Configure DNS Settings On Your Apple Mac Pro

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

How-To Configure DNS for an Apple Mac Pro

Configuring DNS (Domain Name System) settings on your Apple Mac Pro allows you to control how your device resolves domain names into IP addresses. You can customize DNS settings to improve security, speed, or access specific websites. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to configure DNS on your Mac Pro.

1. Understanding DNS:

DNS is like the internet's phonebook, translating human-friendly domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other.

2. Accessing DNS Settings on Your Mac Pro:

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner.

Choose "System Preferences."

Click "Network."

Select your active network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

Click the "Advanced" button.

Go to the "DNS" tab.

3. Configuring DNS Using Preferred DNS Servers:

Click the "+" button under the "DNS Servers" box.

Enter the IP addresses of your preferred DNS servers (e.g., 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google DNS).

Click "OK."

4. Using Google DNS:

Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8

Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4

5. Using Cloudflare DNS:

Preferred DNS Server: 1.1.1.1

Alternate DNS Server: 1.0.0.1

6. Testing DNS Configuration:

After configuring DNS, click "Apply" or "OK."

Open a web browser and test by visiting different websites.

Confirm that your DNS settings are working correctly.

7. Troubleshooting DNS Issues:

If you experience DNS-related problems:

Verify the DNS server IP addresses are entered correctly.

Try restarting your network connection.

Flush the DNS cache using Terminal: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.

By following this comprehensive guide, you should be able to configure DNS settings on your Apple Mac Pro. Customizing DNS can enhance your browsing experience, improve privacy, or address specific needs. Enjoy a more personalized and secure internet experience on your Mac Pro.

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If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below, or Contact Support.Com for Personalized Assistance.

1. Introduction: Configure DNS

Domain Name System (DNS) servers map domain names to Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. When used in conjunction with search domains, they allow you to go quickly to websites and servers you visit frequently without typing the complete address.

Your home router is likely set by default to use your ISP's DNS servers, which may or may not be very reliable. There are a number of third-party DNS servers available as well.

What you need before you start:

• Your computer should be connected to the Internet. (wired or wireless)

2. macOS: Configure DNS

1. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
   

1. Click Network.
   

1. In the list at the left, select the network connection service you want to use (such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet), then click Adv
   ‍
2. Click DNS, then click the Add button at the bottom of the DNS Servers list.
   

1. Enter the IPv4 or IPv6 address for the DNS server. Below is a short list of commonly used public DNS servers. Secondary DNS servers can be added to add a layer of redundancy.
   ProviderPrimary DNS ServerSecondary DNS ServerGoogle8.8.8.88.8.4.4Dyn216.146.35.35216.146.36.36OpenDNS Home208.67.222.222208.67.220.220Verisign64.6.64.664.6.65.6Level3209.244.0.3209.244.0.4 
2. Click the Add button at the bottom of the Search Domain list, then enter the search domain—for example, apple.com.
   

1. When you're finished, click OK.
2. Domains are searched in the order you list them; the search stops when a valid name is found.