The hosts file on Android: how to change and why you need it

The file hosts is a hidden system document that manages the mapping of domain names (for example, google.com) to IP addresses. On Android it works the same way as on Windows or Linux, but editing it requires a special approach due to operating system limitations. Many users want to change this file to block ads, unblock blocked sites, or speed up access to certain resources.

Unlike desktop OSs, where hosts is publicly available, on Android it is hidden in a protected part of the system. This means that changing it most often requires root access or special workarounds. However, there are alternative methods - from using applications to manipulating DNS. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, their pros and cons, and also warn against common mistakes that can lead to malfunctions of the device.

Why change the hosts file on Android?

Editing hosts can solve several practical problems:

• 🔓 Unblocking sites: if the provider or government authorities restrict access to certain resources (for example, social networks or torrent trackers), redirecting the domain to another IP via hosts can bypass the blocking.
• 🚫 Blocking ads and trackers: Many advertising networks use fixed domains. By registering in hosts a redirect to 127.0.0.1, you can block banner displays in the browser and applications.
• ⚡ Speed up loading sites: if the provider's DNS server is slow, manually specifying the IP for frequently visited resources will reduce the time expectations.
• 🛡️ Phishing protection: you can block known fraudulent domains by redirecting them to “safe” IPs.

However, the method also has a downside. For example, if you make a mistake in the syntax or specify the wrong IP, some sites will stop opening. In addition, after updating Android, the file hosts may be reset to factory settings.

⚠️ Attention: Changing system files without root access can lead to loss of warranty or unstable operation of the device. On some firmware (for example MIUI or One UI) methods without root are unstable.

Where is the file located hosts on Android?

In most cases, the path to the file is the same for all devices:

/system/etc/hosts

However, access to it depends on the version of Android and the presence of root access:

• 📱 Without root: the file can be read (for example, via File Manager+ or FX File Explorer), but it cannot be changed directly succeeds - the system will block the recording.
• 🔧 With root: the file is open for editing with any text editor (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
• 🤖 Android 10+: due to the division of the system partition (/system has become read-only even with root) additional manipulations are required or Magisk.

On some custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) the path may differ. To find out the exact address, use the command in adb shell:

find / -name hosts 2>/dev/null

How to change hosts without root access

If your device is not rooted, there are several workarounds. They are less reliable than editing directly, but can work on some firmware.

Method 1: Using editor applications

Some applications can temporarily replace hosts via VPN or local proxy. Popular options:

• 🔄 Hosts Editor (from Speed Software) - allows you to edit the file through bypass mechanisms, but requires adb to activate.
• 🛡️ Blokada - blocks ads and trackers without root, using VPN to redirect traffic.
• 🌐 DNS Changer - alternative to editing hosts by changing DNS servers (for example, to 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8).

adb shell
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
chmod 644 /system/etc/hosts
echo "127.0.0.1 example.com" >> /system/etc/hosts
mount -o ro,remount /system

chmod 644 /system/etc/hosts