Should You Use Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) DNS on Your Network

When people think about improving their internet experience, they usually focus on speed, signal strength, or their internet provider. One foundational setting that often gets overlooked is DNS (Domain Name System).

DNS plays a critical role in how quickly and securely your devices reach websites and online services. Choosing the right DNS provider and configuring it correctly can improve performance, enhance privacy, and add a layer of protection across your entire network.

This guide explains:

• What DNS does
• Popular public DNS options and how they differ
• How to change DNS on routers commonly sold at 5Gstore
• How to change DNS on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices

---

What DNS Is and Why It Matters

DNS is essentially the internet’s address book. When you type a website name into a browser, DNS translates that name into an IP address that your device can connect to.

Your DNS provider can affect:

• How fast websites load
• How reliably connections resolve
• Whether malicious or unsafe domains are blocked
• How much data about your browsing is logged

By default, most devices use DNS servers provided by the ISP. While convenient, ISP DNS servers are often slower and may log or monetize DNS queries.

---

Popular Public DNS Providers Compared

Google Public DNS

• Primary: 8.8.8.8
• Secondary: 8.8.4.4
• Known for speed and reliability
• Not privacy-focused

Cloudflare DNS

• Primary: 1.1.1.1
• Secondary: 1.0.0.1
• Optimized for speed and low latency
• Strong privacy stance
• Supports DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT)

Cloudflare Security Options

• Malware blocking:
  • 1.1.1.2 / 1.0.0.2
• Malware + adult content blocking:
  • 1.1.1.3 / 1.0.0.3

Quad9

• Primary: 9.9.9.9
• Focused on blocking known malicious domains
• Strong privacy policies

For most users, Cloudflare or Quad9 offers an excellent balance of speed, privacy, and security.

---

Why Change DNS at the Router Level

Configuring DNS on your router ensures:

• All connected devices automatically use the same DNS
• No need to configure each device individually
• Consistent security and performance across your network

This is especially useful for:

• Home networks
• Small offices
• Remote sites using 4G or 5G routers

---

How to Change DNS on Routers Sold by 5Gstore

While interfaces vary slightly by manufacturer, the steps below apply to most routers we sell.

General Router DNS Configuration Steps

1. Connect to your router via Ethernet or WiFi
2. Open a web browser and go to the router’s management address
   Common examples:
   • 192.168.1.1
   • 192.168.0.1
3. Log in using the admin credentials
4. Navigate to:
   • Internet
   • WAN
   • Network Settings
   • Advanced Setup
5. Locate DNS Settings
6. Disable “Automatic” or “ISP DNS” if present
7. Enter your preferred DNS servers
   Example:
   • Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
   • Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1
8. Save settings and reboot the router

On enterprise-grade routers like Pepwave and Cradlepoint, DNS settings are typically found under WAN, Internet, or Cellular configuration pages.

---

How to Change DNS on Individual Devices

If you prefer device-level control or are on a network you don’t manage, DNS can be set locally.

---

macOS

1. Open System Settings
2. Select Network
3. Choose your active connection (WiFi or Ethernet)
4. Click Details
5. Select DNS
6. Click the + button
7. Add:
   • 1.1.1.1
   • 1.0.0.1
8. Click OK and Save

---

Windows 10 / Windows 11

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Network & Internet
3. Click Advanced network settings
4. Select Change adapter options
5. Right-click your active adapter and choose Properties
6. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
7. Click Properties
8. Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses”
9. Enter:
   • Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
   • Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1
10. Click OK

---

iOS (iPhone and iPad)

1. Open Settings
2. Tap WiFi
3. Tap the i icon next to your connected network
4. Tap Configure DNS
5. Select Manual
6. Remove existing servers
7. Add:
   • 1.1.1.1
   • 1.0.0.1
8. Tap Save

---

Android

Option 1: Private DNS (recommended)

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Network & Internet
3. Tap Private DNS
4. Select Private DNS provider hostname
5. Enter:
   • 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com
6. Save

Option 2: Per-WiFi network configuration
(steps vary by manufacturer, typically under Advanced WiFi settings)

---

Final Takeaway

DNS is a small change that can make a meaningful difference. Whether your priority is performance, privacy, or security, selecting a reputable public DNS provider gives you more control over your network experience.

For most users, Cloudflare DNS offers an excellent balance of speed and privacy, while Quad9 adds additional protection against malicious domains.

If you need help configuring DNS on a specific router model purchased from 5Gstore, our support team is happy to help.

DNS Configuration Support by Router Brand

Router Brand	DNS Set at WAN Level	DNS Set at LAN Level	Encrypted DNS Support	Notes
Peplink	Yes	Yes	Partial (model/firmware dependent)	DNS can be set per WAN or globally, ideal for multi-WAN and SpeedFusion
CradlePoint	Yes	Yes	Yes (model dependent)	Strong enterprise DNS handling, excellent for cellular-only deployments
Netgear	Yes	Limited	No	DNS typically set under Internet or WAN settings
Teltonika	Yes	Yes	Partial	Flexible DNS options under RutOS
Digi	Yes	Yes	Partial	DNS configurable per interface
Inseego	Limited	Limited	No	DNS options vary by carrier firmware

---

Recommended DNS Providers for 5Gstore Routers

DNS Provider	Primary	Secondary	Best For
Cloudflare	1.1.1.1	1.0.0.1	Speed and privacy
Cloudflare Security	1.1.1.2	1.0.0.2	Malware protection
Cloudflare Family	1.1.1.3	1.0.0.3	Malware + content filtering
Google DNS	8.8.8.8	8.8.4.4	Compatibility and reliability
Quad9	9.9.9.9	149.112.112.112	Security-focused environments

---

5Gstore Take

If you are using a professional-grade router like Peplink or CradlePoint, setting DNS at the router level is one of the simplest and most effective optimizations you can make. It improves consistency, performance, and security across every device on your network without adding complexity.

For most deployments, Cloudflare DNS offers the best balance of speed and privacy. For higher-risk environments, Quad9 or Cloudflare’s security-focused DNS options are excellent alternatives.

If you need help configuring DNS on a specific router model purchased from 5Gstore, our support team can guide you step by step.

DNS FAQ for 4G and 5G Routers