TP-Link AC1750: Change DNS Server

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

To change the DNS server on a TP-Link AC1750 router (models such as Archer A7, Archer C7, and similar), you log into the router’s web interface, go to Advanced > Network > DHCP Server, and enter the primary and secondary DNS addresses in the fields provided. This article walks you through the exact steps for both the newer and older TP-Link interfaces, explains why you might want to change DNS, and answers common questions.

Why Change the DNS Server on Your Router?

DNS (Domain Name System) is the phonebook of the internet – it translates domain names like example.com into IP addresses that your devices use to connect. By default, your router uses the DNS servers provided by your internet service provider (ISP). Changing to a different DNS provider can offer:

Faster resolution – Some public DNS providers (e.g., Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, Google 8.8.8.8) are often quicker than ISP servers.
Better reliability – Public servers may have less downtime than your ISP’s servers.
Content filtering – Services like OpenDNS or CleanBrowsing can block adult content or malware domains.
Parental controls – Some DNS services offer easy filtering categories.

Changing DNS at the router level affects all devices connected to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet, so you don’t have to configure each device individually.

Before You Start: Find Your Router’s IP Address

To access the router’s settings, you need its IP address. For most TP-Link AC1750 routers, the default is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. If you’ve changed it, you can find it on a Windows PC:

Open Command Prompt (type cmd in the Start menu).
Type ipconfig and press Enter.
Look for the Default Gateway under your active network adapter – that’s your router’s IP.

On a Mac, go to System Preferences > Network, select your connection, and click Advanced > TCP/IP – the Router address is listed there.

Step-by-Step: Change DNS on TP-Link AC1750 (New Interface)

The newer TP-Link web interface (used on Archer A7 and C7 with recent firmware) has a slightly different menu structure. Here’s how to change DNS:

Open a web browser and type your router’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.0.1) in the address bar.
Enter your admin username and password (default is often admin/admin – if you don’t know it, you may need to reset the router).
Click Advanced in the top menu.
In the left sidebar, go to Network > DHCP Server.
Scroll down to the DNS Server section. By default, it’s set to Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically.
Select Use the Following DNS Server Addresses (or similar wording).
Enter the primary and secondary DNS addresses. For example:
- Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- Google: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
Click Save.

The router will apply the new DNS settings. Devices that are already connected may need to renew their DHCP lease – you can do this by restarting the device or the router.

Step-by-Step: Change DNS on TP-Link AC1750 (Older Interface)

Some AC1750 models (like the older Archer C7 v1/v2) have a classic blue-and-white interface. The steps are similar but the menu names differ:

Log in to the router’s web interface.
Click Network on the left menu.
Click DHCP Server.
Under the DHCP Settings tab, look for Primary DNS and Secondary DNS fields.
Enter your chosen DNS addresses.
Click Save.

If you don’t see these fields, your router may be using the older firmware version – check for a firmware update in the router’s status page.

How to Verify the DNS Change

After changing the DNS, it’s wise to confirm it’s actually working. On a Windows PC:

Open Command Prompt.
Type ipconfig /all and look for DNS Servers under your adapter – it should show the new addresses.
Alternatively, visit a site like dnsleaktest.com or whatsmydnsserver.com to see which DNS server you’re using.

If the old DNS still shows, try restarting your computer or releasing/renewing the DHCP lease (ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew).

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Can’t log in to router – If you forgot the password, you’ll need to reset the router by holding the reset button for 10 seconds. This resets all settings, so back up your config if possible.
DNS change doesn’t stick – Sometimes the router reverts to automatic DNS after a reboot. If that happens, check if you have a DHCP reservation or a separate DNS setting under WAN – some routers let you set DNS on the WAN side, which overrides the DHCP server setting.
Internet stops working after change – Double-check the DNS addresses you entered. A typo (like 8.8.8.8 vs 8.8.8.9) will break name resolution. Switch back to automatic to restore.
Devices still show old DNS – This is normal for devices that hold a DHCP lease. Restart them or wait for the lease to expire.

What DNS Server Should You Use?

There are several reputable public DNS providers. Here are a few popular ones:

Cloudflare – 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 – Known for speed and privacy.
Google Public DNS – 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 – Reliable and widely used.
Quad9 – 9.9.9.9 – Blocks malicious domains.
OpenDNS – 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 – Offers content filtering options.

All of these are free and operate globally. For most users, Cloudflare or Google are excellent choices. If you want parental controls, OpenDNS or CleanBrowsing (with family filter) are better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing DNS on the router affect all devices?

Yes, when you change the DNS on the router, it becomes the DNS server that the router hands out to all devices via DHCP. Unless a device has its own manual DNS setting, it will use the router’s DNS.

Will changing DNS speed up my internet?

It can speed up name resolution (the time it takes to translate a domain to an IP), but it won’t increase your raw bandwidth. If your ISP’s DNS is slow or unreliable, a faster public DNS can make web browsing feel snappier, especially when visiting new sites.

Can I use a custom DNS for only one device?

Yes, you can set a custom DNS on individual devices (e.g., in Windows network settings or on your phone’s Wi-Fi settings). This overrides the router’s DNS for that device only.

What happens if I enter a wrong DNS address?

If you enter an invalid IP, devices will fail to resolve domain names, and you’ll see errors like “Server not found.” You can fix this by logging back into the router (using its IP address directly) and correcting the DNS or setting it back to automatic.

Do I need to restart the router after changing DNS?

Usually not, but it’s a good idea to restart your devices (or release/renew their IP) to ensure they pick up the new DNS. Some routers apply changes instantly, but a quick reboot of the router can also help.

Is it safe to use public DNS servers?

Yes, public DNS providers like Cloudflare and Google are generally safe and often more secure than ISP DNS because they support DNSSEC and have strong privacy policies. However, be aware that the provider can see your DNS queries, so if privacy is a concern, choose a provider with a strong no-logging policy like Cloudflare.

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