The loading speed of web pages and access to blocked resources directly depend on which domain name server address your device uses. By default, mobile operators and ISPs assign their own DNS, which is often slow or censors traffic. Changing these settings to alternative public addresses is one of the simplest and most effective ways to optimize the network on a smartphone without obtaining root access.
In this article we will analyze in detail which DNS server to register on Android to solve specific problems: speeding up the response, increasing privacy or blocking ads. You will learn about the advantages of modern encryption protocols and receive step-by-step guide for different versions of the operating system.
Why change DNS on a smartphone at all
The domain name system (DNS) works like an Internet phone book, converting human-readable website addresses into digital ones IP addresses that computers understand. When you enter a query in the browser, the device sends a request to the ISP's DNS server. If this server is overloaded or geographically distant, a delay known as ping occurs, which slows down the opening of pages.
Using third-party resolvers allows you to bypass provider restrictions. Many Internet companies block access to certain resources at the DNS level. By switching to an independent server, you often gain access to sites that were not previously accessible. In addition, some providers spoof DNS responses to display their own advertisements or collect statistics about your visits.
Modern alternative services offer support for the DNS-over-TLS and DNS-over-HTTPSprotocols. These technologies encrypt your requests, making them invisible to your ISP and protecting them from being intercepted by attackers on public Wi-Fi networks. This is critical to maintaining digital hygiene and data privacy.
⚠️ Attention: Changing DNS does not change your IP address or make you completely anonymous online. To completely conceal your location and encrypt all traffic, you must use VPN services.
Rating of the best public DNS servers
The choice of the optimal address depends on your priorities. Some servers are focused on maximum speed, while others are focused on filtering malicious content or blocking trackers. Below is a list of the most reliable and time-tested options that work reliably in most regions.
The service from Cloudflare is traditionally considered the leader in response speed. Their infrastructure is distributed throughout the world, which ensures minimal latency when processing requests. For users who are concerned about ads and trackers, servers with filtering capabilities such as AdGuard DNS or NextDNS are an excellent choice.
Google Public DNS remains one of the most popular solutions due to its stability and ease of remembering addresses. However, it is worth considering that Google collects telemetry, so for those who want maximum privacy, this option may be less preferable compared to the policies of other providers.
| Provider | Primary address (IPv4) | Alternate address | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 | The fastest, emphasis on privacy |
| 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | High stability, global coverage | |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 | Blocking phishing and malicious domains |
| AdGuard | 94.140.14.14 | 94.140.15.15 | Built-in blocking of ads and trackers |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 | Flexible parental control settings |
For maximum speed, try testing several servers using the DNS Speed Test application, as the result depends on yours and your telecom operator.
Setting up private DNS in Android 9 and later
Starting with Android 9 (Pie), the system has a built-in “Private DNS” function. This is the most modern and preferred configuration method as it uses the secure DNS-over-TLS protocol. You do not need to enter digital IP addresses, just specify the hostname of the provider.
To activate the function, go to Settings, then select the section Network and Internet or Connections. Find the item Private DNS. By default, the mode is “Auto”, which uses the provider settings. Select the “DNS Provider Hostname” option.
In the field that opens, you must enter the server address in domain name format. For example, for Cloudflare it is 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com, and for Google it is dns.google. After entering, click "Save". If the address is entered correctly, the connection will be established instantly.
dns.googleone.one.one.one
dns.adguard.com
This method encrypts all DNS traffic between your phone and the server, preventing response spoofing. However, it is worth remembering that not all providers support this function at the level of their tariffs, although on the Android side it works correctly if you have access to the Internet.
⚠️ Attention: If you entered the wrong host name, the Internet on the device may completely disappear. In this case, return the setting to “Disabled” or “Auto” mode and double-check the address in the official source.
☑️ Checking the Private DNS settings
Manual DNS configuration for Wi-Fi and mobile networks
If you have a version of Android lower than 9, the private DNS feature will not be available. In this case, you will have to manually enter addresses for each network separately. This method is less convenient, but still effective for basic change of resolvers.
To configure Wi-Fi, go to the list of available networks, press and hold the name of your network, then select Change network or Manage network settings. Expand the additional settings and change the setting IP settings from DHCP to Static.
In the "DNS 1" and "DNS 2" fields, enter the selected IP addresses, for example 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Save your changes. For mobile networks, the process is more complicated and may require the use of special applications or engineering menu codes, since the standard Android interface often hides these settings for cellular connections.
When using a static IP, make sure that the gateway and subnet mask remain unchanged, otherwise you will lose access to the local network and the Internet. This method does not encrypt requests, so the provider can still see which domains you are visiting.
What to do if the DNS fields are inactive?
In some firmware from manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi), the DNS setting for mobile data is blocked. In this case, the only solution is to use an application like DNS Changer, which creates a local VPN tunnel to redirect requests.
Blocking ads and malware via DNS
One of the most popular features of alternative DNSs is content filtering. Servers like AdGuard DNS or NextDNS can block requests to known ad networks and trackers before they even load on your device.
This allows you to significantly speed up page loading, since the browser does not need to download heavy banners and tracking scripts. In addition, the consumption of mobile traffic and battery power is reduced. To activate this feature in Private DNS mode, use the address dns.adguard-dns.com.
It is important to understand that DNS filtering is not a panacea. It will not remove advertising within the YouTube or Instagram apps, since the content there is loaded from the same domains as the main video. However, for browser ads and pop-ups in games, this method works very effectively.
- 🛡️ Quad9 automatically blocks domains associated with botnets and phishing.
- 🚫 AdGuard removes ads, trackers and analytics counters at the network level.
- 👨👩👧👦 OpenDNS FamilyShield designed to block adult content.
Using a filtering DNS is a compromise: you get clean Internet without unnecessary water, but some sites may not work correctly if the blocking affects the necessary scripts.
Diagnosing problems and returning to factory settings
Sometimes after changing the DNS server, users are faced with the fact that some sites stop opening or work slowly. This may be due to the fact that the selected server is blocked in your region or is temporarily unavailable. In such cases, you need to be able to quickly roll back changes.
To return to the default settings in the “Private DNS” section, simply select “Disabled” or “Auto”. The system will automatically switch to the servers of your mobile operator or Wi-Fi router. If the problem persists, try clearing the DNS cache.
Clearing the cache on modern versions of Android often occurs automatically when switching network modes (turning airplane mode on/off). You can also use the command via ADB for advanced users, but for most, a simple reboot of the device is sufficient.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces may differ depending on the smartphone model and shell version (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). If you do not find the item you need, use the search in the settings by entering the query “DNS”.
Regularly check the relevance of server addresses, as providers may change policies or technical addresses. If you notice a sharp drop in speed, try testing another option from our rating.
How to check if the new DNS is working?
Go to dnsleaktest.com and run a standard test. In the results you should see the name of the provider you selected (for example, Cloudflare or Google), and not your Internet operator.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does changing DNS affect Internet speed in games?
Yes, but indirectly. DNS is only responsible for the time it takes to find the game server address when connecting. Ping during the game itself and the speed of downloading updates depend on the quality of the communication channel and provider routing, and not on DNS. However, a fast DNS response can speed up entry into a match.
Is it safe to use free public DNS?
Large providers such as Cloudflare, Google and Quad9 have strict privacy policies and do not sell user data. They are more secure than the DNS of many small providers who can log and analyze your traffic for commercial purposes.
Can changing DNS help bypass messenger blocking?
Partially. If blocking is implemented only at the DNS level (name resolution prohibition), then changing the server will help. However, many modern blocks use DPI (deep packet inspection), in which case DNS will not help, and a VPN or DPI bypass will be required.
Do you need to configure DNS on each device separately?
Yes, the setting is applied locally to the device. However, if you change the DNS in the settings of your Wi-Fi router, then all devices connected to it (phones, TVs, laptops) will automatically start using the new servers.
What to do if, after changing the DNS, the mobile bank stops working?
Some banks use their own secure DNS or are strictly tied to the provider's servers for security. Temporarily disable private DNS or add the bank's domain to exceptions if your DNS provider supports such a function (for example, NextDNS).