Use Google DNS

Parts of this guide are out of date and will be updated in due course.

Windows

  1. Right-click the Start button, bottom left of the screen, and choose Run.
  2. Type ncpa.cpl and click OK.
  3. Identify your network connection – either wireless (Wi-Fi), or Ethernet if you use a cable – right-click it, and choose Properties.
  4. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
  5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
  6. In the box for Preferred DNS server, type 8.8.8.8
  7. In the box for Alternative DNS server, type 8.8.4.4
  8. Click OK, then OK again.

macOS Monterey and earlier

  1. Click Apple menu > System Preferences.
  2. Click Network.
  3. On the left, select your connection – most likely Wi-Fi, but possibly Ethernet – it will show a green dot.
  4. Click Advanced.
  5. Click the DNS tab.
  6. Beneath the DNS Servers box, click the plus (+) button.
  7. Type 8.8.8.8 and press Return on your keyboard.
  8. Click plus (+) again, type 8.8.4.4 and press Return.
  9. Click OK followed by Apply.

Case study

Ostensibly for the safety of its customers, the Internet provider TalkTalk blocks remote support services like LogMeIn and TeamViewer because they can be used by scammers to take control of your computer, if you let them. But this hampers legitimate users — including technicians like me, for whom screen sharing is a great way to provide help sooner, reduce carbon emissions, and help people further afield.

TalkTalk calls it Scam Protection, and you can turn it off by calling them on 0345 172 0088 or logging into My Account.

Alternatively, because the block is implemented in something called the Domain Name System (DNS), you can circumvent it by setting your computer to use an alternative DNS provider like Google. This should have no adverse affect on your service — in fact, many enthusiasts already prefer Google’s DNS over that of their broadband provider, for various reasons. But you can revert the change in future if you need to.