How to Check DNS Server IP Address in Linux

DNS servers help your Linux system find websites on the internet. They turn website names like google.com into number addresses that machines can read. Every time you open a website, your system asks a DNS server for help. Sometimes you need to know which DNS server your system is using. Maybe your internet is slow or not working at all. Finding your DNS server address can help fix these problems. This guide shows you simple ways to find your DNS server details in Linux.

What is a DNS Server?

DNS is like a phone book for the internet. You type a website name, and DNS finds its address. Without DNS, you would need to remember long number addresses for every website you visit.

Method 1: Check the resolv.conf File (Works Everywhere)

This works on all Linux systems. It’s the simplest way.

Open the terminal and type:

cat /etc/resolv.conf

You’ll see something like:

nameserver 8.8.8.8
nameserver 8.8.4.4

These numbers are your DNS servers. That’s all you need to know.

Method 2: Use the resolvectl Command

For newer Linux systems with systemd:

resolvectl status

Note: If you get “command not found” error, your system doesn’t have this command. Just use Method 1 above – it always works.

Method 3: Use nmcli Command

Most desktop Linux systems have Network Manager. Try this:

nmcli dev show | grep DNS

This shows only DNS details. Nothing extra.

Method 4: Use dig or nslookup

These commands show which DNS server they’re using:

dig google.com

Look for the “SERVER:” line at the bottom. That’s your DNS server.

Or try:

nslookup google.com

Look for the “Server:” line. That shows your DNS.

Test Your DNS

To check if DNS is working:

nslookup interserver.net

If you see numbers, your DNS works fine.

Common DNS Servers

These are DNS servers you might see:

• 8.8.8.8 – Google’s DNS
• 1.1.1.1 – Cloudflare’s DNS
• 192.168.1.1 – Your router’s DNS

Test a Different DNS

To try another DNS without changing settings:

dig @8.8.8.8 google.com

This tests Google’s DNS for that website.

Which Method to Use

Keep it simple:

• Always try first: cat /etc/resolv.conf – works on every Linux
• If you want more info: nmcli dev show | grep DNS – for desktop Linux
• Quick check: dig google.com – shows DNS at the bottom

Don’t worry if some commands don’t work. The first method always works.

Fix DNS Problems

When internet stops working:

• Check your DNS servers with cat /etc/resolv.conf
• Test if DNS works with nslookup google.com
• Try Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare’s DNS (1.1.1.1)

Command Not Found Errors

Getting “command not found” errors? Don’t worry. Not all Linux systems have all commands. Here’s what always works:

• cat /etc/resolv.conf – Available on every Linux
• nslookup – Available on most Linux systems
• dig – Available on most Linux systems

If one command doesn’t work, just try another. The resolv.conf file method never fails.

Conclusion

Finding DNS servers in Linux is easy. You don’t need to be an expert. Just remember: cat /etc/resolv.conf. This command works everywhere, always.

Save this guide. When internet problems happen, you’ll know what to check. DNS issues are common but easy to spot once you know how.

Don’t get confused by fancy commands. The simple way is often the best way. And in Linux, checking the resolv.conf file is as simple as it gets.