If you browse daily with your Android mobile and occasionally notice that websites take a long time to open, some pages don't load, or you're worried about who sees your searches, there's a quick setting that can make all the difference: change DNS server. It's a simple, free change that doesn't require third-party apps.and in many cases speeds up name resolution, strengthens privacy and can prevent DNS blocks.
Before touching anything, it's important to understand what's behind it. DNS is the system that translates names like "yourdomain.com" into numerical IP addresses that the network understands. Think of DNS as the internet's contact list.You remember the name, the browser needs the number. With a reliable DNS server, this translation is faster and more reliable; with a slow or restrictive one, everything can be choppy or prevent you from accessing certain sites.
What exactly is a DNS server and why does it matter?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. Its mission is to resolve (translate) a domain name to its real IP address This tells your device which server to connect to. When you type an address, your computer queries your configured DNS server (usually your internet service provider's) and it responds with the correct IP address. It also typically caches recent DNS resolutions to speed up repeated requests.
Why would you want to change it if "it already works"? Because not all resolvers are the same. Some are faster, others prioritize privacy, and several add layers of security. (for example, by blocking malicious or phishing domains). Additionally, the router's or ISP's default DNS servers may log your searches, redirect errors to advertising pages, or enforce legally mandated blocks.
Advantages of changing DNS
SpeedA fast resolver reduces the waiting time between requesting a domain and receiving its IP address. Add milliseconds per request and you'll notice websites opening faster, searches responding more quickly, and, in games or streaming, higher latency spikes.
Privacy Several public providers (e.g., Cloudflare or Quad9) promise strict no-logs or minimal retention policies. This prevents your ISP from monetizing your DNS queries and redirecting errors to search engines or commercial websites.
SecurityServices with active filtering block malware, phishing, spyware, or botnet domains at the DNS level. They also mitigate risks such as DNS cache poisoning. A good DNS can block many threats before your browser even tries to load them..
AccessIf certain content is blocked "via DNS" due to network decisions or regulatory mandates, an alternative resolver that doesn't apply that filter may allow access. Use it responsibly, because You depend on the legal framework of your country and the supplier's policy..
Android: How to change DNS step by step
On Android you can change the DNS in two ways. From Android 9 (Pie) onwards there is “Private DNS"This applies to all mobile traffic (Wi-Fi and data). In previous versions, you could only change the DNS for each Wi-Fi network you connect to, leaving mobile data out.
Android 9 and above: Private DNS (DNS-over-TLS)
The setting is located in Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > Advanced > Private DNS. You must choose “Private DNS provider hostname” and enter a hostnamenot an IP address. Valid examples:
- Google DNS: dns.google
- Cloudflare: one.one.one.one
Save the change and you're done. If at any time you want to revert to the default settings, select the option Automatic. Keep in mind that Android 13 and later versions maintain this logic.Private DNS requires a compatible hostname DNS-over-TLSIt does not accept entering IP addresses directly.
Android 8 and earlier: per Wi-Fi network
Systems prior to Android 9 do not have a private DNS setting for mobile data. You can only modify the DNS of the specific Wi-Fi network to which you are connected, with these general steps (names may vary by manufacturer):
- Connect to the Wi-Fi network you want to edit.
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
- Press and hold your connected network and choose Modify network or Manage network settings.
- Go to Advanced Options. In IP Settings, change from DHCP to Static.
- In the fields DNS 1 y DNS 2 Enter your preferred addresses.
For example: Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). To undo the change, reselect DHCP in IP SettingsRemember: You will need to repeat this process on each Wi-Fi network where you want to use custom DNS.
Typical steps in custom layers
Some Android skins change menu names or relocate options. If your phone uses a different interface (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.)Look for “DNS” within Network/Connections or in the Advanced Wi-Fi settings. The text may appear as “Private DNS”, “IP Settings”, or “Modify Network”.
Recommended DNS: speed, privacy, and features
These are popular and reliable options that you can configure both by host (in private DNS) and by IP (if you edit a Wi-Fi on older Android or other devices). Choose based on what interests you most. (speed, privacy, filtering or parental control):
Google Public DNS
A classic for its stability and performance. Host for private DNS: dns.google. IPv4 addresses: 8.8.8.8 (primary) and 8.8.4.4 (secondary).
Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)
Focus on speed and privacy with minimal retention. Host for private DNS: one.one.one.one. IPv4 addresses: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
OpenDNS (Cisco)
It offers filtering and parental control options. OpenDNS Home (IPv4): 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220. OpenDNS Shield (IPv4): 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123. If you want to limit content or strengthen securityIt is a very flexible alternative.
Quad9
Focused on blocking malicious domains and protecting against malware, phishing, and botnets. IPv4 addresses: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112.
Beyond Android: Changing DNS on other devices
If you prefer, you can set the new DNS on your computer, router, or even a smart TV. Doing it on the router applies to the entire home networkThat way you don't have to go device by device.
Windows 11 and Windows 10
In Windows 11, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Network properties (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and look for DNS settings. Activate Manual mode and add your preferred IPv4 and IPv6 DNS.Apply the changes before exiting. In Windows 10, the process is similar: Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Change adapter options, right-click on your connection, select Properties, then Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties and check “Use the following DNS server addresses”. Repeat this process for IPv6 if you are using it.
If you are on Windows 8, the process involves going to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings > Connection properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (and version 6). Check “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the desired IP addresses..
MacOS
Go to System Settings (or System Preferences) > Network, select your connection, tap Advanced/Details and open the DNS tab. Use the "+" button to add servers, and the "-" button to remove existing ones.Accept and apply.
Linux (example in Ubuntu)
From the graphical environment, open Settings > Network and enter the connection settings. In IPv4/IPv6, change the method to manual and add the servers.If you prefer the terminal, edit /etc/resolv.conf (or the method corresponding to your distro and network manager) by adding lines “nameserver XXXX”.
iOS and iPadOS
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the "i" next to your network, and open Configure DNS. Change from Automatic to Manual and add servers. This change is via networkIf you change Wi-Fi networks, you will have to repeat the process.
Chromebook
From the Settings app > Wi-Fi > your connected network > Network, look for “Name Servers”. Select “Custom Name Servers” and enter the new addresses.
Android TV and Smart TV
On Android TVs, open Settings > Network & Internet, enter your network and change “IP settings” to Static. Fill in your IP address, gateway, prefix (usually 24), and your DNS servers.Each brand has slight variations, but the pattern is similar.
Router
Connect via cable or Wi-Fi and enter the gateway address (usually) in your browser 192.168.1.1 o 192.168.0.1). Log in with your credentials. In the WAN/Internet or Advanced section, look for “DNS”. Replace the primary and secondary routers with the ones you want to use. Save the changes and, if necessary, restart your router. Some providers simplify access with their own domain (for example, Lowi users can log in at wifilowi.es), but this will depend on your provider.
Practical notes and troubleshooting
The options change names depending on the manufacturer.If you don't see the exact same menus, look for terms like "Network & Internet", "Connections", "DNS", "IP Settings" or "Advanced Options".
In Android 9+, private DNS mode uses DNS-over-TLS, so You need a compatible hostnameEntering IPs doesn't work there. If you remove the host or choose Automatic, the system reverts to the default DNS.
On Android 8 or earlier, any DNS change only applies to the edited Wi-Fi networkWhen you switch Wi-Fi networks, the DNS settings of that other network will be used unless you edit them as well.
If something still doesn't work, try deleting the configuration or switching to another provider. Switching back to DHCP (Wi-Fi) or Automatic (Private DNS) restores the original behaviorRestarting the device or router after the change also helps.
When you change DNS on computers, remember configure both IPv4 and IPv6 If your network uses both. Otherwise, some queries may still go the old way.
Security, censorship and attacks: what you should know
DNS servers can be targeted by attacks. Cache poisoning redirects queries to fake sites that mimic legitimate pages to steal credentials. DDoS attacks also target resolvers or services that rely on DNS, overwhelming them with traffic.
In addition, your operator could record or monetize your queries, and even redirect unresolved searches to advertiser pages. A public DNS with good policies reduces that risk., and those that include active filtering automatically block harmful domains.
If your country has DNS blocks, changing your resolver may restore access, unless there are other types of blocks (IP, SNI, etc.). Use it wisely and in accordance with the regulations of your region..
Smart DNS (SmartDNS) vs VPN: What's the difference?
A SmartDNS service replaces your ISP's DNS with its own so that certain online services see your connection differently. It does not encrypt traffic or change your public IP address.It basically changes how you solve problems and how some platforms identify you.
There are providers that combine both: VPN and SmartDNS in the same subscription. This allows you to choose between maximum privacy (VPN) or compatibility with devices that do not support native VPN (SmartDNS)like some Smart TVs. If your main goal is privacy and security, a VPN is the right tool; if you're just looking to resolve DNS in a specific way for certain services, SmartDNS may suffice.
Quick guide: summarized steps on Android
To complete the process on Android 9 or higher: Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS > “Private DNS provider hostname” and type, for example, dns. google o one.one.one.oneSave and you're done. To remove it, choose “Automatic”.
On Android 8 or earlier, go to Wi-Fi, tap and hold your network, select Modify network > Advanced options > IP settings: Static and fill in DNS 1 and DNS 2 with 8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4 or 1.1.1.1/1.0.0.1 (or others). Save changes.
Tips for choosing your DNS
If it's your first time and you just want something solid and universal, Google or Cloudflare are a safe bet. If you're concerned about privacy and query logging, Cloudflare and Quad9 are good options. These are usually the preferred options. For parental controls or granular filtering, check out OpenDNS.
Check the latency from your connection, because the location of the servers matters. A "faster" DNS in one region might not be the best for you if your nodes are far away. And remember that a good DNS improves resolution, but it doesn't compensate for a poor connection: the quality of your Wi-Fi, network congestion, and the speed of your fiber or mobile data will determine the limit.
What if my mobile phone doesn't support private DNS by IP?
A common question in Android 13 is whether you can enter an IP address in "private DNS". No: that setting requires a DNS-over-TLS compatible hostnameIf you want to use IP addresses, you'll have to configure them via Wi-Fi (IP Settings: Static) or set them on your router for your entire home. For mobile data without private DNS, there's no shortcut except using a VPN or waiting for a manufacturer-specific feature that allows it (rare).
Small checklist after changing DNS
Try opening several websites and services. If something goes wrong, switch providers or clear the setting.Clearing the system's DNS cache or restarting helps the changes take effect immediately. On your mobile device, disconnect and reconnect to Wi-Fi; on your router, a clean restart applies the new settings to all devices.
With all of the above, you now have a handle on what a DNS is, why you might want to change it, and how to do it on Android (both with private DNS and by editing Wi-Fi networks), as well as on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Chromebook, Android TV, and your router. Choosing a good resolution speeds up browsing, adds layers of security, and improves privacy.And if you need more protection or advanced settings, services like SmartDNS or a full VPN further expand your options. Share this information so more users will know how to change the DNS on Android.
