How to Set Up OpenDNS (and Other Free Public DNS) in 2026
Want to set up OpenDNS? Back in 2009 I switched to OpenDNS because my ISP’s DNS servers kept throwing “server not found” errors on popular sites; I’d reload and the page would suddenly work. Changing two numbers in my network settings fixed it for good. OpenDNS is still free for home users in 2026 (it has been owned by Cisco since 2015), and it now sits alongside other public DNS resolvers like Google, Cloudflare and Quad9. Here is how to set it up on your router, computer and phone.
Quick answer: To set up OpenDNS, replace your router’s or device’s DNS servers with 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220. For automatic adult-content blocking, use OpenDNS FamilyShield instead: 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123. Setting it on the router covers every device at home. Other free public DNS options are Google (8.8.8.8), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Quad9 (9.9.9.9).
Table of Contents
What is OpenDNS?
Every time you open a website, your device asks a DNS server to turn the name (like example.com) into an IP address. By default you use your internet provider’s DNS, which can be slow or unreliable. OpenDNS (external site) is a free public DNS service that answers those lookups instead, with built-in phishing protection and optional content filtering. Business features are now sold separately as Cisco Umbrella.
OpenDNS free home plans
- OpenDNS Home: free, needs an account. Use 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220, then choose filtering levels or custom categories in the dashboard.
- OpenDNS FamilyShield: free, no account needed. Use 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123 and adult content is blocked automatically.
How to set up OpenDNS on your router
This is the best option because it protects phones, laptops, smart TVs and consoles in one go.
- Open your router’s admin page (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, or your router maker’s app) and sign in.
- Find the DNS settings, usually under Internet, WAN or DHCP.
- Switch DNS from automatic to manual and enter 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 (or the FamilyShield addresses).
- Save and restart the router.
- Visit the OpenDNS welcome page (external site) to confirm you are connected.
How to set up OpenDNS on Windows, Mac and phones
Windows 11 and 10
Open Settings > Network & internet, pick Wi-Fi or Ethernet, click your connection, then DNS server assignment > Edit. Choose Manual, turn on IPv4 and enter the two OpenDNS addresses. (In 2009 I did this through the Vista Control Panel adapter properties, which still works.)
Mac
System Settings > Network, select your connection, click Details > DNS, then add 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 with the + button.
iPhone and iPad
Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the (i) next to your network, Configure DNS > Manual, and add the two addresses. This only applies to that Wi-Fi network.
Android
Android’s Private DNS setting takes a hostname rather than an IP address. For a simple setup, change DNS on your home router so Android uses OpenDNS over Wi-Fi, or set a DNS-over-TLS provider in Private DNS, such as dns.google or one.one.one.one.
Other free public DNS resolvers
| Service | IPv4 addresses | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220 | Phishing protection, custom filtering |
| OpenDNS FamilyShield | 208.67.222.123, 208.67.220.123 | Easy family filtering |
| Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 | Speed and reliability |
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1 | Speed and privacy |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9, 149.112.112.112 | Blocking malicious domains |
- Google Public DNS (external site): no filtering, very easy to remember. Compare it in detail in our Google Public DNS vs OpenDNS guide.
- Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 (external site): fast and privacy-focused, with 1.1.1.2 (malware) and 1.1.1.3 (malware plus adult content) variants.
- Quad9 (external site): a nonprofit resolver that blocks known malicious domains.
Why switch to OpenDNS?
- Fewer DNS errors: a reliable resolver avoids the “server not found” glitches some ISP DNS servers cause.
- Phishing protection: OpenDNS blocks known phishing and malicious domains before your browser connects.
- Parental controls for every device: one router change filters the whole home. See our step-by-step guide to filter home internet free with OpenDNS.
- No software to install: it’s just a settings change, and you can switch back anytime.
Note that a VPN, mobile data or a browser’s secure DNS setting can bypass your router’s DNS, so check those if OpenDNS doesn’t seem to be working.
FAQ
Is OpenDNS still free in 2026?
Yes. OpenDNS Home and OpenDNS FamilyShield are free for home use. Business filtering is sold as Cisco Umbrella.
What are the OpenDNS server addresses?
208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 for standard OpenDNS, and 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123 for FamilyShield.
Will OpenDNS make my internet faster?
It can make sites start loading a little faster if your ISP’s DNS is slow, but it won’t increase your download speed.
How do I undo OpenDNS?
Set DNS back to automatic on your router or device and restart it.
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Using OpenDNS since a year now and I don’t even remember when did I face any dns resolving related issues on my computer.
It’s a really good option to those painfully slow ISP dns servers at least!
Let me try using this.
You’re right about OpenDNS. I didn’t know OpenDNS could also prevent the Conficker worms from getting under your skin.
Thanks.
I started using OpenDNS late last year, and have been impressed by its feature set (which has improved since) – especially shortcuts, caching etc.
I also wrote a detailed tutorial on setting up and using various features of it (see my comment author link).