Many Android users actively use ad blocking services, such as AdGuard DNSto protect their devices from annoying banners and trackers. However, there are situations when this function must be urgently deactivated. For example, some banking applications or government services may not work correctly when private DNS is enabled, blocking the connection or producing certificate errors.
The disabling process is not always obvious, since the settings may be located in different sections of the system depending on the version Android and the manufacturer's shell. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the ways to forcibly disable DNS filtering, from standard settings to using advanced tools.
If you are faced with the fact that the Internet disappeared immediately after setting up DNS, or sites stopped opening, do not panic. Most often, the problem is solved by simply returning the network settings to their original state. Let's look at the action algorithm step by step.
Disconnection through Android system settings
Starting with version Android 9 Pie, the operating system has a built-in “Private DNS” function. This is where AdGuard server addresses are most often written. To disable, you need to find this item in the settings menu.
Go to the section Settings → Network and Internet → Advanced. In some firmware, for example Xiaomi or Samsung, the path may differ: Settings → Connection → Other connection settings. Find the item Private DNS.
By default, the value “Auto” or “Disabled” should be selected there. If you see a registered address like dns.adguard.com, this is the reason for the blocking. Switch the mode to Disabled or Autoso that the system stops using a third-party server to resolve domain names.
⚠️ Attention: After changing the DNS settings, it is recommended to reboot the device. A cache of network settings may persist, and without a reboot, some applications will continue to use old routes.
If you cannot find the “Private DNS” item in the settings, use the search in the settings menu by entering the query “DNS” or “Private DNS”.
Sometimes the setting change does not apply instantly. In such cases, briefly turning airplane mode on and off helps. This will forcibly reconnect the device to the cellular network or Wi-Fi, resetting active network sessions.
Management via the AdGuard application
If a full-fledged application is installed on your smartphone AdGuard, and not just an address registered in the settings, then you need to disable DNS directly inside the app. In this case, system settings can be blocked or redirected by the application itself.
Launch the application and find the section Protection or DNS protection. Here you will see a switch that activates traffic filtering. Disable it to return to standard network behavior.
- 📱 Open the application menu and select "Settings".
- 🛡️ Go to the "DNS protection" section and uncheck check the box “Enable DNS protection.”
- 🔄 Click the “Apply” or “Save” button if it is present in the interface.
The “Filtering in proxy mode” function is available in some software versions. If it is active, the application creates a local VPN tunnel to inspect traffic. Disabling this feature will also return a direct connection to the Internet without intermediate processing.
It is important to understand the difference between the system setting and the application. If you entered the address in the Android settings, but at the same time deleted the application, then the system setting will work. And vice versa: an active application can ignore system parameters if it has the appropriate access rights.
Reset network settings to factory settings
If manually changing the settings does not help, or you cannot find the desired item in the menu, the most effective solution is to completely reset the network settings. This operation will return all Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings to their out-of-the-box state.
To perform a reset, go to Settings → System → Reset settings. Select item Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings. Please note that this process does not delete your personal files, photos or installed applications.
| Action | What is saved | What is deleted |
|---|---|---|
| Reset network settings | Photos, contacts, applications | Wi-Fi passwords, DNS settings, paired Bluetooth devices |
| Reset all settings | Only media files (optional) | All data, accounts, applications, system settings |
| Deleting an application | All phone data | Only files and settings of a specific application |
After confirming the operation, the phone will reboot. You will need to re-enter the passwords for your Wi-Fi networks, but the problem with incorrect DNS will be guaranteed to be solved. This is a universal method for cases when virus software or erroneous scripts have changed the network configuration.
⚠️ Attention: Before resetting, write down passwords for important Wi-Fi networks, since it will be impossible to restore them from the phone’s memory after the procedure.
☑️ Preparing for a network reset
Using ADB Commands for Advanced Users
For users who prefer the command line or have devices with limited access to the settings menu, there is a method to disable DNS via USB debugging using the tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method requires connecting your smartphone to your computer.
First you need to enable developer mode on your phone. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click on the build number seven times. Then in the “For Developers” menu, activate the item USB Debugging.
adb shell settings put global private_dns_mode offThis command forces the private DNS mode to the “Off” position. If you need to return to automatic mode, use the value automatic instead of off. The method works on most modern versions of Android without the need to obtain root access.
What to do if the computer does not see the phone?
Make sure ADB drivers are installed on your computer. Try replacing the USB cable or using a different port. A request to allow debugging may appear on the phone screen - be sure to click “Allow.”
The advantage of this method is its versatility. Even if the system interface is damaged or hidden by the manufacturer, the command via ADB will change the system variable directly. This is especially useful when repairing or in-depth diagnostics of the device.
Possible problems after disabling DNS
After you have disabled AdGuard DNS, you may notice the return of advertising in browsers and applications. This is normal behavior since tracker protection is no longer active. However, sometimes users are faced with the fact that the Internet does not appear immediately.
Check whether you have a third-party VPN client installed. Some ad blocking services work in conjunction with VPN tunnels. If such a tunnel remains active after the DNS server is turned off, traffic may simply be “lost.” Disable all active VPN connections in the notification shade.
- 🌐 Clear the DNS cache in the browser if pages do not load correctly.
- 📶 Reconnect to the Wi-Fi access point manually.
- 🔌 Remove and insert the SIM card, if problems are observed on the mobile network.
In rare cases, malware may block the ability to change DNS settings. If menu items are inactive (grayed), it is recommended to scan the device with an antivirus. For example, Dr.Web or Kaspersky can identify hidden threats that control network parameters.
If the Internet does not appear after disabling DNS, the problem may not be in the DNS settings, but in blocking by the telecom operator or a faulty SIM card.
Private questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it safe to disable AdGuard DNS for banking applications?
Yes, it is safe and often necessary. Banking apps use strict security checks (SSL pinning) and can block if they detect that traffic is passing through a third-party DNS service, which could theoretically intercept data. For maximum security when dealing with finances, it is better to use the provider’s standard DNS.
Do I need to delete the AdGuard application after disabling the settings?
No, it is not necessary. You can simply disable protection within the application. However, if you want to free up memory space and remove background processes, completely deleting the application is the best solution. Don't forget to also check the private DNS settings on the system after uninstallation.
Why do some sites open slowly after disabling DNS?
This may be due to the fact that your ISP's DNS servers are slower than AdGuard's optimized servers. In this case, you can try setting up addresses from Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) in your DNS settings, which often provide high response speed.
Does disabling DNS affect the operation of parental controls?
Yes, if parental controls were configured through DNS filtering (for example, blocking adult sites through a special DNS address). Once you disable this feature, content access restrictions will no longer apply at the network level.
Can your carrier block DNS shutdowns?
Your carrier cannot technically prevent you from changing settings on your device. However, in some regions or when using specific tariffs, providers may force their DNS servers to be implemented at the hardware level. In this case, changing the settings on the phone may not have an effect, and you will need to contact the provider's support.