Many users are faced with a situation where the Internet on a smartphone is unstable, pages take a long time to load, or access to certain resources is limited for no apparent reason. Often the solution lies not in the speed of the operator's tariff, but in how your Androidgadget accesses the Internet address book. It is DNS servers that translate human-readable domain names into machine IP addresses, and their incorrect operation can become a bottleneck in the entire connection chain.
Changing these parameters allows you to not only speed up the network response, but also increase the level of security when surfing, and also bypass some restrictions of providers. Where are the DNS settings in Android is one of the most common requests among those who want to take control of their network connection into your own hands. The standard parameters issued by a mobile operator or router are not always optimal.
In this article we will analyze in detail the paths to hidden menus, explain the difference between standard and private DNS, and also provide a list of verified server addresses. You will learn how to configure the connection manually to achieve maximum performance and stability of your device on the global network.
What is DNS and why change it on a smartphone
The Domain Name System (DNS) works like the Internet telephone directory. When you enter a website address into your browser, your device sends a request to the DNS server to find out the numeric IP address associated with that domain. If this process takes a long time or the server doesn't respond, you see a Page Not Found error or a long wait to load. Replacing the provider's standard server with a faster analogue can significantly reduce response time.
In addition, the use of third-party DNS services can often improve confidentiality. Internet service providers usually log all your requests, creating a detailed browsing history. Switching to secure protocols such as DNS-over-TLS or DNS-over-HTTPSencrypts these requests, making them unreadable to intermediaries. This is especially true when using public Wi-Fi networks in cafes or transport.
⚠️ Attention: Changing DNS addresses does not change your IP address or hide your location the way a VPN does. This is a tool for speeding up and protecting requests, and not for completely anonymizing traffic.
It is also worth mentioning the ability to filter content. Some public servers automatically block access to sites with malware, phishing resources, or even adult content, if the settings of the selected provider allow this. Thus, setting up DNS becomes the first line of defense for your device on the network.
Where are the DNS settings in Android 9 and later
Starting with version Android 9 Pie, Google has introduced the “Private DNS” feature, which has radically simplified the setup process. Previously, users had to search for hidden menus or use root access, but now they just need to enter the host address. You can find this parameter in the general system settings, but the path may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell.
In “pure” Android and on smartphones Pixel the algorithm of actions is as simple as possible. You need to go to the network-related settings section and find the item responsible for advanced settings. This is where the desired option is hidden, which allows you to enter the server address manually.
- 📱 Open
Settingsyour device. - 🌐 Go to the section
Network and InternetorConnections. - 🔍 Find the item
Additional settingsorOther connection settings. - ⚙️ Select the option
Private DNS(Private DNS).
On devices with a shell One UI from Samsung the logic is similar, but the names may vary. Often the required item is hidden inside the “Mobile networks” menu or directly in the Wi-Fi menu when you long press on the active network, although a global setting is preferable. In shells MIUI (Xiaomi) and HyperOS the required parameter is also located in the “Connection and sharing” section.
Why may the settings differ?
Manufacturers of Android smartphones (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) have the right to change the system interface. The path to the settings may be named differently, but the keywords “DNS”, “Private” or “IP address” remain unchanged.
Setting up DNS for Wi-Fi and mobile network separately
It is important to understand the architectural difference: the “Private DNS” feature, which appeared in new versions of the OS, is applied globally to all connections. However, if you only need to configure static DNS for a specific Wi-Fi network (for example, home or work), the method will be different. This is relevant for versions Android below 9 or for specific corporate networks.
To configure DNS exclusively for Wi-Fi, you need to go to the list of available networks. Find the network you are connected to or plan to connect to and click on it (or the gear/arrow icon next to the name). In the menu that opens, select “Edit” or “Manage network settings.”
The key point here is to switch the IP settings from “DHCP” (automatic) to “Static”. Only after this the fields for manually entering addresses will become active. Be careful: when changing to a static IP, you may have to manually enter the gateway IP address if the system does not set it automatically.
- 📡 Go to
Settings→Wi-Fi. - 🖱️ Press and hold the name of your network or select the gear.
- 📝 Find the section
IP Settingsand selectStatic. - 🔢 In the fields
DNS 1andDNS 2enter desired addresses.
It is worth noting that for a mobile network (3G/4G/5G) there is usually no separate DNS setting through an interface without root access, unless the “Private DNS” mode is used. Telecom operators strictly control this parameter in their APN profiles, and changing DNS servers there is not always possible and not on all devices.
☑️ Checking Wi-Fi settings
List of the best free DNS servers for Android
Choosing the right DNS provider is half the battle. There are many public servers, each of which has its own characteristics: some are focused on speed, others on security, and others on the absence of censorship. Below is a table with the most reliable and popular options that can be used on Android.
| Provider | Main function | Host address (for Private DNS) | IP address 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Public DNS | Speed and stability | dns.google | 8.8.8.8 |
| Cloudflare | Privacy and speed | 1.1.1.1 | 1.1.1.1 |
| Quad9 | Security (threat blocking) | dns.quad9.net | 9.9.9.9 |
| AdGuard DNS | Ad blocking | dns.adguard.com | 94.140.14.14 |
For the “Private DNS” function in Android 9+ it is necessary to use the host address (domain name), and not digital IP addresses. Numeric addresses (for example, 8.8.8.8) are entered only in static Wi-Fi settings or in older OS versions. Using the wrong format will result in a connection error.
Service AdGuard DNS deserves special attention. It not only speeds up page loading, but also filters traffic, cutting off ads and trackers at the network level. This can significantly save traffic and battery power, since the browser will not have to load heavy advertising banners.
Use DNS with an ad blocking function (for example, AdGuard) only on trusted Wi-Fi networks. On public networks, this can cause conflicts with authorization through the captive-portal (login pages).
Using applications to change DNS
If the built-in system tools seem too complex or inaccessible to you (for example, on older versions Android), specialized applications come to the rescue. They create a local VPN tunnel through which all DNS requests are passed, redirecting them to selected servers. This is a universal method that works on devices.
One of the most popular solutions is the application 1.1.1.1 + WARP from Cloudflare. It allows you to switch to fast and secure DNS in one click. Applications from AdGuard and Intraare also widely known. They provide a user-friendly interface with speed graphs and request statistics.
The main advantage of such applications is the ability to flexibly configure rules. You can create exclusion lists, select a specific server region, or activate maximum protection mode. However, it is worth remembering that creating a local VPN connection may slightly increase battery consumption.
- 📲 Download a verified application from Google Play (for example, Intra or 1.1.1.1).
- 🔓 Give permission to create a VPN connection upon first launch.
- ⚙️ Select your preferred DNS service from the list.
- ▶️ Activate the connection with the “Connect” button.
The use of third-party software is especially important for corporate users who need to register specific internal DNS, or for gamers looking for servers with minimal ping for specific games zones.
Possible problems and their solutions
After changing DNS servers, the user may encounter a number of typical problems. The most common one is “No Internet connection”, although the Wi-Fi or mobile network icon shows activity. This means that the device is connected to the router, but cannot resolve (convert) domain names due to an error in the server address.
If the Internet disappears after entering the settings, first check that the entered data is correct. Extra spaces, typos in a domain name, or using an IP address where a domain is required (and vice versa) are common causes of failures. Return to settings and select Auto or DHCP mode to reset the changes.
⚠️ Attention: Some mobile data providers may block third-party DNS protocols (especially DoH/DoT), considering them to bypass restrictions. If the Internet stops working on mobile data, try switching back to automatic settings.
Another problem is slowdown. Not all public DNS servers are faster than your ISP's servers. The geographic remoteness of the server plays a huge role. If you live in Vladivostok, and the DNS server is located in Europe, the delay will be noticeable. Experiment with different providers to find the best one for your location.
If the Internet is lost after changing the DNS, immediately return the settings to “Automatic” (DHCP) mode to restore access to the network, and double-check the entered data.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Are DNS settings reset after rebooting the phone?
No, if you changed the settings through the “Private DNS” system menu or registered a static IP for Wi-Fi, these settings are saved permanently. They are reset only when the network settings are completely reset (“Reset network settings” in the recovery menu) or when the Wi-Fi network is deleted from the device’s memory.
Does changing DNS affect the download speed of files?
DNS does not have a direct effect on the download speed (throughput), since it is responsible only for the initial connection to the server. However, if the old DNS was slow to respond or was losing packets, pages will appear jerky. Changing to a fast DNS makes surfing more responsive, but will not increase the maximum speed of your plan.
Is it safe to use free public DNS?
Using well-known providers (Google, Cloudflare, Quad9) is safe and often more secure than your provider's DNS, since they support encryption. However, the use of unknown, dubious DNS servers can lead to data leakage about visited sites or substitution of page contents (DNS spoofing).
How to return all settings back?
To return to factory settings, go to the menu where you changed DNS (Settings → Network and Internet → Private DNS) and select the option "Auto" or "Off". For a Wi-Fi network, just select “Forget network” and reconnect, or switch the IP settings back to DHCP.