Many mobile gamers are faced with an annoying problem: during the decisive moment in Brawl Stars the character freezes in place and the connection is lost. Often the culprit of such instability is not a weak Internet channel, but the standard domain name settings that your provider issues by default. Replacing these addresses with faster and more reliable alternatives can significantly reduce latency and improve the stability of the gameplay.
In this article, we will look in detail at how to change DNS server on your smartphone running Android specifically to optimize performance in Brawl Stars. We will look at both built-in system functions available on modern versions of the OS, as well as third-party applications for older devices. You will find out which addresses provide the best routing of traffic to Supercell game servers.
The setup procedure does not require obtaining root access and takes only a few minutes. However, before making changes to network configurations, it is important to understand how domain names work. This will help you consciously choose the right server and avoid common mistakes that can lead to complete loss of network access on your device.
Why change DNS specifically for Brawl Stars
Game Brawl Stars requires constant exchange of data packets with the server in real time. When you enter a query or take an action, your phone first contacts the DNS server to resolve the game server's domain name to its IP address. If this process takes too long or the ISP's server is overloaded, a delay known as a ping occurs. Standard ISP DNS servers are often not optimized for gaming traffic. They may have a high load or inefficient routing to the company's data centers ping.
Standard ISP DNS servers are often not optimized for gaming traffic. They may have a high load or inefficient routing to the company's data centers Supercell. Using public DNS from such giants as Google or Cloudflareallows you to route your request along a shorter and faster path.
In addition, changing addresses can help bypass some types of blocking or traffic filtering that are sometimes used by providers during peak hours. This is especially true for mobile networks, where priority is given to voice traffic and social networks, and game packages may be lost.
⚠️ Attention: Changing DNS will not increase the maximum speed of your Internet (bandwidth) if it is limited by the tariff. This procedure exclusively affects the response speed and stability of the connection with specific servers.
For players Brawl Stars not only the download speed is critically important, but also the absence of jitter - fluctuations in response time. A high-quality DNS server minimizes these fluctuations, making fighter control more responsive and predictable in heated battles.
Choosing the optimal DNS server for games
Not all public servers are equally useful for mobile games. Some of them are focused on security and content filtering, which can add extra milliseconds to response time. For Brawl Stars we need solutions that provide maximum resolution speed.
One of the leaders in this area is the service Cloudflare, which positions itself as the fastest in the world. Their infrastructure is distributed globally, allowing your request to be processed on the node closest to you. This is an ideal choice for reducing ping in international games.
Another popular option is Google Public DNS. It is highly reliable and stable, although in some regions it may be inferior to competitors in speed. It is also worth mentioning specialized gaming DNSs, such as OpenDNS, which have their own routing features.
It’s worth choosing take into account your location. What works perfectly in Moscow may be slow in Vladivostok. Therefore, the best approach would be to test several options directly during the game, monitoring the ping values in the match settings.
| DNS Provider | Primary address | Alternate address | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 | Maximum speed |
| 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | High stability | |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 | Threat blocking |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 | Flexible configuration |
Please note that some antiviruses and parental control apps may conflict with third-party DNS. If after changing the settings the game stops starting, check whether your security software is blocking new addresses.
Setting up Private DNS on Android 9 and later
Starting with version Android 9 (Pie), the system has added a function Private DNS (Private DNS). This is the modern and most preferred way to change servers, as it encrypts your DNS queries, protecting them from interception by your ISP.
You do not need to enter digital IP addresses to activate this feature. The provider's hostname is used instead. This simplifies setup and ensures compatibility with the DNS-over-TLS protocol that modern game servers support.
☑️ Check before setting up Private DNS
To enable Private DNS, go to the settings menu of your smartphone. The path may differ depending on the manufacturer's shell, but it is usually located in the Connections or Network and Internetsection. Find the item Private DNS (Private DNS).
By default, “Auto” is selected there. You need to switch it to “Private DNS provider hostname” mode. In the field that appears, enter the address of the selected service. For example, for Cloudflare it will be 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com, and for Google — dns.google.
⚠️ Attention: In the Private DNS field you need to enter the domain name of the host, and not IP addresses like 1.1.1.1. Entering numbers in this mode will result in an error saving the settings and disconnecting the Internet.
After entering the host name, click “Save”. The system will check the availability of the server. If everything went well, the connection icon will remain active and you can immediately run Brawl Stars to check the ping. If the connection is lost, return the settings to “Auto” mode.
Manually setting up DNS for older versions of Android
If your smartphone is running version Android 8 (Oreo) or lower, the Private DNS function is not available to you. In this case, you will have to change the settings manually for each Wi-Fi network separately. This is less convenient, but still effective.
Go to your Wi-Fi settings and find the network you are connected to. Tap and hold on it (or tap the gear icon) to open more options. You need to find the item IP settings and change it from value DHCP to Static (Static).
When switching to a static IP, the system will ask you to enter the device address, gateway and masks. Do not change these values if you are not sure of your actions - leave the default ones. Scroll down to the fields DNS 1 and DNS 2.
What if the DNS fields are grayed out?
If you can't change the DNS fields, try Forget Network and then reconnect to it by selecting Advanced before entering your password. In some firmware, editing is only possible at the connection stage.
In the DNS 1 field, enter the main address of the selected server (for example, 1.1.1.1), and in the DNS 2 field - an alternative one (for example, 1.0.0.1). Save your settings. Now your phone will use the specified addresses only when connected to this specific Wi-Fi network.
It is worth remembering that when switching to mobile data (3G/4G/5G), these settings will not apply. Changing DNS on a mobile network on older devices often requires third-party applications or superuser rights, which can be unsafe for the average user.
Using applications to change DNS
For those who do not want to delve into system settings or need to quickly change DNS when using the mobile data, there are special applications. They create a local VPN tunnel through which they redirect DNS requests without encrypting all other game traffic.
One of the most popular solutions is the application DNS Changer. It allows you to quickly switch between profiles, has a built-in speed test and supports a wide list of pre-installed servers. The interface of such apps is usually intuitive even for beginners.
Another powerful tool is 1.1.1.1 + WARP from Cloudflare. This is an official application that not only changes DNS, but also optimizes the traffic route. However, it is worth considering that full WARP mode may slightly increase ping due to encryption, so for games it is better to use the “DNS only” mode.
When using DNS changer applications, be sure to grant them permission to create a VPN connection. Without this right, the application will not be able to intercept and redirect your network requests.
The main disadvantage of this approach is the constant notification about VPN operation in the notification shade. In addition, some games or anti-cheats may conflict with virtual network interfaces, although Brawl Stars this is rare.
Before installing any application, carefully read reviews and check permissions. Avoid dubious apps that require access to contacts or files, since they only need network access to work with DNS.
Diagnosing problems and returning settings
After changing the DNS server, it is important to make sure that the changes are beneficial. Launch Brawl Stars and pay attention to the ping indicator in the upper corner of the screen. If the numbers become lower and more stable (fewer jumps), then you have chosen the right server.
However, situations are possible when the Internet disappears completely or the game gives a connection error. This may mean that the selected DNS server is not available in your region or is being blocked by your ISP. In this case, you must immediately return to the original settings.
To return to factory settings in the Private DNS menu, simply select the “Auto” or “Disabled” mode. If you configured a static IP for Wi-Fi, return the mode IP settings to DHCP. This will automatically pull up the addresses from your router.
⚠️ Attention: If the Internet does not appear after resetting the settings, try rebooting your smartphone. Sometimes the Android network stack requires a restart for DHCP changes to be applied correctly.
It is also recommended to clear the game cache after changing network settings. Go to Settings → Applications → Brawl Stars → Memory and click Clear cache. This will delete temporary files that may have remembered old connection routes.
If none of the public DNS improves the situation, the problem may be on the side of the provider or the game servers. In this case, changing the DNS is pointless, and it is worth trying to change the type of connection (for example, from Wi-Fi to mobile data).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will changing the DNS reduce my ping in Brawl Stars to 0 ms?
No, it is physically impossible to achieve 0 ms due to the laws of physics and distance to the server. Changing DNS can reduce the ping by 5-20 ms and make it more stable, but will not eliminate the delay completely.
Do you need to change DNS on each device separately?
Yes, DNS settings apply to a specific device. If you want to optimize the game on a tablet and phone, the procedure must be repeated for both gadgets. The setting on the router will apply the changes to all devices on the network.
Is it safe to use third-party DNS services?
Using well-known providers such as Google or Cloudflare is absolutely safe. They process billions of requests every day. Avoid only little-known free services with a dubious reputation.
Why does the game write “Unable to connect” after changing DNS?
Probably, the selected server is temporarily unavailable or blocked by your provider. Try switching to another address from the table or returning the settings to “Auto” mode.
Does changing DNS affect battery consumption?
The name resolution process itself consumes negligible energy. However, using DNS changer applications running in the background may slightly increase battery consumption.