How to Change DNS Server on Android
What Is DNS?
You probably have a general idea of how browsing works: you type bluevps.net, and here you are on our website, buying servers or reading this article. In reality it is a bit more complicated, and if you know what lies behind it, you will better understand how to protect your security and privacy. Under the hood, internet requests do not use domain names like bluevps.net. They use IP addresses, such as 172.67.220.177 for IPv4 or 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334 for IPv6.
What Do DNS Servers Do?
Computers work with numbers, while people prefer names. This is where the Domain Name System (DNS) comes into play: it translates familiar names like example.com into numeric IP addresses.
By default, your network uses the DNS server of your internet service provider. When you open a website, your device sends a query with the domain name to this server and gets back the IP address it needs.
What Is the Best DNS Server?
The most popular choice is Google Public DNS. It has been available since 2009 and has easy-to-remember IP addresses: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
Another popular option is Cloudflare DNS, which focuses on speed and privacy. Its addresses are 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
OpenDNS is even older than Google Public DNS: it was founded in 2005. Its addresses are not as easy to remember, but it offers extra features such as FamilyShield, which filters adult content.
How to Change the DNS Server on Android
Option 1: Private DNS (Android 9 and newer)
This method changes DNS for all networks, including mobile data, and encrypts DNS queries.
- Open Settings and go to Network & internet (on some phones: Connections > More connection settings).
- Tap Private DNS.
- Select Private DNS provider hostname and enter dns.google for Google or one.one.one.one for Cloudflare.
- Tap Save.
Option 2: Static DNS for one Wi-Fi network
Open Settings and go to the Wi-Fi settings:
Choose your Wi-Fi network, open the advanced options and the IP settings. Change DHCP to Static and fill in the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields:
- Google: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
Conclusion
Now you know how to change the DNS server on Android. Share this article with your friends if they have problems with slow or blocked websites.
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