Why Change DNS on Android
Your DNS resolver is the service that translates domain names like internetspeedtest.aeinto IP addresses. By default your phone uses whatever DNS your ISP (e& or Du) assigns. Switching to a faster, privacy-focused resolver can speed up page loads, block malicious domains, and stop your ISP from logging every site you look up. If you are new to DNS, start with our What Is DNS guide.
Method 1: Private DNS (Recommended)
Private DNS is the best option on Android 9 and later. It applies to both Wi-Fi and mobile data and uses encrypted DNS over TLS, so nobody on your network can read your queries.
- Open Settings → Network & internet → Private DNS (on Samsung: Settings → Connections → More connection settings → Private DNS)
- Select Private DNS provider hostname
- Enter your provider's hostname (see table below)
- Tap Save
Method 2: Per-Wi-Fi Static DNS
Use this if you want custom DNS on one specific Wi-Fi network only. Note it does not affect mobile data and uses unencrypted DNS.
- Go to Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi
- Long-press your network → Modify network (or tap the gear icon)
- Expand Advanced options and change IP settings to Static
- Enter DNS 1 and DNS 2 as IP addresses, then save
Recommended DNS Servers
| Provider | Private DNS hostname | Static IPs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com | 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1 | Speed & privacy |
| dns.google | 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 | Reliability | |
| Quad9 | dns.quad9.net | 9.9.9.9 / 149.112.112.112 | Security / malware blocking |
| Cloudflare (malware block) | security.cloudflare-dns.com | 1.1.1.2 / 1.0.0.2 | Blocking malware |
Private DNS vs Static Wi-Fi DNS
| Feature | Private DNS | Static Wi-Fi DNS |
|---|---|---|
| Applies to mobile data | Yes | No |
| Encrypted (DoT) | Yes | No |
| Per-network control | No (system-wide) | Yes |
| Uses hostname or IP | Hostname | IP address |
| Android version | 9 and later | All versions |
How to Verify It Worked
Open your browser and visit 1.1.1.1/help if you chose Cloudflare — it confirms which resolver is answering and whether DNS over TLS is active. You can also run a DNS leak test. Changing DNS won't change your download speed, so if you want to measure raw performance, run a speed test. Curious what your phone reveals online? Check What's My IP.
Reverting the Change
To undo Private DNS, set it back to Automatic. For a static Wi-Fi network, switch IP settings from Static back to DHCP. Your phone will resume using the DNS servers handed out by your router or mobile carrier.