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How to Change DNS Servers on an Android Phone or Tablet

By metsPosted on Posted in Sport Gear

How to Change DNS Servers on an Android Phone or Tablet

Changing DNS servers on your Android device can enhance your browsing speed, improve security, and bypass geographic restrictions. Whether you want to use a faster DNS provider like Google DNS or Cloudflare, or want to customize your network settings for privacy reasons, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. Before you start, ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi, as changing DNS settings on mobile data is more complex and often requires additional steps or apps.

What You’ll Need

  • An Android phone or tablet with internet access
  • Wi-Fi network credentials (if needed for network changes)
  • Optional: DNS provider addresses (e.g., Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4; Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.0)

Step-by-Step

  1. Unlock your Android device and open the Settings app. You can usually find it on your home screen or app drawer.
  2. Navigate to the Wi-Fi settings. This is typically under “Network & Internet” or “Connections” depending on your device and Android version.
  3. Find the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to. Tap on its name or the gear icon next to it to access its details.
  4. Look for an option called “Advanced” or “IP settings.” On some devices, you may need to tap on “Modify network” or “Edit”.
  5. Change the IP settings from “DHCP” to “Static.” Be aware that switching to static IP may temporarily disconnect your internet connection.
  6. Scroll down to find the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields. Enter your preferred DNS server addresses here. For example, for Google DNS: DNS 1 = 8.8.8.8 and DNS 2 = 8.8.4.4. For Cloudflare: DNS 1 = 1.1.1.1 and DNS 2 = 1.0.0.0.
  7. Save your changes by tapping on “Save” or “Apply,” depending on your device. Your device will reconnect to the Wi-Fi network with the new DNS settings.
  8. Test your new DNS configuration by opening a browser and visiting a website, or use a DNS leak test website to confirm the changes are active.

Common Mistakes

  • Not saving changes after editing DNS settings can leave your device unchanged.
  • Entering incorrect DNS addresses can cause internet connectivity issues. Double-check the numbers before saving.
  • Switching back to DHCP without resetting DNS to default can cause confusion if the static DNS isn’t removed properly.
  • Attempting to change DNS settings on mobile data network—most methods are only applicable to Wi-Fi networks.
  • Using a DNS server that is unreliable or blocked in your region may cause slow browsing or failure to connect.

Tips

  • If you frequently switch networks, consider using a DNS changer app to streamline the process.
  • Some Android devices or custom ROMs may have different menu names; look for options related to network or IP settings.
  • For enhanced privacy, consider using DNS services that support DNS over HTTPS (DoH), though configuring this may require additional apps or settings.
  • Always note your original DNS settings before making changes, so you can revert if needed.

Troubleshooting

If your internet stops working after changing DNS servers, try these steps:

  1. Revert to DHCP: Go back to the network settings and switch IP settings from “Static” to “DHCP”.
  2. Remove custom DNS: Enter the default DNS settings provided by your ISP or leave the DNS fields blank if the device reverts automatically.
  3. Restart your device: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve network configuration issues.
  4. Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network: Tap on the network, select “Forget,” then reconnect and reconfigure DNS if needed.
  5. Check for software updates: Outdated Android versions or bugs can interfere with network settings. Update your device if necessary.
  6. If problems persist, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network to see if the issue is specific to one network.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I change DNS servers on mobile data?

Changing DNS on mobile data is more complex and often requires using third-party apps or VPNs, as Android doesn’t natively allow DNS changes over mobile networks.

2. Will changing DNS improve my internet speed?

It can, especially if your default DNS provider is slow or unreliable. Switching to faster DNS servers like Google DNS or Cloudflare may reduce loading times.

3. Is changing DNS safe?

Yes, as long as you use reputable DNS providers. It can enhance privacy and security, but avoid unknown or suspicious DNS servers.

4. How do I revert to default settings?

Go back to your Wi-Fi network settings, switch IP settings from “Static” to “DHCP,” and remove custom DNS entries. Save the changes to restore default behavior.

5. Can I set different DNS servers for different Wi-Fi networks?

Yes, you can configure DNS settings individually for each Wi-Fi network by editing each network’s settings separately.

6. Are there any apps to change DNS automatically?

Yes, apps like DNS Changer or Intra can help manage DNS settings more easily, especially if you switch networks frequently.

Changing DNS servers on your Android device is a practical way to optimize your internet experience, improve security, or access region-restricted content. Follow these steps carefully, be mindful of common mistakes, and consult troubleshooting tips if you encounter issues. With a few taps, you can customize your browsing environment to better suit your needs.

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How to Change DNS Servers on an Android Phone or Tablet
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