Throughout this guide you will see What exactly are DNS servers, why would you want to change them on Android, what server options are available, and how to do it step by step? depending on your system version. You'll also find useful tips, apps for quickly changing DNS settings, and what to do if you accidentally change something and suddenly lose your internet connection.
What is a DNS and how does it work on your Android?
When you type an address like "google.com" or open your banking app, your phone doesn't work with those fancy names, but with numbers. That's where the... Domain Name System (DNS)which acts like a giant phone book: it translates the domain names you see to numeric IP addresses that machines do understand.
That job is done by a DNS serverEvery time an app or browser tries to access a website or online service, your Android device queries that server to ask, "Hey, where is this address?" The server responds with the IP address, and then the connection is established. This process happens continuously in the background. every time you open websites, applications, or services that connect to the Internet.
By default, your mobile uses the DNS that gives your operator dand the internet or your routerThey're functional, but they aren't always the fastest or the most privacy-conscious. Furthermore, many website blocks are implemented through these servers, so Changing your DNS settings can bypass certain restrictions..
Why should you change your DNS settings on Android?
It may seem like a very technical adjustment, but the truth is that Changing DNS settings on Android is a simple change with very clear effects. in your daily life. There are several compelling reasons to do so.
Improve connection speed and stability
Choosing a good DNS helps to Websites respond faster, there are fewer domain resolution errors, and you have a somewhat smoother browsing experience.It's not pure magic, but it's one of those small, free optimizations that make a difference, especially if you browse a lot from your mobile device.
Gain privacy from your carrier and some services
Each DNS request leaves a very specific trace of your online activity: which domains you visit, at what times, from which connection… With default DNS settings, Your carrier (and often large providers like Google) can record all that query historyThey don't see the encrypted content of what you do inside each website, but they do see which sites you connect to.
If you're concerned about maintaining a less public profile, it makes sense to switch to DNS with stricter privacy policiesProviders such as Cloudflare, Quad9, Mullvad, or some content moderation services promise Do not log your IP address or keep the data only for as long as necessary. and they publish audits or very clear policies on the matter.
Block trackers, intrusive advertising, and malicious domains
Many apps on your mobile include third-party analytics and advertising modules These components operate even when you're not opening anything. They generate background traffic to ad servers, tracking services, and other measurement platforms. All of this traffic is first resolved through DNS.
Strengthening security against phishing and dangerous websites
Some DNS providers focus almost entirely on security. They continuously analyze lists of domains associated with malware, phishing, spyware or botnetsand they block them at the resolution level. If you try to access a compromised website that's on their lists, the connection simply won't resolve.
Services like Quad9, OpenDNS with filtering, or Cloudflare with a family profile They function as a kind of lightweight firewall at the domain name level. They don't replace antivirus software or a VPN, but They provide an extra layer that is very useful for avoiding falling for fake websites or suspicious downloads., both on WiFi and, in recent versions of Android, with mobile data.
Avoid DNS blocks and content restrictions
When a government or authority forces an operator to block access to certain sites, Typically, this blocking is done by manipulating the operator's DNS servers.In other words, the domain stops resolving from those servers, even though the website still exists.
In many cases, simply changing your DNS settings to an external provider not subject to that block will allow you to regain access. It's not a universal solution to all forms of censorship, but it works for many basic DNS-based restrictions. It's a quick, free, and very simple trick..
Recommended DNS servers for Android
Before you get started, it is advisable decide which DNS servers you are going to useThere are many options, but some They stand out for speed, privacy, or security.You can use different profiles depending on what matters most to you.
Google Public DNS
It is one of the best known and most widely used worldwide. Google Public DNS is betting on performance and high availabilityIt's not the most private, but it is very stable and easy to remember.
Most used IPv4 addresses of Google DNS:
- Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
Google also provides directions. IPv6However, on Android most users focus on IPv4 when manually configuring DNS on WiFi networks.
Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) and security variants
Cloudflare's DNS has become very popular because it combines great speed and a strong focus on privacyAccording to independent tests such as DNSPerf, it is usually among the fastest globally.
For IPv4, the main addresses of Cloudflare are:
- Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
- Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1
Cloudflare promises Do not permanently log your IP address or sell your data.and undergoes external audits. Furthermore, it offers various filtering profiles (malware blocking, parental controls, etc.), very useful if you want Block adult content or dangerous websites directly from your DNS.
On Android 9 and higher, you can use its encrypted DNS using a private hostname, such as one.one.one.oneCloudflare also has an official app to activate its service with one tap and create a kind of DNS VPN.
OpenDNS / Cisco Umbrella
OpenDNS, now part of Cisco, is a long-established option geared towards both home users and businesses. It stands out for its Optional content filters, parental controls, and protection against malware and phishing.
Typical IPv4 addresses of OpenDNS Home:
- Primary DNS: 208.67.222.222
- Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.220
There are also profiles like OpenDNS Shielddesigned to automatically block certain content (for example, adult websites), which can be applied to both routers and individual devices, offering a good level of control over what can be visited from the network.
Quad9 DNS
Quad9 is a security-focused DNS service. Its main objective is block malicious domains before your device even connectsusing updated lists of trusted sources.
Common IPv4 addresses of Quad9:
- Primary DNS: 9.9.9.9
- Secondary DNS: 149.112.112.112
It's ideal if you're particularly concerned about protection against malware, phishing, spyware or botnetsIn return, it may block some sites that are not actually dangerous but are misclassified, something relatively normal in any aggressive filtering.
Privacy-oriented DNS and tracker blocking
If your top priority is to reduce as much tracking and advertising as possible at the network levelThere are several providers designed specifically for this purpose. Among them are:
- AdGuard DNS (for example, host) dns.adguard-dns.com), specializing in blocking ads, trackers, and malicious domains.
- Mullvad DNS (as all.dns.mullvad.net o adblock.dns.mullvad.net), managed by the team at the well-known VPN Mullvad, with a no logs policy very strict.
- ControlD / FreeDNS with family profiles (for example, family.freedns.controld.com), with combinations of adult filters, ads, and malware.
These services are especially interesting when you configure the Encrypted private DNS on Android 9 or higherbecause they combine filtering, privacy, and encryption of queries into a single setting.
How to change DNS on Android 9 and later versions
Since Android 9 (Pie), the system incorporates a native feature called Private DNSWith it you can configure a DNS provider encrypted using TLS that applies to all device traffic, both on WiFi and mobile dataprovided the supplier is compatible.
Depending on the manufacturer, the menu routes They change a little, but in general the steps are very similar:
- Open the Settings of the telephone.
- Sign in Network and Internet (on some mobile phones it may be called "Connections" or similar).
- Look for the option Private DNSSometimes it's in a separate section. Advanced.
- Choose Private DNS provider hostname.
- Write the DNS service host that you want to use. Common examples:
- For Google encrypted DNS: dns. google
- For Cloudflare encrypted DNS: one.one.one.one
- For AdGuard: hosts like dns.adguard-dns.com (according to the profile)
- For Mullvad: all.dns.mullvad.net, adblock.dns.mullvad.net, etc.
- Save the changes and make sure the mode is set to Automatic, not Automatic. Private DNS with hostname.
By activating this option, All DNS queries from your Android device are sent encrypted to your chosen provider.Provided the connection allows it. If at any point you experience connection problems (for example, a hotel or university Wi-Fi network filters this type of traffic), you can temporarily revert to the previous option. Automatic to restore the default behavior.
Change DNS on Android 8 and earlier
In Android 8 and earlier versions, there is no system-level private DNS setting. However, you can change the DNS servers for each Wi-Fi network you connect to, without needing root access or special apps. That said, It doesn't affect mobile data, only the WiFi networks you modify..
The specific steps depend somewhat on each manufacturer's layer, but the logic is always the same: Change IP to static, edit the network and fill in the DNS fields.
- Connect your mobile to WiFi network where you want to change the DNS.
- Open the app Settings of the System.
- Go to Network and Internet (or "Connections") and enter Wi-Fi.
- Press and hold the network you're connected to and choose Modify network o Manage network settingsOn some mobile phones, a pencil icon will appear for editing.
- Deploy the AdvancedIf you don't see that text, look for the section IP settings.
- En IP settings, changes the mode of DHCP a StaticThis will unlock the IP, gateway, and DNS fields.
- Scroll down and locate the fields DNS 1 y DNS 2.
- Enter the addresses of the DNS servers you want to use (for example, 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1, or 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
- Save the changes and wait a few seconds for the WiFi connection to be restored.
Since then, That specific WiFi network will use the DNS you have configured.If you switch Wi-Fi networks, you'll have to repeat the process for each one if you want them all to use the same servers. To restore the original configuration, simply edit the network settings again. revert IP setting to DHCPor simply "forget" that network and reconnect.
How to change DNS on Android from WiFi settings
Although we've already seen the difference between versions, it's useful to have one Overview of the typical flow you'll find when tapping the WiFi settings on almost any Android, especially if the manufacturer's skin changes the menu names.
On most mobile phones, if you want touch the DNS For a specific WiFi network, the process can be summarized as follows:
- Enter the section WiFi within Settings.
- Tap or hold the network you are connected to.
- Choosing Modify network or tap the edit icon (pencil).
- Open the Advanced Options or the "IP Settings" section.
- Change DHCP IP to Static to unlock the DNS fields.
- Fill DNS 1 and DNS 2 with the servers you have chosen.
On some models, the labels may be slightly different (for example, "IP Configuration" instead of "IP Settings"), but The logic is identical in almost all layers. of Android.
Apps to change DNS on Android without complications
If you don't want to manually adjust the settings for each Wi-Fi network, or if you also need to change the DNS settings used with mobile data in older versions of Android, you can use specific apps. Most of them do the following: create a local VPN-type interface to redirect DNS requests, without needing root.
Among the best known you have:
- DNS Changer ProIt allows you to easily change DNS settings on both Wi-Fi and mobile data networks. It includes a list of pre-configured servers (Google DNS, OpenDNS, Yandex DNS, Level3, Norton ConnectSafe, DNS.Watch, Comodo Secure, etc.) and you can also... Add your own custom DNS.
- Change DNSDesigned to automatically change your DNS settings when you use mobile data or when you turn on your phone. It's very useful if you want bypass restrictions from your mobile operator or ISP with a couple of touches.
- DNS Changer: allows you to enable or disable DNS switching from a permanent notificationIn addition, it offers PIN protection and parental control options, as well as measures to prevent easy uninstallation.
- dnspipeOne of the most complete options, with support for IPv4 and IPv6, no ads, with PIN lock and uninstallation protectionIt's ideal if you want more advanced control without needing root access.
- DNS ChangeIt stands out because it doesn't require actual internet access beyond managing the VPN interface itself. This reduces the possibility of the app collecting data, as its function is solely set up the necessary layer to redirect DNS requests.
In all cases, remember to review the permissions you grant and, above all, Understand that when using an app of this type, all your DNS resolution goes through it.It is essential to choose reliable, up-to-date, and reputable tools.
DNS and other devices: routers, computers, and more
Although this guide focuses on Android, the concept is the same for any connected device. You can change the DNS settings in Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and even directly on the routerso that all the computers in the house can start using those servers without having to touch them one by one.
On Windows computers you can do it from the Control Panel > Network Center > Change adapter settingsby accessing your network adapter properties and manually configuring the DNS servers in the IPv4 protocol. You can even go a step further and use PowerShell to automate the change using commands such as Set-DnsClientServerAddressor see the result with Ipconfig -all.
On macOS the change is made from System settings > NetworkBy accessing your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection and adjusting the DNS settings. On Linux, you can modify / Etc / resolv.conf You can manage DNS settings from the terminal or through the graphical network settings. On iOS, the adjustment is made for each Wi-Fi network. Settings > Wi-Fi > Network icon > Configure DNS > Manual.
If you don't want to go device by device, the most convenient alternative is change the DNS settings on the routerNormally, you just need to access your local IP address (something like 192.168.1.1), log in, and locate the WAN or Internet settings section, where the primary and secondary DNS fields are usually found. After saving them and reboot the routerAll connected devices in the home will automatically use those servers.
How can I tell which DNS servers are the fastest?
If you want to maximize performance, you can check which DNS servers are fastest for your location and internet service provider. On your computer, you have tools to... DNS benchmarking that analyze dozens of servers and tell you which ones perform best in your specific case.
Some utilities The most commonly used are:
- DNSBenchmarkVery lightweight and easy to use. It analyzes both public servers and those you have configured (for example, those of your operator). It displays results with color-coded graphs. cached, uncached and dotcom queriesThe tabular data and conclusions tabs help you interpret which combination suits you best.
- NamebenchOriginally developed by Google, it compares different DNS servers using your browsing history and standard datasetsoffering more personalized results. It allows you to adjust the number of servers to test, check for censorship, choose data sources (history or list of popular websites), and more.
- DNS Performance TestTests the performance of different DNS servers using a database of approximately 10.000 websites. Displays information in graphs and statistics accessible even while the test is running.
Keep in mind that many times Your own ISP's DNS servers may appear to be the fastest. simply due to proximity on the network. Even so, you might prefer to sacrifice a little pure speed in exchange for more privacy or content filtering.
What happens if you misconfigure DNS settings on Android?
One common fear is, "What if I mess something up and lose my internet connection?" The most likely outcome if you enter the DNS settings incorrectly (for example, by entering the wrong number) is that... lose the ability to resolve domain namesYou'll see that websites don't load, even though the WiFi icon is active.
The solutionHowever, it is very simple:
- If you've changed the DNS settings for a specific WiFi network, go back to its settings and change them. IP settings in DHCP Again, or delete the network ("forget") and reconnect from scratch.
- If you have changed the Private DNS On Android 9+, try putting it in mode Automatic or temporarily disable it until you verify that the connection is working again.
As a general rule, before changing anything it is advisable write down the original values ​​somewhereIn case you want to revert the change exactly to how it was. And if things get complicated, you can always restart your phone and router or restore your device's network settings.
Changing DNS settings on Android is a quick, reversible adjustment that anyone can do, yet it directly affects How fast, private, and secure is your daily browsing?Understanding what they are, which providers exist, and how to configure them according to your Android version gives you room to fine-tune your connection, reduce silent tracking by many apps, and bypass basic carrier-imposed blocks with just a couple of taps. Share this tutorial so that more users can learn about the topic.