What Happens If I Use DNS?

Using DNS normally, which happens by default on any device connected to the internet, lets you browse using human readable domain names instead of memorizing numeric IP addresses. When you type a domain into your browser, your device sends a request to a DNS resolver, often provided by your ISP or a public service like Cloudflare or Google. The resolver checks its cache, and if it doesn't already have the answer, queries other DNS servers until it finds the IP address tied to that domain. That address is then returned to your device, which uses it to open a connection to the correct server and load the page you requested. This lookup process typically takes only a few milliseconds and happens automatically every time you visit a new site, without any action needed from you.