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

The Domain Name System (DNS) matches domain names with IP addresses so your device can find the correct website. By default, your DNS requests are handled by your internet service provider’s (ISP) DNS servers, which means your ISP can see the domains you look up. When you connect to ExpressVPN, your DNS requests are routed through ExpressVPN’s private, encrypted DNS servers instead of your ISP’s.

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:

  1. In the ExpressVPN app, disconnect from the VPN.
  2. On your Mac, go to Apple menu > System Settings > Network, and select your current connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).Mac Network settings with Wi-Fi selected and showing Connected status
  3. Click Details.Mac Network settings with connected Wi-Fi and Details option highlighted
  4. In the sidebar, click DNS. Under DNS Servers, click the + button and enter the DNS server addresses you want to use. (You can use 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. These are Cloudflare’s public DNS servers.)Wi-Fi network details with DNS tab selected and servers listed
  5. Click OK.Wi-Fi network details with DNS servers added and OK button highlighted

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

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