If your connection is choppy, certain websites won't load, or you're worried about your privacy, changing your Android's DNS might be the boost you need. It's a quick, free adjustment with a real impact on speed, privacy, and security.And you can do it yourself without third-party apps.
Before we get into the details, it's helpful to understand what we're talking about. DNS stands for Domain Name System and it acts like an internet phone book: translates easy-to-remember names into numeric IP addresses So your mobile device knows which server to connect to. Using more reliable or private DNS servers can speed up domain resolution, bypass certain DNS blocks, and reduce your online footprint.
What is a DNS and why change it?
In general terms, when you type a web address into the browser, the system asks the DNS server how to get to that site. If the DNS responds quickly and doesn't spy on your queriesYour experience improves: pages that open faster, fewer incidents, and more control over your data.
Besides speed, there are other common reasons to change servers: privacy (prevent your operator from logging inquiries), security (blocking malicious websites) and the ability to bypass DNS-based blocks imposed by some providers.
By default, your mobile phone usually uses the DNS of the router or the operator. That's functional, but not always the most efficient.Fortunately, Android allows different configurations depending on the version: from a private DNS mode that works for the whole system to changes for each Wi-Fi network on older devices.
Before we begin: Android version and differences depending on the manufacturer
Menus may be named slightly differently depending on the brand or customization layer. If something doesn't match exactlyLook for options with similar names in your Settings app or consult your phone manufacturer's help.
To find out which Android you have, go to Settings and look for Phone information or About device. Knowing the version will tell you if you can use system-wide private DNS. or if you will have to configure the DNS network by network on Wi-Fi.
Android 9 and later: System-wide private DNS
Since Android 9, you can define a private DNS that applies to both Wi-Fi and mobile data. It's the cleanest and most convenient way to change DNS because it doesn't depend on the network you connect to.
- Open Settings on your mobile.
- Go to Network & Internet (or Connections on some models) and look for the Private DNS section, sometimes within Advanced.
- Choose Private DNS Provider Hostname.
- Enter the host of the service you want to use, for example: dns. google (Google) or one.one.one.one (Cloudflare).
- Press Save to apply the changes.
If you want to return to the original behavior, select Automatic in that same menu. This mode uses DNS over TLS (DoT) to encrypt your DNS queries whenever the server supports it, increasing privacy against third parties on the network.
Please note that the exact menu names may vary. The private DNS setting encrypts and authenticates only DNS queriesIt does not replace a VPN nor does it protect other aspects of traffic.
Android 8 and earlier: Change DNS on each Wi-Fi network
In versions prior to Android 9, there is no system private DNS. You can change the DNS settings on specific Wi-Fi networksBut not for mobile data, and you'll have to repeat the process on each saved network if you want the same behavior.
- Connect to the Wi-Fi network where you want to change the DNS settings.
- Open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then tap Wi-Fi.
- Press and hold the connected network and select Modify network or Manage network settings.
- Expand Advanced Options and locate IP Settings.
- Change DHCP to Static to be able to edit network fields.
- Fill in the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields with your preferred servers.
- Save the changes so they take effect on that network.
To return to the original network settings, go back to IP Settings and select DHCP. Remember that this change only affects that specific Wi-Fi network.Therefore, if you connect to another network, you will have to repeat the operation.
To make it easier for you, here are some common examples you can enter as DNS 1 and DNS 2: Google 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
Recommended DNS servers and addresses
Not all DNS servers are created equal. Some prioritize performance, others privacy or threat filtering. These free options stand out for their quality and reliability.:
- Google Public DNS (performance and high availability). IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
- Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 (very fast and with a focus on privacy). IPv4: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
- OpenDNS Home (Cisco, with configurable filtering). IPv4: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220.
- OpenDNS Shield (preconfigured filters for adults). IPv4: 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123.
- Quad9 (blocking malware, phishing, botnets). IPv4: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112.
If you're undecided between several, start with Cloudflare or Google and evaluate. The best choice may vary depending on your carrier and your location.So it's worth trying and sticking with the one that responds fastest.
Quick guide: Change DNS on Android without third-party apps
It doesn't matter if your manufacturer adds a custom layer: the setting is in Settings and is found under Network & Internet or similar connections. You don't need to install external applications to change DNSEverything is done through the system.
- If your Android is modern, use private DNS with the provider's name (dns.google, one.one.one.one).
- If it's an older model, modify the Wi-Fi network, activate static IP, and enter DNS 1 and DNS 2.
This process is reversible in seconds: in private DNS it returns to Automatic and in Wi-Fi it changes static IP to DHCP. This way you can restore the original settings whenever you want..
Other platforms: in case you're also interested
Although we're focusing on Android here, you might want to align the behavior of all your devices. These are the basics for changing DNS on other systems:
Windows
In Windows 11 and 10, go to Settings, then Network & Internet and open your network properties. Look for DNS settings and change them to manual. to enter servers such as 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 or 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
MacOS
Go to System Preferences, enter Network, select the interface (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click Advanced. In the DNS tab you can add new servers and remove old ones. with a couple of clicks.
Linux
In distributions with a graphical environment (for example, Ubuntu), open Settings, then Network and edit IPv4 or IPv6. Go to manual to complete the DNS fieldsIf you prefer the terminal, you can work with the /etc/resolv.conf file or your network manager's tools.
iPhone and iPad
Go to Settings, open Wi-Fi and tap the information icon for your network. In Configure DNS, choose Manual and add the desired serversPlease note that this applies to that specific network.
Router
If you want all the computers in your home to use the same DNS servers, Configure them on the routerEnter your management IP address (usually 192.168.1.1), log in, and look for WAN or Internet. Fill in the primary and secondary DNS, save, and restart the router.This way, mobile phones, laptops, and consoles will automatically inherit the new DNS.
If you notice that the Wi-Fi is weak despite the DNS change, Consider relocating the router. or reinforce the network with repeaters or access points. DNS helps with name resolution, but it doesn't compensate for poor coverage..
Networking features on Android that you should know about
Android includes useful settings beyond DNS that can improve your experience, especially if you have data limits or want to fine-tune network behavior. Here are some that you might be interested in checking out.:
Metered Wi-Fi network
Useful if your Wi-Fi has a data cap. By marking it as metered usage, the system reduces background data consumption. The general steps are: Settings, Network & Internet, your Wi-Fi network, Network usage, and enable Treat as metered network.
MAC address and randomization
You can check your device's MAC address in Settings, About phone, and also see the random MAC address that Android 10 or higher uses for privacy. With Wi-Fi turned on, go to Network & Internet, your network, and look for Random MAC Address to locate it if you need it, for example, for parental control.
Private DNS: Options and Scope
Within Networks and Internet you will find Private DNS with three modes: Off, Automatic and Provider Hostname. Enable Hostname to define dns.google or one.one.one.one and tap Save. Google recommends always having private DNS enabled.
Important: Private DNS only protects your DNS queries; it does not encrypt or hide the rest of your traffic. If you need more layers of privacy, consider complementary solutions such as a VPN.
Wi-Fi preferences and advanced options
At the bottom of the Internet or Wi-Fi section you will see Network Preferences with various help options. You can automatically activate Wi-Fi when your mobile phone detects saved networks. and receive notifications of good quality open networks.
In Advanced, depending on the version, you will find utilities such as Install certificates and Wi-Fi Direct to connect devices without an intermediary network. On older Android devices, you'll also see WPS (button or PIN) if the network supports it.However, this feature disappeared in recent versions for security reasons.
Practical tips when changing DNS
If you notice that certain websites do not resolve after changing DNS, check that you have correctly entered the provider's address or host. On Android 9 or higher, you must enter the hostname, not IP addresses.because private mode requires DNS over TLS.
If your Android device is older and you're on a public or work Wi-Fi network, you may not be able to edit the settings. In those cases, change the DNS settings on your own router or use another network where you have permission..
Try a service for a couple of days and if you don't notice any improvement, change it. The operator's network and peering conditions have a significant influenceThat's why there is no universal answer that works for all scenarios.
And of course, remember that DNS doesn't fix coverage problems, channel congestion, or interference. To improve the signal, relocate the router, use 5 GHz when possible, or reinforce it with mesh equipment..
With all of the above, you now have a complete roadmap: what DNS is, why it's a good idea to change it, and how to do it step by step on Android (both on modern versions with private DNS and on older devices for each Wi-Fi network), as well as recommended alternatives like Google, Cloudflare, OpenDNS, and Quad9 with their exact addresses. With just a few taps and without installing anything, you can gain speed, privacy, and security in your daily life. Share this information and more users will know how to change the DNS on Android.