“Have you changed DNS but the site is still blocked?” This is the complete cause & solution!
Many internet users feel confused when they change DNS on the router, but some the website remains blocked. In theory, changing DNS should allow connections to pass through the internet service provider’s (ISP) filtering system. But in fact, block sites in Indonesia it can occur at several network layers — not just at DNS.
This article will discuss The main reason why sites remain blocked even though DNS has been changed, complete with how to solve it. We will also discuss how the ISP blocking system works, as well as practical solutions that you can do at home.
What is DNS and Why is it Important?
Before getting into the main discussion, let’s first understand what DNS is.
DNS or Domain Name System works like a phone book on the internet: it translates website addresses (eg www.google.com) becomes an IP address that the computer can understand.
If the DNS used is blocked or filtered by the ISP, then when you type a certain site address, the browser will be directed to a blocked page such as “Positive Internet” or “Access Denied”.
Some examples of popular public DNS:
| DNS name | Main Address | Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Google DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 |
| Cloudflare DNS | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 |
| Quad9 DNS | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 |
By changing DNS to one of the services above, users can usually do it evade ISP DNS filters. But why is it still blocked? Let’s discuss the causes.
Why is the website still blocked even though the DNS has been changed?
Here are some technical and non-technical reasons that often cause the site to remain inaccessible:
1. Block Not Just from DNS
According to reports from Techno Compass, many ISPs in Indonesia now use IP-based blocking systems and deep packet inspection (DPI). This means that even if you change DNS, your ISP can still detect and block blacklisted sites.
DPI allows ISPs to read some user traffic data to identify prohibited site patterns.
2. DNS Cache Has Not Been Flushed
DNS changes do not take effect immediately. Computers, routers, or even ISPs can store cache Old DNS. As a result, even though you have changed DNS to 1.1.1.1, the system still uses the old blocked records.
3. Router DNS Does Not Apply to All Devices
Some routers only change the DNS for that device uses default DHCP. If there is a device that sets its own DNS (for example a smartphone with private DNS settings), then it does not follow the router’s DNS.
4. Router Settings Not Saved
Some users forget to press the button Save or Apply after changing DNS on the router administration page. As a result, the changes are not actually active.
5. DNS is overridden by the ISP
Several ISPs in Indonesia implement the system DNS hijacking, where even though you have entered public DNS, they still direct requests to the ISP’s DNS server.
Based on reports from the technical community on Reddit Indonesia, this is common in certain home networks, especially in fiber optic networks that are connected directly to the ISP’s OLT.
6. The Site is Indeed Blocked at Global IP Level
If the site is blocked internationally or the domain is no longer active, changing DNS will not help. For example, domains that ICANN removed or blocked due to global copyright violations.
How to check whether DNS is working
Before looking for advanced solutions, it is important to verify whether the DNS you entered is actually active.
Steps to Check DNS:
Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux)
Type:See section Servers And Address.
If “1.1.1.1” or “8.8.8.8” appears, it means public DNS is already in use.
But if it still shows the ISP’s DNS IP, then the router has not implemented the changes correctly.
Practical Solution: How to Open Sites That Are Still Blocked After Changing DNS
If you have changed DNS but to no avail, here are the solutions you can try:
1. Flush DNS Cache
Windows:
Open Command Prompt and type:Mac:
Android:
Turn on airplane mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off again.
2. Use DNS on the Device, Not the Router
Some cheap routers don’t actually implement the new DNS. The solution is to change DNS directly on your laptop or cellphone:
Go to Wi-Fi settings → click active network → “Change Network” → select “Manual DNS settings” → enter 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8.
3. Use DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS
This method encrypts DNS requests so that the ISP cannot intercept or change the results.
Modern browsers such as Firefox and Chrome already support DoH.
In Chrome: open
chrome://settings/security→ activate “Use secure DNS”.Choose a provider like Cloudflare or Google.
https://lidahtekno.com/cara-buka- situs-diblock-dengan-cloudflare-1-1-1-1/
4. Use a VPN
A VPN not only changes DNS, but also routes the entire connection through an encrypted server abroad.
According to CNN Indonesia, using a VPN is the most effective solution for accessing blocked sites because it works at a layer above DNS.
5. Update Router Firmware
Routers with older firmware sometimes have bugs or don’t support public DNS settings. Check for updates on your router manufacturer’s official website.
6. Use an Alternative DNS Encrypted App
If all else fails, you can install applications such as:
Cloudflare WARP
NextDNS App
AdGuard DNS App
The application will implement secure DNS at the system level without the need to replace the router.
Comparison of Access Methods for Blocked Sites
| Method | Security | Effectiveness | Convenience | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change Router DNS | Low | Currently | Easy | Can be bypassed by ISP |
| DNS Over HTTPS | Tall | Tall | Easy | Supported modern browsers |
| VPN | Very high | Very high | Currently | Sometimes slows down the connection |
| Web Proxy | Low | Currently | Easy | Not suitable for account login |
| Encrypted DNS application | Tall | Tall | Easy | Depends on device |
Additional Tips for a Safer and Block-Free Internet
Use a browser with high privacy features such as Brave or Firefox.
Avoid accessing sites that clearly violate the law — it’s not about bypassing the system, but maintaining security.
Save your favorite public DNS records so you can easily replace them if one doesn’t work.
Delete regularly cache browser so that it does not continue to access the old version of the site.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Is changing DNS illegal?
No. Changing DNS is a user’s right and is legal as long as it is not used to access illegal content.
2. Why is the site still slow even though I have changed DNS?
Because DNS only affects domain address resolution, not internet connection speed. If the ISP’s network is congested, speeds may still drop.
3. Can changing DNS speed up the internet?
Sometimes yes. Public DNS like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) is faster at domain resolution than ISP DNS.
4. Can the DNS on the router and on the cellphone be different?
Can. If the router uses DNS A and the cellphone uses DNS B, then the cellphone will follow the DNS set directly.
5. Is it necessary to restart the router after changing DNS?
Preferably yes. Restarting ensures the new configuration is actually active.
Conclusion
So, Changing DNS on the router does not always guarantee that the site can be accessed again. This can happen because the ISP does layered block — from DNS to IP and DPI.
To overcome this, you can try steps such as: flush cache, enable DNS over HTTPS, or use VPN as the most effective solution.
In the end, understanding how DNS and blocking systems work will make you smarter in managing your own internet connection. So, if you feel like “you’ve changed DNS but the site is still blocked,” now you know: the problem isn’t just with DNS — but with the more complex system behind it.
