How to Change Your DNS Server on Android

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to change DNS on Android smartphones and tablets. DNS stands for Domain Name System. Think of DNS as a phone book for the internet that translates domain names (like “bitdefender.com”) into numeric IP addresses (like “101.18.169.222”), allowing you to visit websites without having to remember their IP. By changing the DNS server on your Android device, you direct your internet connection to use a more reliable DNS server. This can improve internet speed, privacy, and security. Follow the steps below based on your Android version. Which version of Android do I have?

For Android 9 and later

On Android 9 and newer versions, you can change the DNS settings for both Wi-Fi and mobile data at once.

Device settings and options names may vary by Android model. For accurate instructions, refer to your smartphone manufacturer’s documentation.

1. Go to your Android device’s Settings ⚙︎.

2. Tap Network & internet (or Connections > Connection settings on some Android versions).

Network & internet

3. Scroll down and tap Private DNS (may appear under “Advanced”).

Private DNS - How to change DNS on Android 9 and newer

4. Select Private DNS provider hostname and enter the preferred DNS server address. For example:

Google DNS: Enter dns.google
Cloudflare DNS: Enter one.one.one.one

Private DNS provider hostname - How to change DNS on Android 9 and newer

Note: To reset DNS changes back to default, select Automatic at any time.

5. Tap Save to apply the new DNS settings.

For Android 8 and older

Android 8 and older versions do not have a built-in option to change DNS settings for mobile data, only for individual Wi-Fi networks.

Device settings and options names may vary by Android model. For accurate instructions, refer to your smartphone manufacturer’s documentation.

1. Connect your Android device to the Wi-Fi network for which you want to change the DNS server.

2. Go to your Android device’s Settings ⚙︎.

3. Tap Network & internet and then tap Wi-Fi.

Network & Internet Wi-Fi

4. Press and hold the connected Wi-Fi network, then tap Modify network or Manage network settings.

Modify network - How to change DNS on Android 8 and older

5. Tap on Advanced options (may appear under “IP settings”).

Advanced options

6. In the IP settings section, tap on DHCP, then select Static from the menu that appears.

Note: To reset DNS changes back to default, select DHCP at any time.

DHCP - How to change DNS on Android 8 and older Static - How to change DNS on Android 8 and older

7. Scroll down to fields labeled DNS 1 and DNS 2. In these fields, enter your preferred DNS addresses. For example:

Google DNS: Enter 8.8.8.8 in DNS 1 and 8.8.4.4 in DNS 2.
Cloudflare DNS: Enter 1.1.1.1 in DNS 1 and 1.0.0.1 in DNS 2.

How to change DNS on older Android versions

8. Tap Save to apply the new DNS settings.

That’s it! Your Android device will use the new DNS settings.

How to Change Your DNS Server on Android

For Android 9 and later

For Android 8 and older

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