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Xfinity Router and DNS Change in 2023 A Comprehensive Guide

by John Muller October 16, 2022 1534 Views

Router settings can be a bit too complicated for many people. There is so much that you should know before you alter the settings as you could disrupt the internet connection. Especially if you have an Xfinity router and want to change the DNS settings. This guide can help you change your router’s DNS without compromising your internet connection, speed, and quality.

The Xfinity modem router combo doesn’t make it easy to bypass the DNS. However, sometimes the connection can be unstable, and changing it could be your only option. The provider generally has one of the fastest internet connections in the country. And you can get the best speeds at affordable prices.

What Is a DNS?

Before you attempt to change the DNS, you should know what it is and how it can make a difference. The DNS (Domain Name System) is the single most revolutionary tool that changed the internet forever. To understand what your Xfinity modem router DNS does, you need to first understand what an IP address is.

So, every website you visit has an IP address that is responsible for taking you to the destination. An IP address is a combination of numbers separated by periods. For instance, Amazon has millions of IPv4 addresses. Before there was a DNS system, you had to know these numbers to get to the website.

Now, all you need is the domain name and you can access your website. So, if you type in amazon.com in the address bar, it will take you to the website. You can use any Xfinity modem router combo as this is universal for all internet connections. This is very convenient as it would’ve been impossible to memorize IPv4 addresses to the hundreds of websites you may use every day.

Similarly, your router also has a DNS server and an IP address. You need to know the IP address and your Xfinity router login to get to the admin panel. Here, you can change the router settings, update your firmware, and update security protocols or QoS

How to Change Xfinity Router DNS

The provider usually has stellar service, but it can still get disrupted at times. Even if you have the best modem router for Xfinity you can expect glitches. It might be because of low bandwidth, many users, or other protocol changes. But you can troubleshoot most of these issues on your own and get back on track.

The default DNS settings on the Xfinity modem router are built-in and are encoded on it. And even if you get past the DNS settings, the Comcast gateways will revert you to the default. So, the preset settings are hard to get around but this guide will provide some important tips that you should know.

Here are some of the ways that you can change your Xfinity router DNS. They might look like a lot of technical steps, but they aren’t that hard to follow and mostly do the job.

Shifting to a Public DNS

One of the best alternatives to Comcast’s gateways and the provider’s DNS is to shift to a public DNS. They can be a great alternative when even the best router for Xfinity is suffering from an ISP outage.

Changing DNS Server on Windows

Changing the DNS settings is a somewhat technical process and might be similar to the Xfinity router login. So, if you have a device with Windows 10 or above, here is what you need to do.

Go to Windows Settings.
Select Network and Internet.
Click on Change Adapter Settings.
Select the connection you want to change.
Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Select Properties.
Enter a new DNS address.
Click on OK.

Change DNS Server on macOS

You don’t have to reset Xfinity router if you want to use a different DNS server than the default. In fact, here is what you can do if you are on a macOS device:

Click on the Apple icon.
Go to System Preferences.
Select Network.
Choose the network that you want to change the DNS for.
Click on the Advanced settings menu.
Select the option for DNS from the top of the window.
Click on (+) sign in the new window.
Enter the new DNS server.
Click OK and then Apply to save your new settings.

Pro Tip: Look for the green circle in the connection settings to find the network that you are connected with to change the DNS.

What Are Third-Party Public DNS Servers?

There are some great public DNS servers and the most common ones are:

Google DNS
Open DNS
Cloudflare DNS

Even if you have the best router for Xfinity, the default DNS may not cut it. So, choosing a public DNS can provide more freedom of use and better service. These are available all over the world but may still have fewer users than the default DNS. So, you can enjoy a much faster browsing speed and overall experience.

Conclusion

Shifting to a public DNS could be a challenge even with the best modem router for Xfinity. But you can always return to this guide to get some help. The instructions above work for Google, Cloudflare, and Open DNS.

Sometimes unexpected errors can occur when you are trying to change the DNS server. In such cases, you should try to reset Xfinity router. You might even be able to solve your internet connection issue without changing the DNS if you call the provider’s customer service department.

FAQs

How to reset the Xfinity router?

Find the router reset button on the back or side.
Press and hold it for five seconds.
Release the button to reset the device.

How to login to Xfinity router?

Connect a device to the router.
Open any browser and enter the router’s IP address.
Enter the username and password written on the back of the router.
Click on Login to reach the router admin panel.

How to set up Xfinity wifi router?

You should make sure that the router is compatible with the provider’s service and place it in a central location for better signal strength. Then, plug in the main cable and turn it on. Connect it with all your devices.

Why is my Xfinity router blinking orange?

It means that your router is updating its firmware.

How to access Xfinity router?

Connect a device to the router and open any browser. Go to the Admin Tool IP address and enter your credentials.

How to reboot Xfinity router?

Locate the reset/reboot button.
Press and hold it for five seconds.
Release the button to reboot your router.

How to reset Xfinity router password?

Go to xfinity.com/password
Enter your Xfinity ID
Click Continue
Complete the security checks.
Decide how you want to reset your password.
Enter your new password.
Click on Confirm.

How to factory reset the Xfinity router?

Use a toothpick or needle to press and hold the reset button for five seconds.

How to update Xfinity router firmware?

Open the update notification email and click on Update Now.
Go to xfinity.com/equipmentupdate and enter your ID.
Click on Get Started.

Can I use my own router with Xfinity?

Yes, as long as it is compatible and approved third-party equipment.

Do I need a modem and router for Xfinity?

A modem and router are not the same devices and you will need both to connect to the internet.