---
title: "How to change DNS on Linux? | Nordlayer Help"
slug: "how-to-change-dns-on-linux"
updated: 2025-10-27T09:00:22Z
published: 2025-10-27T09:00:22Z
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.nordlayer.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to change DNS on Linux?

Generally, NordLayer application for Linux handles DNS settings automatically and manual DNS configuration should not be needed. However, in case of troubleshooting or specific scenarios, this guide will show you how to edit, add, or remove the DNS settings on your Linux device.

To get started, a few things can be done to make DNS handling as smooth as possible:

1. Ensuring ***systemd-resolved*** is installed and running
2. Making sure Cloudlfare DNS is reachable

## Ensuring *systemd-resolved* is installed and running

1. Open the terminal with the **CTRL + ALT + T** combination and type in the following commands:

```
systemctl status systemd-resolved
```

This will show detailed information about the service (you can exit by pressing **q**).

What is more, DNS servers should be visible per interface:

```
resolvectl
```

(You can use up/down keys to navigate and exit by pressing **q**)

#### Installing *systemd-resolved*

systemd-resolved is automatically installed as part of systemd/resolvectl. It is activated by default on the most common Linux distributions. However, it can also be activated by entering:

```
sudo systemctl enable --now systemd-resolved
```

## Making sure Cloudflare DNS is reachable

You can check whether DNS server is reachable:

```
ping 1.1.1.1
```

(You can exit by pressing **CTRL + C**)

It should also be possible to perform DNS requests:

```
dig nordlayer.com @1.1.1.1
```

## Advanced topics

## 

#### When systemd-resolve is not available

If neither systemd-resolve nor Network Manager are viable, it is recommended to install openresolv (for advanced users):

(On **Ubuntu** and **Debian-based** distributions)

```
sudo apt install openresolv
```

(On **Fedora**)

```
sudo dnf install openresolv
```

#### Choosing a different DNS server

You can use the default NordLayer DNS server, utilize Web Protection DNS settings or even set up [custom DNS on server with a dedicated IP.](https://help.nordlayer.com/docs/request-custom-dns)

#### Setting DNS servers for manual VPN connection (when not using application)

When using a manual VPN connection, a DNS server can be set on the VPN interface (*nlx0*, *tun0* or *ovpn0*), preferably through the **System Settings** or **Network Manager**. Alternatively, it can be set using *openresolv*. For example, OpenDNS uses:

- **208.67.220.222** for the primary server
- **208.67.220.220** for the secondary server

**Note**: In case you have any questions or are experiencing any issues, please feel free to contact our [24/7 customer support team](/docs/how-do-i-contact-nordlayer-customer-support).