How to Change DNS on Android (Step by Step 2026)

Changing the DNS on Android is one of the simplest and most effective changes you can make to improve your internet speed and security. In less than two minutes, you can replace your carrier’s DNS — which is often slow and unprotected — with a fast server like Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 or Google 8.8.8.8.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn three different methods to change DNS on Android, which one is recommended for 2026, and how to use DNS Benchmark to find out which server works best on your network before making the switch.

If you are still comparing providers, start with our Cloudflare vs Google DNS guide and our article on DNS jitter so you know what to look for in your benchmark results.

Why change DNS on Android?

The default DNS configured by your mobile carrier or internet provider is rarely the fastest or most secure available. The most common issues include:

• High latency: carrier DNS servers generally have longer response times than modern public servers.
• No protection: most ISP DNS servers do not block malicious websites or intrusive ads.
• Monitoring: some carriers log and analyze your DNS queries for commercial purposes.
• Content filtering: in some countries and ISPs, DNS is used to block specific websites.

Switching to a modern DNS like Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 addresses all these points — and best of all, it’s completely free.

Method 1 — Private DNS (recommended, Android 9+)

Private DNS is the most modern and secure way to configure DNS on Android. Available from Android 9 Pie onwards, it uses DNS over TLS (DoT) to encrypt your DNS queries, preventing your carrier from seeing which sites you access.

Step by step

Step 1: Open Settings Open the Settings app on your Android. The path may vary by manufacturer:

• Samsung: Settings → Connections → More Connection Settings → Private DNS
• Pixel / Stock Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Private DNS
• Xiaomi/MIUI: Settings → Connection & Sharing → Private DNS

Step 2: Select “Private DNS provider hostname” You’ll see three options: “Off”, “Automatic”, and “Private DNS provider hostname”. Select the third option.

Step 3: Enter the server address Type the hostname of the desired DNS server:

• Cloudflare: one.one.one.one
• Google: dns.google
• Quad9: dns.quad9.net
• AdGuard (with ad blocking): dns.adguard-dns.com

Step 4: Save and test Tap “Save”. Android will automatically verify the connection to the server. If it fails, double-check the hostname you entered.

This method works on both Wi-Fi and mobile data (4G/5G), and applies to all traffic on the device.

Method 2 — Change DNS via Wi-Fi

This method configures DNS only for a specific Wi-Fi network. It’s useful if you want different settings at home and at work.

Step 1: Go to Settings → Wi-Fi (or Connections → Wi-Fi).

Step 2: Long-press the connected Wi-Fi network and select “Manage network settings” or tap the gear icon.

Step 3: Expand “Advanced options” and change “IP settings” from “DHCP” to “Static”.

Step 4: Scroll down and find the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields. Fill in the IP addresses of your desired DNS:

• Cloudflare: DNS 1 = 1.1.1.1, DNS 2 = 1.0.0.1
• Google: DNS 1 = 8.8.8.8, DNS 2 = 8.8.4.4

Step 5: Save. The change takes effect immediately for that network.

Downside: this method does not encrypt DNS queries (uses classic DNS over UDP on port 53) and does not apply to mobile data connections.

Method 3 — Use a DNS app

Some apps create a local VPN on the device to redirect all DNS traffic. The official Cloudflare app (1.1.1.1) is a good example:

1. Download the “1.1.1.1: Faster & Safer Internet” app from the Play Store.
2. Open the app and enable the main toggle.
3. Accept the VPN request that Android will display.

The advantage is that it works automatically on any network (Wi-Fi and mobile data). The downside is that it uses Android’s VPN slot, preventing simultaneous use of other VPNs.

How do you know which DNS is best for you?

Before choosing which DNS to configure, the ideal approach is to measure which server is fastest on your specific network. Global rankings don’t always reflect the reality of your location or carrier.

DNS Benchmark does exactly this: it tests all major DNS servers simultaneously and shows a ranking by latency and jitter, measured directly from your device.

1. Download DNS Benchmark for free from the Play Store.
2. Open the app and tap “Start Benchmark”.
3. Wait for the test to finish (about 30 seconds).
4. See the fastest DNS server at the top of the ranking.
5. Configure that server using Method 1 (Private DNS) described above.

Recommended DNS for Android in 2026

For most users, Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 tends to be the fastest, followed by Google. But use DNS Benchmark to confirm on your network.

If your main use case is Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify, read our guide to the best DNS for streaming before you lock in a final choice.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change DNS on Android without root? Yes. All three methods described in this guide work without root. The Private DNS method is the simplest and requires no special permissions beyond access to system settings.

Does changing DNS on 4G/5G work? The Private DNS method (Method 1) is the only one that works natively on both Wi-Fi and 4G/5G. The Wi-Fi method only applies to wireless networks. For mobile data without Private DNS, the alternative is to use an app like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1.

Is Private DNS safer? Yes. Private DNS uses DNS over TLS (DoT), which encrypts queries between your device and the DNS server. This prevents your mobile carrier (or any network intermediary) from seeing which domains you’re accessing. It is significantly more secure than classic DNS.

Does changing DNS improve internet speed? Changing DNS can reduce domain name resolution time, which speeds up page loading — especially on sites with many external resources. It doesn’t increase download/upload speed, but the browsing experience becomes faster and more responsive.

What to do if Private DNS won’t connect? Check that the hostname was entered correctly (no spaces or extra characters). If it keeps failing, your carrier may be blocking port 853 (used by DoT). In that case, try the app method (Method 3) or use a server that supports DNS over HTTPS (DoH) through a compatible application.

Test your DNS now

Download DNS Benchmark for free and find the fastest server for your network.