Changing the pre-configured Domain Name System (DNS) on your Android phone or tablet is not as complicated as it sounds. In fact, you can change the DNS of your device in a matter of seconds. As long as you know how to navigate through the interface of your device and the DNS server that you want to set.
Domain Name System (DNS)
Domain Name System (DNS) is known as the phonebook of the Internet. IP addresses are registered and recognized using the name of the host. Similar to a cell phone, a contact number is saved and registered to the owner.
In a real-world scenario, us humans can access information online through domain names such as Joyofandroid.com, Google.com, etc. In the computer processes, internet browsers interact with domains by means Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. IP addresses are used so browsers can load Internet resources through Domain Names.
There are about hundreds of available DNS that you can use and those can be separated into 2 categories, Public DNS and Private DNS. A Public DNS is a publicly available domain name system server that’s generally provided by your internet service provider. It maintains a record of domain names that are publicly available and accessible through the internet. A Private DNS, on the other hand, are servers that reflect your own domain name instead of your hosting provider.
Best DNS Servers for Android
If you’re new to DNS and doesn’t know the details of the server that you wish to use, then here are our recommendation for the best DNS servers to use for Android.
- Google DNS – 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 (Hostname: dns.google)
- Cloudflare DNS – 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1 (Hostname: 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com)
- Quad9 DNS – 9.9.9.9 (Hostname: dns.quad9.net)
- Cleanbrowsing DNS – 185.228.168.9:853 (Hostname: security-filter-dns.cleanbrowsing.org)
For devices running on Android 8 and up, you may have to use the hostname of the server. For older versions of Android, use the IP address.
How to Change the DNS on Android
To change the DNS on your Android Phone or tablet, simply follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Access Device DNS Settings
To access the DNS settings of your device, you need to launch the Settings app and proceed to Wireless & Network option. (On some phone it’s Internet & Network)
From there, look for Private DNS and tap on it to access the DNS settings of your device. (In some phones, you need to tap on Advance to find the Private DNS option)
Step 2: Configure Device DNS
Tap Private DNS and select the option that will let you input the details of the DNS server that you wish to use. On the device we used for this example, the option is Configure Private DNS.
Once you’re able to type in the details, type the server name of the DNS that you will use.
Once you’ve typed the server name, tap Save. In some devices, there will be no save button and you simply have to go back.
And that’s it, that’s how easy it is to change the DNS on Android.
Note:
- This method works with smartphones running on Android 9 and up.
- The naming scheme might be different for each Android versions.
- This method may or may not work on older Android versions.
On older Android versions, this method may not work since some options may be located or done differently.
If you followed the steps and couldn’t find the Private DNS option, this means that you have to do a different procedure. If this is the case, follow the easy steps below:
- On your Android phone or tablet, navigate to Settings -> Wi-Fi.
- Tap and hold the Wi-Fi that your device is currently connected to. A modal window will appear and in that window, tap Modify Network.
- Tap Advanced options and then tap DHCP. From the popup, tap Static and then tap DNS 1.
- Input the IP address of the server that you wish to use. For example, Google DNS will be 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4.
Once done, tap Save and you’re done. Easy isn’t it?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Android phone can’t save DNS settings?
In some smartphones running on Android OS, the Save button is not available and to save the changes that you made with the DNS of the phone, you just have to go back to the previous settings and it will automatically save any changes that you made.
How to Clear DNS Cache on Android Devices?
To clear the DNS cache on your Android phone, just head to your browser’s settings. Under advance, tap privacy. Tap Clear browsing data, select cache, and then tap clear data.
How to check Android DNS server?
To know the DNS server that your Android is currently using, go to the Google Play Store and download and install the PingTools Network Utilities app. Launch the app and tap on Network. You will find the current DNS used by your Android phone in the list displayed.
Ping Network Utilities App
The Ping Network Utilities app is more than just an app that displays the current DNS settings of your device. It is also capable of continuous monitoring of remote resources, display devices connected to the network, ping ICMP, TPC, and HTTP, traceroute UDP or ICMP, scan TCP ports, and more!
Learn more about Domain Name System (DNS) with this entry-level guide which translates internet hostnames into IP addresses, DNS for Dummies.
With this book, you can learn more about DNS, how to use it, and learn how to secure your very own system. It includes real-world examples based on the author’s daily experiences from various companies of all sizes.
Changing Android DNS
Android can be quite difficult sometimes since things change a lot with different versions of Android. On the earlier versions, users are not actually allowed to change the DNS of the device which changed later on with the more updated versions.
Similar to a windows PC, DNS was mostly based on using the IP address of the server. With versions starting with Andriod 9 (Pie), you now have to use the hostname instead of the IP address.
If you end up having difficulties in changing the DNS of your Android phone, we recommend using the corresponding app of the DNS server that you wish to use. For example, you can download and install the DNS changer app designed by Cloudfare called 1.1.1.1: Faster & Safer Internet.
