How to change Xbox One DNS to boost network speed and privacy

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Whether you're looking to improve network connectivity or simply use the web with a bit of extra privacy, you can set up a custom DNS server on your Xbox One directly.

Recently, Cloudflare announced that it is providing a free domain name service (DNS) product that's meant to put speed and privacy first. Google and a few other providers offer DNS services that are typically speedier than your ISP when it comes to resolving where domains are located. However, using Google's DNS, particularly in an age when privacy is being gradually eroded, probably isn't the smartest idea if you don't want your web usage to be tracked. ISPs in some countries are also allowed to harvest your information to sell to third-parties for marketing and ad targeting.

Cloudflare claims its new 1.1.1.1 DNS service is not only the fastest free-to-use system, but the company also says it will never forward your information to third-parties.

How to configure Xbox One DNS settings

Whether you want to use Cloudflare or another service, here's how to set the default DNS on your Xbox One and (potentially) speed up your multiplayer connectivity.

  1. Open the guide by pressing the Xbox button on your controller.
  2. Move right to the System tab.
  3. Select Settings.
  1. Move down to Network.
  2. Select Network settings.
  3. Select Advanced settings.

  1. Make a note of your existing DNS servers on this screen, in case you need to re-enter them for some reason.
  2. Select DNS settings.
  3. Select Manual.
  4. Enter your new DNS servers. (For Cloudfare, it's 1.1.1.1 as the primary, and 1.0.0.1 as the secondary.)

  1. Once you have finished, press B to exit the menu, and the Xbox will check your connection to make sure everything is working correctly.

Now you should have speedier, more private DNS for accessing Xbox Live!

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Jez Corden
Jez Corden
Executive Editor

Jez Corden is the Executive Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow on Twitter (X) and tune in to the XB2 Podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!