Why Change DNS on Xbox
Xbox uses your router's DNS by default, which means ISP DNS for most people. ISP servers get hammered during peak hours. When everyone in your neighborhood is streaming Netflix and gaming, your Xbox has to wait in line for DNS lookups.
Faster DNS helps with game downloads. Modern games on Xbox can be 150GB. The console makes DNS requests when connecting to the Microsoft Store and download servers. Shaving 50ms off each lookup adds up when your console is resolving dozens of CDN addresses.
DNS also affects Xbox Live connectivity. Party chat, multiplayer matchmaking, and game streaming all rely on DNS resolution. A slow or unreliable DNS can cause connection drops or high latency in those services.
The Xbox interface makes DNS changes easy. You do not need to touch your router or any other device.
Before You Start
Choose your DNS provider. These are the best for Xbox gaming:
- Cloudflare —
1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Fastest, privacy-focused.
- Google —
8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Reliable everywhere.
- Quad9 —
9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112. Blocks malicious sites.
Run our DNS speed test first to know which provider is actually fastest from your location.
Step-by-Step: Change DNS on Xbox
- Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
- Go to Profile & system > Settings.
- Select General > Network settings.
- Select Advanced settings.
- Select 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.
- Select Test network connection to verify.
The process is identical for Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One X, and Xbox One S. Microsoft kept the network settings menu consistent across all models.
Verify Your DNS Settings
Run the network test on your Xbox after saving DNS changes. Go to Settings > General > Network settings > Test network connection. The results show your current DNS server. If it matches what you entered, the change was applied.
You can also use a computer or phone on the same network to verify the DNS provider. Visit 1.1.1.1/help for Cloudflare or dns.google for Google.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing DNS on Xbox improve download speed?
It reduces the overhead time before downloads start. The actual download speed depends on your internet plan and Microsoft's servers. But users often report faster store browsing and more responsive downloads.
Is Cloudflare DNS good for Xbox?
Yes. Cloudflare is one of the most popular DNS choices for Xbox. Low latency and no logging make it ideal for gaming.
How do I change DNS back to automatic on Xbox?
Go to Settings > General > Network settings > Advanced settings > DNS settings and select Automatic. Test the network connection after reverting.
Does this work for Xbox 360?
Yes. Xbox 360 also allows manual DNS settings under System Settings > Network > Configure Network > DNS Settings.