How to Manually Change Your DNS Settings on Android

If you want to maximise your internet speed or protect your privacy, a quick and easy tweak you can make on your phone is to change the DNS settings. Let’s take a look at how.

Why Change Your DNS Settings?

First up, you might be wondering: “What exactly is the DNS?”

In short, the Domain Name System works kind of like the internet’s phone book. It takes the easy to remember domain names that you type into your browser’s address bar—like www.androidtipsandhacks.com—and turns them into numerical IP addresses that identify a website’s location on the internet.

Literally every time you load a web page, launch an app, connect to an online service, and so on, your computer or phone makes multiple connections to the DNS. By default, all devices connected to your Wi-Fi network will use your ISP’s DNS server, meaning that your ISP sees every website you try and visit.

So why would you want to change your DNS settings?

1. Speed Improvement: Some DNS providers offer faster query responses than your default ISP’s DNS, resulting in quicker page loads.
2. Privacy and Security: Third-party DNS services often come with enhanced privacy and security features, blocking malicious sites and preventing tracking.
3. Content Filtering: Certain DNS providers allow for custom filtering options, such as blocking adult content or specific websites.
4. Bypass Censorship: In regions with heavy internet censorship, changing your DNS can help you access restricted content.

There are two main methods to change your DNS settings on Android: via network settings and using a DNS changer app. We’ll take a look at both methods.

Change the DNS Settings via Network Settings

1. Start by opening the “Settings” app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to “Network & Internet” or “Connections,” depending on with phone model you’ve got.
3. Tap on “Wi-Fi” to view the available networks. Note that the DNS settings can only be changed for Wi-Fi networks, not mobile data.
4. Long press on the Wi-Fi network you are connected to and select “Modify network” or “Manage network settings.”
5. Tap on “Advanced options” to reveal more settings.
6. Change the IP settings from “DHCP” to “Static.” This will enable manual entry fields for DNS settings.
7. Scroll down to the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields. Enter your preferred DNS addresses. For example:
   • Google DNS: DNS 1: 8.8.8.8, DNS 2: 8.8.4.4
   • Cloudflare DNS: DNS 1: 1.1.1.1, DNS 2: 1.0.0.1
   • OpenDNS: DNS 1: 208.67.222.222, DNS 2: 208.67.220.220
8. After entering the DNS addresses, tap “Save” to apply the changes.

Use a DNS Changer App

If you prefer a more straightforward method or need to change DNS settings for mobile data, using a DNS changer app is a great option. Many apps are available on the Google Play Store that simplify the process.

1. Search for and download a reputable DNS changer app from the Google Play Store. Popular options include Blokada, 1.1.1.1 by Cloudflare, and DNS Switch.
2. Launch the app after installation.
3. Most apps will provide a list of popular DNS providers. Select your preferred provider or enter custom DNS addresses.
4. Tap the “Connect” or similar button within the app to apply the DNS changes. The app may require permission to create a VPN connection to function, which is necessary for it to modify DNS settings for both Wi-Fi and mobile data.
5. Once connected, the app will display a confirmation. You can verify the new DNS settings by checking your network details or using online tools.

Problems You Might Face

Changing DNS settings is generally straightforward, but you might encounter some issues. If you lose your internet connection after changing DNS settings, revert to the default settings by selecting “DHCP” under IP settings or disconnecting the DNS changer app.

Ensure that you have entered the DNS addresses correctly and try alternative DNS servers if the issue persists.

Some apps may not function correctly with certain DNS servers. If you experience issues with specific apps, consider reverting to the default DNS or trying a different provider.

Manually changing your DNS settings on Android can significantly enhance your browsing experience by improving speed, security, and access to content. Whether you choose to adjust your settings through network settings or use a DNS changer app, the process is relatively simple and can be completed in a few minutes.

If you want more ways to customise your phone’s internet connection, set up a data limit to ensure you always stay within your usage allowance.