Changing the default DNS server for your internet connection has a lot of benefits, including enhanced safety, better privacy, increased speed and more. You can change the DNS settings for your internet connection on all modern PC and smartphone operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. We’ve already discussed how you can change DNS settings in Windows 10, so today, we’ll look at how we can change Android DNS settings on your smartphone and tablet.

While most people use the default DNS server provided by their Internet Service Provider (ISP), there many reasons why changing that is a good idea. Third-party DNS servers are often faster, safer and more private, and some of them are also more configurable. So today, we’ll take a look at how you can change Android DNS settings in a few easy steps. We will also learn about what DNS is and how it may be beneficial to change it on your system.

  • What is DNS?
  • Benefits of Using Third-party DNS
  • Change DNS on Android 9 Pie and Newer
  • Change DNS on Android 8.1 Oreo and Older (Hard Way)
  • Change DNS on Android 8.1 Oreo and Older (Easy Way)

What is DNS?

DNS, or Domain Name System, is often described as the phone book of the internet, and not without reason. It helps the web browser on your PC or smartphone connect to websites by translating simple domain names like ‘beebom.com’ to machine-friendly IP addresses like 104.17.8.12 (IPV4 address for Beebom.com). Without DNS, it would be impossible to access web-servers via friendly URLs, and you’d have to type 104.17.8.12 in your browser’s address bar every time to access this site.

While most people simply use the default DNS servers provided by their ISP, options from third-parties often bring better results in more ways than one. Using a third-party DNS server can offer you better speeds, depending on how close you are to their servers. Some ISPs also record your internet browsing history and share them with third-parties without your knowledge. Using safe, no-log DNS services will help preserve your online privacy.

How to Change DNS on Android

How you configure the default DNS server on Android depends on the Android version. It is relatively simpler on devices running Android 9 Pie and newer, but is a little more complicated on Android 8.1 Oreo and older. To check your Android version, go to Settings and search for ‘About’, ‘About Phone’, ‘System’ or something similar (typically either the very first or very last option in the Settings page). Scroll down on the About/System page and you’ll see your Android version listed somewhere in there.

Android 9 and above only support DNS-over-TLS, so not all third-party DNS servers are compatible with the platform. Before configuring, check if your preferred DNS service provider offers DNS-over-TLS. Also, these settings have no effect when you use a VPN, which overrides private DNS configurations.

  • In the popup box, select ‘Private DNS provider hostname’ and type in a TLS hostname (not just a standard IPV4 address). Finally, hit ‘Save’. As you can see, I’ve now successfully configured this device to use Google DNS for all connections.

Android Oreo and older versions do not allow you to change DNS servers for cellular networks, which means the following DNS settings only work for Wi-Fi connections. Even then, the changes are network specific and, you’ll need to change the DNS servers every time you connect to a new wireless network. What’s more, you’ll also have to configure all network information manually, so these changes are only recommended for advanced users.

  • Now you’ll need to not only fill in your preferred DNS addresses, but also manually specify your IP address and the Wi-Fi router’s gateway. Remember to save your configuration before exiting.

The aforementioned method of changing DNS on older Android devices can be a little intimidating for many users. What’s even more annoying is that it has to be repeated for each and every new connection individually. However, the unkindest cut is that it still won’t work with cellular connections.

  • Open ‘DNSChanger for IPv4/IPv6’. On the home screen, tap on ‘Default DNS addresses’. Then scroll down to find numerous pre-configured options, including OpenDNS, Google DNS, CloudFlare DNS and more. Take your pick.

So there you go. Now you know how to change the DNS setting on Android devices irrespective of the manufacturer or Android version. While you’ll need a little more elbow grease on older devices, it is still well worth it in most cases. So go ahead, configure your Android phone or tablet to use any custom IPv4 or IPv6 DNS server and let us know how that went.