server being used. If the DNS matches what you entered, you are good.
You can also verify DNS from another device on the same network. Use Cloudflare's help page or Google DNS checker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing DNS on Switch improve eShop download speeds?
It can help with the initial connection. The main bottleneck on Switch downloads is Nintendo's CDN infrastructure, but faster DNS removes one potential slowdown.
Does the Switch support DNS over HTTPS?
No, the Switch does not support DoH natively. It uses standard DNS over UDP. You can configure DoH on your router if you want encrypted DNS for all devices.
How do I revert DNS on my Switch?
Go back to System Settings > Internet > Internet Settings, select your network, Change Settings, set DNS Settings back to Automatic, and Save.
Will this affect my other devices?
No. DNS changes on the Switch only affect the Switch itself.