Huawei: change DNS

Overview: how to override auto-DNS and specify the DNS servers that you want. There are 2 techniques that we are aware of, depending upon the model of Huawei router.

How to determine if the Huawei router is acting as the DNS server

On a Windows computer launch command prompt (Start > cmd > [Press Enter])

At the command prompt type the following command and press Enter: (do not include the line number "1")

ipconfig /all

Look for the setting "DNS Server"; if the setting starts 192.168.xxx.xxx then your router is the DNS server, and you'll want to change this. After using one the techniques below, type the following commands at the command prompt to verify your DNS:

ipconfig /release && ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /all

Technique 1

In the Huawei GUI navigate to Settings/Advanced/DHCP page.

Tap F12 to get into the browser "developer mode".

On the console tab type the following command and the prompt and press Enter: (do not include the line number "1")

$('#dhcp_dns').show();

Now you should be able to set the DNS servers (such as 8.8.8.8) and click Save.

Technique 2: requires using Firefox browser

In the Huawei GUI navigate to Settings/Advanced/DHCP page.

Tap F12 to get into the browser "developer mode". On the Inspector tab > Search for dhcp_dns

Delete "display:none;" from:

    dhcp_dns_static

    dhcp_primary_dns

    dhcp_secondary_dns

You should now see the "Set DNS server manually" option; set them (such as 8.8.8.8), then click Apply.

Other techniques

If you have found other techniques, or have a model where the above did not work, please let us know.