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This guide will show you how to change the DNS settings on your Mac device.

The Domain Name System (DNS) turns domain names into IP addresses so that your browser can read them and load the correct pages. When you are connected to the internet, by default, you use the DNS servers of your internet service provider (ISP), which may not be secure or private. This can potentially expose your DNS queries, including your internet activity, to third parties. To prevent your DNS queries from being exposed, connect to ExpressVPN, which has its own private, encrypted DNS servers to handle your DNS queries.

If you want to use other DNS servers, you can update the DNS settings on your Mac device.

Important: When you are connected to ExpressVPN, your DNS queries will go through ExpressVPN’s DNS servers. To use other DNS servers on your Mac device, you must be disconnected from ExpressVPN.

To use other DNS servers on your Mac device:

  1. In the ExpressVPN app, disconnect from the VPN.
  2. On your Mac, select "Apple" icon., then select System Preferences… > Network.
    Select “Network.”
  3. In the sidebar, select your current connection.
  4. Click Advanced…
    Select your current internet connection, then click “Advanced.”
  5. Select the DNS tab.
  6. Click Add icon. and enter the DNS server addresses you want to use. (You can use 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220. These are OpenDNS’s secure DNS servers.)
    Enter the DNS server addresses of your choice.
  7. Click OK > Apply.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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A note about PPPoE

If you are connecting to your ISP via a PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet) connection, set the DNS servers on the PPPoE connection itself, then restart your computer for the DNS settings to take effect.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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