Do you want to improve your internet speed by changing the DNS on your CenturyLink Router? Then here is the guide that can help you do so. Here we will discuss how one can change the DNS on their CenturyLink Router. We shall also see what happens when we decide to do that. Let us start the guide and see the steps to do so.
What happens when we change the DNS of the Router?
When you change your router’s DNS settings, you’re essentially telling all devices connected to that router to use a different phone book for the internet. Instead of your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) default DNS servers, your router will now direct all domain name lookups to the new servers you’ve specified. This can lead to benefits like faster page loading if the new DNS is quicker, enhanced privacy, or even content filtering and choosing certain capabilities depending on the DNS provider that you may choose.
Steps to change the DNS on a CenturyLink Router
If you want to change the DNS on your CenturyLink router for any reason, then you can take the help of these steps –
- Gather all the important Info: First, find your router’s admin username and password, which you can usually find on a sticker on the device. Decide which public DNS servers you want to use.
- Access Router Settings: Open a web browser and type http://192.168.0.1 (or http://192.168.1.1) into the address bar. After that, log in using your router’s admin credentials.
- Finally, move to DNS Settings: Look for “Advanced Setup,” “WAN Settings,” or “Network Settings.” Within that section, find options related to DNS configuration, often labeled “DNS Type,” Or “DNS Servers”.
- Enter the New DNS that you have chosen: Change the DNS type from “Dynamic” or “Auto” to “Static” or “Manual.” Then, enter your chosen primary and secondary DNS server IP addresses into the fields given there.
- Save and then Reboot: Click “Apply” or “Save” to finally save the changes. Your router will likely reboot after you have completed these steps. After it’s back online, your devices will start using the new DNS servers.
Following these steps, your DNS will be changed, and you will notice the changes for yourself.
Things to remember
- Do not Lose your Login Details: Your router’s username and password are vital and usually on a sticker. Take a photo or write them down before you start, as losing them means you’re locked out till you get help from an expert.
- Note all the Original Settings: Before changing anything, jot down CenturyLink’s default DNS server IPs. This allows you to easily run back if some issues arise.
- Router Specifics Play a Key Role: CenturyLink uses various router models. If the general steps don’t quite match, search for instructions specific to your exact model.
- Clear Device DNS Cache: After the router reboots, clear the DNS cache on your computer and other devices, or simply restart them, to ensure they pick up the new DNS servers immediately. This will also help things follow a better speed and you will see the changes immediately.
