How to Use Custom DNS Servers with a VPN to Enhance Security

In today’s digital world, privacy and security are more important than ever. Whether you’re browsing the web on public Wi-Fi or accessing sensitive information, taking extra steps to protect your data can make a world of difference. That’s where using a VPN combined with custom DNS servers comes into play.

In this blog, we’ll show you how this simple but powerful strategy can significantly enhance your online security while using Turbo VPN.

What Is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet, routing your internet traffic through a remote server. This helps protect your data from hackers, malicious actors, and even your internet service provider (ISP), by masking your IP address and securing your browsing activity. Turbo VPN does this exceptionally well, providing high-speed, secure access to websites, apps, and content from anywhere in the world.

Why Use Custom DNS Servers?

DNS (Domain Name System) is like the phonebook of the internet, translating human-readable domain names (like www.google.com) into IP addresses that computers can understand. By default, when you connect to a VPN like Turbo VPN, your device uses the DNS servers provided by the VPN service, or, in some cases, your internet service provider's DNS.

While this setup is typically safe and secure, using custom DNS servers can further enhance privacy and performance. Here's why:

Enhanced Privacy

Default DNS providers (such as your ISP’s DNS) can log your browsing activity, creating potential privacy concerns. By switching to a third-party DNS provider like Cloudflare or Google DNS, you can prevent your ISP or any other entity from tracking your browsing history.

Faster Internet

Some DNS providers are optimized for speed, which can lead to faster website loading times, especially if you're using a VPN that may slow down your connection slightly due to encryption.

Improved Security

Many third-party DNS services offer features like blocking malicious websites, phishing protection, and automatic malware filtering, further safeguarding your online experience.

Bypassing Censorship

Custom DNS servers can sometimes help bypass government-imposed censorship or geo-blocked content, allowing you to access websites that might be restricted in your location.

How to Set Up Custom DNS Servers with Turbo VPN

Setting up custom DNS servers alongside Turbo VPN is a straightforward process, and we’re here to guide you step-by-step. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Choose a Custom DNS Provider

Before you can configure custom DNS servers, you’ll need to select a reliable DNS provider. Some popular options include:

• · Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) – Known for privacy and speed, Cloudflare offers a no-logs policy and is one of the fastest DNS services available.
• · Google DNS (8.8.8.8 & 8.8.4.4) – Google’s DNS is widely used, offering reliable and secure service with excellent performance.
• · OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 & 208.67.220.220) – Owned by Cisco, OpenDNS provides both free and premium DNS services, including features like content filtering and protection against malicious websites.

Step 2: Configure DNS on Your Device

Once you’ve chosen your DNS provider, you’ll need to change the DNS settings on your device. Here’s how to do it on different platforms:

For Windows:

1. 1. Open Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center.
2. 2. Click on Change adapter settings.
3. 3. Right-click on your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
4. 4. Scroll to Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
5. 5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
6. 6. Enter the DNS addresses provided by your chosen provider.
7. 7. Click OK to save the changes.

For macOS:

1. 1. Go to System Preferences and select Network.
2. 2. Choose your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click Advanced.
3. 3. Go to the DNS tab.
4. 4. Click the + button and enter the DNS addresses from your chosen provider.
5. 5. Click OK, then Apply.

For Android:

1. 1. Open Settings and go to Wi-Fi.
2. 2. Tap the Wi-Fi network you're connected to and select Advanced.
3. 3. Choose Static under IP settings.
4. 4. Enter the DNS server addresses in the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields.
5. 5. Save the settings.

For iOS:

1. 1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. 2. Tap the i icon next to the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.
3. 3. Scroll down and tap Configure DNS.
4. 4. Select Manual and enter the DNS addresses you’ve chosen.
5. 5. Tap Save.

Step 3: Connect to Turbo VPN

Now that your custom DNS is configured, download and open Turbo VPN, connect to your preferred server. Since your DNS settings are now separate from the default ones, your browsing activity will be routed through the secure DNS servers you’ve set up—boosting your online privacy and security.

Step 4: Test Your DNS Configuration

To verify that your custom DNS servers are working, you can visit a website like DNS Leak Test or What’s My DNS. These sites will show you which DNS server your device is using, ensuring that the configuration was successful.

Benefits of Using Custom DNS with Turbo VPN

By combining Turbo VPN with custom DNS servers, you’ll benefit from:

• · Increased Privacy: Your DNS requests will be handled by a trusted third-party provider, ensuring that your browsing history isn’t logged or sold.
• · Better Speed and Performance: Custom DNS servers are often faster and more reliable, reducing lag when browsing or streaming.
• · Additional Security Features: Some DNS providers offer built-in protections like blocking phishing attempts, malware sites, and adult content.
• · Access to More Content: Custom DNS can help you bypass geo-blocked content and internet censorship, opening up a world of possibilities.

Conclusion

Turbo VPN can provide you with the best tools to safeguard your online privacy and security. Using a VPN along with custom DNS servers is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance your online protection. It’s a small adjustment that can yield massive results in terms of speed, privacy, and security.

If you haven’t already, download Turbo VPN today and experience the difference. With fast speeds, a zero-logs policy, and robust encryption, Turbo VPN is your ultimate online security solution.

Stay safe, stay secure, and browse with confidence.