How Do I Find My Current DNS Server in Ubuntu?

Navigating the digital landscape often involves understanding and configuring various aspects of your system, and one critical element is the Domain Name System (DNS). The DNS is like the phonebook of the internet, translating human-readable domain names into IP addresses. In Ubuntu, knowing your current DNS server is essential for troubleshooting network issues or making configuration changes. In this guide, we'll explore different methods to discover your current DNS server in Ubuntu.

Method 1: Using the Command Line

Open a terminal, and let's start by using a command-line tool called systemd-resolve:

systemd-resolve --status

This command will display detailed information about your current DNS configuration, including the DNS server(s) your system is using.

Method 2: Checking the Resolv.conf File

The resolv.conf file contains information about your DNS configuration. You can use the following command to view its contents:

cat /etc/resolv.conf

Look for the line starting with "nameserver," which indicates the IP address of your DNS server.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Open Terminal

• Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open a terminal.

Step 2: Use systemd-resolve

• Enter the command systemd-resolve --status in the terminal.
• Review the output to find the "DNS Servers" section.

Step 3: Check Resolv.conf

• Input cat /etc/resolv.conf in the terminal.
• Look for the "nameserver" line to find your DNS server's IP address.

More Examples:

Example 1: Using Dig

If you have the dig tool installed, you can run the following command:

dig +short google.com

The output will show the IP address of the DNS server used to resolve the domain.

Example 2: Network Manager

If you are using Network Manager, you can use the following command:

nmcli dev show | grep 'IP4.DNS'

This will display the DNS servers configured by Network Manager.

Knowing how to find your current DNS server in Ubuntu is a valuable skill for both troubleshooting and customization. Whether you prefer command-line tools or exploring configuration files, understanding your DNS configuration empowers you to manage your network effectively.