Default Domain Name System (DNS) servers provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) are often congested, prone to routing delays, or occasionally unreliable. Changing the DNS settings on your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S to high-speed public resolvers (such as Cloudflare or Google Public DNS) can improve lookup latency, reduce matchmaking connection hiccups, and stabilise digital game downloads.
Why Customise DNS on Xbox Series X|S?
DNS operates as the internet’s telephone directory, translating human-friendly server domain names (like xboxlive.com) into machine-readable numerical IP addresses. When your console connects to matchmaking clusters, game servers, or party chats, it queries a DNS server first:
- Reduced Lookup Latency: Faster DNS resolution shortens the initial handshake when entering multiplayer lobbies or loading marketplace assets.
- Improved Routing Reliability: Premium DNS resolvers bypass regional ISP routing bottlenecks, offering higher uptime and lower packet loss.
- Built-In Malicious Site Protection: Certain security-focused DNS providers filter out malware and phishing endpoints at the network resolution level.
Best Public DNS Servers for Xbox Gaming
Choose reliable primary and secondary IPv4 server addresses depending on your network goals:
| Provider | Primary DNS | Secondary DNS | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 |
1.0.0.1 |
Lowest latency worldwide and strict privacy controls. |
| Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8 |
8.8.4.4 |
High global redundancy and rapid domain caching. |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 |
149.112.112.112 |
Enterprise-grade threat blocking and security filtering. |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change DNS on Xbox Series X|S
Configuring manual DNS servers takes less than two minutes from the console dashboard:
- Press the glowing Xbox button in the centre of your controller to open the Guide overlay.
- Navigate to the far-right tab and select Profile & system, then choose Settings.
- Under the General category, select Network settings.
- In the Network settings screen, select Advanced settings from the menu on the right.
- Select DNS settings.
- Choose Manual (your console defaults to Automatic).
- Enter Primary DNS: Type your preferred primary address (for example,
1.1.1.1for Cloudflare) and press the Enter button on the virtual keyboard. - Enter Secondary DNS: Type the corresponding secondary address (such as
1.0.0.1) and press Enter.
Testing Your New Network Connection
Once you finish entering the DNS addresses, press the B button on your controller to return to the main Network settings screen:
- The console will automatically run a connection check stating “Checking connection…”.
- Look for the confirmation message: “Everything is good. Your console is connected to the Internet.”
- Select Test network speed & statistics to verify latency, download speed, upload bandwidth, and packet loss metrics under the new DNS configuration.
How to Revert to Automatic ISP DNS Settings
If you ever change internet routers or need to restore default dynamic network settings provided via DHCP:
- Return to Settings > General > Network settings > Advanced settings.
- Select DNS settings.
- Choose Automatic. Your Xbox will immediately fetch your router’s default DNS addresses without requiring a full console reboot.
Configuring fast, reliable DNS servers directly on your Xbox Series X or Series S guarantees that every multiplayer lobby query and digital game connection resolves with optimal network efficiency.