Internet and websites slow: Cloudflare and Google DNS down causes disruptions

Are you wondering why some websites load very slowly or are not accessible? Because of a ProProblems with the CDN provider Cloudflare and DNS service from Google, the Internet is currently slower for many users. Both providers take care of this Probleme for unreachable websites and show an error message in the browser.

We had that with the CDN provider Cloudflare Problem already a few years ago, which for Proproblems when loading websites. Now there is one again Proproblem – this time the DNS service from Google is affected again.

Cloudflare's DNS service has already had an issue reported on the own status report created. The provider keeps its users up to date on this. If the following DNS servers are currently set, it is advisable to change them:

• 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
• 8.8.8.8 / 4.4.4.4 (Google)

Check DNS server

This way you can check which DNS servers are currently set up for you.

Online check

On DNS leak page from ExpressVPN your current DNS server is displayed.

Via the command line

Windows

1. Open Command Prompt (CMD) by typing "cmd" in the search box and selecting "Command Prompt" from the search results.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   nslookup

3. After the command has been executed, you will see the current DNS server under "Default server".

MacOS

1. Open Terminal (You can find it under "Proprograms” > “Serviceproprograms > Terminal).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   scutil --dns | grep "nameserver\[0\]" | awk '{print $3}'

3. The IP address of the current DNS server is displayed in the terminal.

Alternative DNS servers

You can set the following entries as an alternative DNS server.

• Quad9: 9.9.9.9 (9.9.9.10 without phishing & malware filter) / 149.112.112.112
• Verisign: 64.6.64.6 / 64.6.65.6
• OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220
• Digital courage: 46.182.19.48
• Freifunk Munich: 195.30.94.28

Changing DNS settings on Windows

On Windows, the DNS settings can be easily changed via the network connections. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

1. Open the network connections: Click the Windows icon in the taskbar and type "network connections" in the search box. Then select "Network Connections" from the search results.
2. Select the active network connection: If you are connected with an Ethernet cable, right-click on "Ethernet". If you are connected via WiFi, right-click on "Wi-Fi".
3. Open the properties of the connection: Choose "Properties" from the context menu of the active connection.
4. Select "Webproprotocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4)".: In the list of network components, you should see an option called "InternetproProtocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”. Highlight it and click Properties.
5. Change DNS server: Select the option "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter the desired DNS server addresses. You can use the DNS servers above or other preferred DNS servers.
6. Confirm the changes: Click OK to save the new DNS settings.

That's it! Your DNS settings on Windows have been successfully changed.

Changing DNS settings on macOS

On macOS, you can adjust DNS settings through System Preferences. Follow these steps:

1. Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences".
2. Choose the network: Click the Network icon in System Preferences.
3. Select the active network connection: Choose the network connection you're currently using (e.g. WiFi or Ethernet).
4. Open the advanced settings: Click on "Advanced" in the lower right corner.
5. Switch to the DNS tab: Click on the “DNS” tab.
6. Add or change DNS servers: Click on the plus sign (+) and add the IP address of the desired DNS server. You can add multiple DNS servers and set priorities.
7. Remove DNS servers: If you want to remove a DNS server, select it and click the minus sign (-) below the list of DNS servers.
8. Confirm the changes: Click OK to save the new DNS settings.

Now the DNS settings on macOS are successfully changed.

Please note that after changing the DNS settings on Windows or macOS, a restart may be necessary if it does not work immediately.

Update at 11:40 pm: The problem was fixed overnight. The status message was also changed to "solved" set. We wish you happy surfing again!

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