Mobile devices have long ceased to be just a means of communication, having turned into the main tool for consuming content. However, along with convenience, users are faced with aggressive advertising, trackers and phishing sites that slow down the system and consume traffic. The solution to the problem is changing domain name servers, and AdGuard DNS is one of the most popular options for these purposes.
The process of changing DNS settings to Android varies depending on the version of the operating system and the model of your smartphone. In modern versions, starting with Android 9 (Pie), Google has introduced the “Private DNS” feature, which has greatly simplified the task. You no longer need superuser rights or complex manipulations with your Wi-Fi router to protect all device traffic.
In this article we will look in detail at how to manually enter server addresses, configure automatic filtering through system parameters, and what nuances should be taken into account when working with encrypted protocols. The correct configuration will not only remove banners in browsers, but also speed up page loading by optimizing routes.
The principle of DNS filtering on mobile devices
When you enter a site address in a browser, your device sends a request to the DNS server to convert the domain name to an IP address. Standard provider servers often do not filter this traffic, allowing requests to advertising networks and trackers to pass through. AdGuard DNS intercepts these requests and blocks connections to known advertising sources even before the content begins to load.
Using specialized servers has a number of advantages over installing applications with a VPN function. First, there is minimal impact on battery power, as it does not create a full encrypted tunnel for all traffic. Secondly, there is no need to keep an active notification in the shade, which often interferes when using navigation or games.
⚠️ Attention: DNS filtering does not encrypt all your Internet traffic, as a full-fledged VPN does. It only redirects domain name requests through secure servers, blocking unwanted content at the name resolution level.
The technology works at the DNS-over-TLS (DoT) and DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) protocol level, which prevents response spoofing by the provider or attackers in public Wi-Fi networks. For the user, this means that even when connecting to an open access point in a cafe, requests to malicious resources will be blocked by a reliable provider.
It is worth noting that the effectiveness of the method depends on the type of advertising. Banners on websites are blocked almost perfectly, while advertising inside some native applications may require more complex filtering methods, since they are hard-wired into the app code or use their own IP addresses.
Configuration through the “Private DNS” function (Android 9 and higher)
The simplest and recommended way to activate protection is to use the built-in function of the system. This method works globally for all connections: both for mobile data (4G/5G) and Wi-Fi networks. You don't need to enter long numeric addresses, just enter the provider's host name.
First, you need to open the settings of your smartphone. The path may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS), but the logic remains the same. Find the section responsible for network connections and go to additional settings.
- 📱 Open
Settingsand find the itemConnection and sharingorNetwork and Internet. - 🔒 Select a section
Private DNS(sometimes it is hidden inside the "Advanced" menu). - ⚙️ Switch the mode from "Auto" to
Private DNS provider hostname. - 🌐 Enter the address
dns.adguard-dns.comand save the changes.
After saving the settings, the system will check the availability of the server. If the hostname is entered correctly, the connection will be established instantly. You can test the functionality by opening any news site that was previously overloaded with banners. The page should now load cleaner and faster.
If the hostname input field is greyed out or missing from the menu, make sure you are running Android 9 or later. On older versions, this feature is not available at the system level.
It is important to understand that when using Private DNS mode, you cannot select a specific filtering profile (for example, family only or anti-phishing protection only) without using a paid service or application. Standard mode blocks ads and trackers by default, which is suitable for most users.
⚠️ Attention: Entering the hostname incorrectly (for example, with extra spaces or a typo) will result in a complete loss of Internet access. The device will not be able to resolve domain names until you correct the entry or return the Auto mode.
Manual DNS registration for Wi-Fi networks
If your smartphone runs on an old version of Android or you want to set up filtering only for a specific Wi-Fi network, you will have to use the method of manually registering IP addresses. This method is less universal, since the settings will not apply to the mobile data, but it gives more control over each connection.
The setup process requires changing the IP parameters from dynamic to static. This means that you will need to manually specify not only the DNS addresses, but also the gateway IP address so that the device can communicate correctly with the router. Be careful when entering numbers.
| Filtering type | Primary DNS (IPv4) | Alternate DNS (IPv4) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (Ad blocking) | 94.140.14.14 | 94.140.15.15 |
| Family (No extra water + 18+) | 94.140.14.15 | 94.140.15.16 |
| No filtering (Protection only) | 94.140.14.140 | 94.140.14.141 |
To apply these settings, go to the Wi-Fi menu, long-press the name of your network, then select "Edit network" or "Manage network settings." In advanced settings, change the IP settings to Static. Fill in the “DNS 1” and “DNS 2” fields with the values from the table above according to your needs.
☑️ Checking static settings
The disadvantage of this method is that when you switch to another Wi-Fi network or mobile network, the protection will be disabled. In addition, some public networks with a captive portal may not work correctly with static DNS, requiring a temporary return to default login settings.
Using the official AdGuard application
For those who want maximum control over filtering, the developers offer a full application AdGuard for Android. Unlike system settings, the application creates a local VPN tunnel through which all traffic is passed, allowing it to be filtered using complex rules and scripts.
Installing the application from the Google Play Store limits its functionality due to store policies, so for full operation it is recommended to download the version from the official website of the developer. After installation, you will be asked to select an operating mode: DNS filtering or full protection with content filtering.
In the DNS settings inside the application, you can select not only AdGuard servers, but also third-party ones (for example, Cloudflare or Quad9), and also set up your own blocking rules. This is an ideal option for advanced users who need flexibility.
⚠️ Attention: When using the application in VPN filtering mode, other VPN services will not work. Only one tunnel can be active at a time. If you need access to foreign resources, you will have to choose between advertising and changing the region.
Why does the application require a lot of permissions?
The application requests access to VPN management and network monitoring not to collect data, but to be able to intercept and analyze traffic packets in real time in order to block advertising before it is displayed on the screen.
One of the key advantages application is the ability to filter traffic in specific apps. You can configure it so that advertising is blocked in the browser and news aggregators, but does not interfere with the operation of banking applications or games, where strict filtering can cause failures.
Comparison of configuration methods and their effectiveness
The choice of configuration method depends on your priorities: simplicity, battery autonomy or depth of filtering. The system “Private DNS” wins in terms of convenience and the absence of unnecessary software, but loses in flexibility. The application provides maximum capabilities, but requires resources.
Manual configuration for Wi-Fi is a compromise option for older devices, but is inconvenient to use due to the need to reconfigure each network separately. Below is a comparative table that will help you make your choice.
- 🚀 Private DNS: Works everywhere (Wi-Fi + 4G), minimal battery consumption, no unnecessary applications.
- 🛡️ AdGuard application: Blocks advertising within applications, flexible settings, works on older Androids.
- 📶 Manual setup: Wi-Fi only, suitable for Android 8 and below, requires entering IP addresses.
If your main goal is to simply remove banners in the Chrome or Samsung Internet browser when surfing the Internet, then the built-in “Private DNS” function will be more than enough. This is a “set it and forget it” solution that requires no maintenance.
For most users, setting up “Private DNS” via a hostname is the best choice, as this provides a balance between security, speed and ease of use without installing additional software.
Possible problems and solutions
When users change DNS servers may encounter a number of technical difficulties. The most common problem is complete loss of Internet access after saving the settings. This usually indicates an error in the spelling of the host name or unavailability of servers in your region.
Another common scenario is incorrect display of sites or errors in loading images. This can happen if a filter blocks legitimate content, mistaking it for advertising. In such cases, you should try changing the filtering profile or adding the site to exceptions.
The Internet may also slow down if the selected DNS server is located geographically far from your location. AdGuard servers have a wide network of points of presence, but in rare cases, automatic route selection may fail.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and server addresses may be updated by developers. If the addresses specified in the article stop working, check the latest information in the official documentation of the service or your personal account if you are using a paid subscription.
To diagnose problems, you can use special applications for checking DNS, which will show which server is currently processing your requests. This will help you understand whether your settings have been applied or whether the system is ignoring them due to a conflict with other software.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will AdGuard DNS work without the Internet?
No, DNS servers are located on the Internet. An active network connection is required for initial setup and subsequent domain name resolution work. Without the Internet, the device will not be able to contact the AdGuard server.
Will DNS filtering replace antivirus on your phone?
No, these are different protection tools. DNS blocks access to known malicious domains and advertising networks, but does not scan files for viruses and does not protect against phishing if the site uses a legitimate domain.
Can these settings be used on tablets and set-top boxes?
Yes, the principle of operation is identical. On Android TV, the Private DNS setting is located under Network & Internet. This is a great way to remove advertising in the interface of some shells and browsers on the TV.
Does changing DNS affect the speed of mobile data?
In most cases, the speed of loading content even increases by blocking heavy advertising scripts. However, the response time (ping) during the initial connection may vary slightly depending on the load on the DNS servers.
What should you do if some applications stop working after configuration?
Some applications (especially banking or corporate) may block work when non-standard DNS or VPN tunnels are detected. In this case, try temporarily disabling “Private DNS” or adding the application to exceptions in the AdGuard settings.