Mostly no. DNS turns a name such as example.com into an address, and it does that before the video starts. It affects how fast a stream begins and whether a lookup fails, not how many megabits per second you get. Changing DNS will not cure constant buffering, but it can help in a few specific cases.
Quick answer: DNS changes lookups, not throughput. Try a different resolver if your ISP's is failing or slow, and set it on the router so every device benefits. For buffering, fix the connection instead.
What does DNS actually do?
Every app asks a DNS resolver for the address of a server before connecting. Your ISP gives you its own resolver by default. Public alternatives include Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Google (8.8.8.8). Once the video is flowing, DNS is out of the picture.
Where can changing DNS help?
- Your ISP's resolver is slow or failing. Symptoms are apps that hang on "loading" for several seconds at the start, or intermittent "can't connect" errors that clear on retry.
- Server choice. Some content networks pick a nearby server based on the resolver's location, so a different resolver can change which server you reach. The effect can be better or worse and varies by provider.
- Filtering. Some DNS services block categories of sites. If a filter is blocking an official app, removing it fixes things.
Where it won't help
- Constant buffering during playback. That points to Wi-Fi, line speed or the source: see how to stop IPTV buffering.
- A slow line. DNS does not change your speed.
Cloudflare, Google or ISP DNS?
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| ISP DNS | The default; works for most people; fine to keep if nothing is failing |
| Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 | Widely used public resolver |
| Google 8.8.8.8 | Widely used public resolver |
None is guaranteed faster. The answer depends on your location and line, so test rather than assume.
How to test fairly
- Note how long a channel or app takes to start, several times.
- Change the DNS setting.
- Repeat at a similar time of day.
- Keep the change only if starts are clearly quicker or errors stop.
Router or device?
Set it on the router and every device uses it. See router settings for streaming for where it sits in the admin page. On a device, options vary: some Android and Google TV boxes only let you set DNS by switching the network to a manual (static) IP, and Fire TV models differ by version. Setting it on the router avoids this. Note the old values first so you can undo it, and restart devices afterwards.
If that didn't work
Switch back to the original DNS, then work on the real cause. Gather your device, whether Wi-Fi or Ethernet, a speed test result and whether the problem is at the start or mid-stream.
Tell us whether a DNS change made a difference for you, and on which ISP.