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Asked: 2024-09-24T12:56:39+05:30 In:

What steps should I follow to include a DNS server in the resolv.conf file on my Ubuntu system?

Alright, here’s the deal. I’ve been tinkering with my Ubuntu system lately, and I ran into this little hiccup regarding DNS servers. So, here’s the situation: I need to figure out how to include a DNS server in my resolv.conf file. I thought it would be a quick fix, but it turns out, there’s a bit more to it than I initially thought.

I’ve read a couple of guides online, and while some were pretty helpful, they all seem to assume I’m a total Linux whiz, which I’m really not. I mean, I can navigate around the terminal and do the basic stuff, but when it comes to network configurations, I sometimes feel like I’m drowning a bit.

From what I understand, resolv.conf is where the system looks for the DNS servers to resolve domain names, right? But then, there’s also this thing about network managers interfering with that file, and I’m not entirely sure how to handle that without messing things up. Do I need to edit resolv.conf directly, or is there a different approach? Should I be worried about any changes getting overwritten later?

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been through this and can break it down for me in a way that makes sense. Like, what are the specific steps I should follow? Do I just open the resolv.conf file and add a line with the DNS server’s address, or is there some kind of command I need to run? Also, do I need to restart anything after I make these changes to make sure it takes effect?

I’m really just looking for a bit of a roadmap here—something that outlines the steps without going into tech jargon that makes my head spin. Any tips or personal experiences that could guide me through this would be super appreciated! Thanks in advance for helping out a fellow Ubuntu user trying to keep their system running smoothly!

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    2 Answers


    1. To add a DNS server to your Ubuntu system, the first thing you need to understand is that the `/etc/resolv.conf` file is indeed where your system looks for DNS configuration. However, it’s important to note that in many cases, this file can be managed by NetworkManager, which might overwrite your changes. To prevent this, it’s often better to configure your DNS settings through NetworkManager or the appropriate configuration files for your system. If you’re using a graphical user interface, you can access the network settings through the system settings panel and specify your DNS servers directly in the network configuration. If you’re comfortable with the terminal, you can use the command `nmcli` to set the DNS servers, like so: `nmcli con modify ipv4.dns “8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4″` (replace `` with your actual connection name).

      If you still want to edit `resolv.conf` directly, you can do so by opening the terminal and using `sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf`. Here you can add lines like `nameserver 8.8.8.8` for Google DNS. However, be aware that these changes might get overwritten, especially after a restart. To ensure your manual changes persist, you could consider marking the file as immutable using `sudo chattr +i /etc/resolv.conf`, but use this with caution as it will prevent any changes, including those from NetworkManager. After making these changes, it’s a good idea to restart your network service to ensure they take effect. You can do this with `sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager` or `sudo service networking restart`, depending on your system setup. Follow these steps, and you should have a functioning DNS configuration without too much hassle.




    2. Help with resolv.conf in Ubuntu

      Sorting Out DNS in Ubuntu

      Okay, so let’s break this down nice and easy. Yes, resolv.conf is where your system looks for DNS servers to resolve domain names. But you’re absolutely right—sometimes NetworkManager or other tools can mess with that file, making things a bit tricky.

      Steps to Add a DNS Server

      1. Check your current DNS settings: Open the terminal and type:

        cat /etc/resolv.conf

        This will show you what’s currently in there.

      2. Edit your DNS settings: You can open the resolv.conf file with:

        sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf

        In this file, you can add a line for your DNS server like this:

        nameserver 8.8.8.8

        Replace 8.8.8.8 with whatever DNS server you want to use. Google’s DNS is a popular option.

      3. Save your changes: If you’re using nano, press CTRL + X, then Y to confirm and Enter to save.

      4. Check if changes are applied: Run the same command as before:

        cat /etc/resolv.conf

        See if your new DNS server address appears there.

      Things to Keep in Mind

      Now, here’s the catch: If you’re using NetworkManager, it might overwrite your changes. To prevent that, you can set the DNS server through NetworkManager instead:

      1. Open the network settings (you can find it in your system settings).

      2. Go to the connection you’re using (like Wired or Wi-Fi) and click ‘Edit’.

      3. Find the ‘IPv4 Settings’ tab.

      4. Change the ‘Method’ to ‘Automatic (DHCP) addresses only’ and enter your DNS server in the ‘DNS Servers’ field.

      5. Save and exit.

      Lastly

      After making these changes, you usually don’t need to restart the system, but you might want to disconnect and reconnect to your network or run:

      sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

      to apply everything cleanly.

      Hope this sheds some light on your situation!


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