Android private DNS: What it is and how to activate it

Android private DNS uses DNS over TLS encryption to encipher DNS queries, protecting your private information if a hacker intercepts your online traffic. A private DNS server on your Android device may help you enhance personal privacy and avoid eavesdropping. Its functionality is consistent throughout all of your apps, protecting you from cyberattacks, such as DNS spoofing.

If you’re wondering “what is my DNS,” you can check your Android device’s network settings to see if private DNS is enabled and which server it is using.

Android’s private DNS feature offers various benefits, the main one being your Android device’s privacy and security. By encrypting DNS queries, a private DNS prevents internet service providers (ISPs) and cybercriminals from monitoring your online activity on your entire device. It employs DNS over TLS encryption to minimize the threat of eavesdropping or being redirected to malicious websites.

Android devices protected with a private DNS are usually more resilient to cyber threats than unprotected ones, especially when connected to public Wi-Fi networks, which are often less secure. Moreover, a private DNS may help you bypass regional restrictions when accessing your home country’s content while traveling or working remotely.

So, a private Android DNS server is a networking solution that adds an extra layer of security to your private data and allows you to control DNS queries throughout all of your device applications.

Are you eager to try? Follow these instructions to enable private DNS on your Android phone:

1. Open “Settings.”
2. Tap “Connections.”
3. Hit “More connection settings.”
4. Tap “Private DNS.”
5. Select private DNS provider hostname.
6. Type in “dns.google” as the hostname of the DNS provider if it is not there. Then tap “Save.”

While ISPs offer their clients DNS servers, it may not always be the best option. ISP-provided DNS can be slow or even track your online activity. Alternatively, you can get a DNS service that provides the whole package of speed, privacy, and security for your Android device.

1. Google DNS. Being one of the most popular DNS, it offers speedy and reliable services. The best thing is that it’s free and well-protected against DNS spoofing and DDoS attacks.
2. Cloudflare. Cloudflare DNS is one of the fastest public DNS on the market. It focuses on privacy and wipes all your logged DNS queries within 24 hours. While it doesn’t offer extra security tools for mitigating non-DNS-related online threats, it is a good option if you’re seeking more privacy than ISP DNS servers can offer.
3. Quad9. Quad9 is known for its strong security stance. Besides offering a free DNS server and protection against DNS-related cyberattacks, Quad9 protects you from landing on malicious websites – for example, if you click on a link in a phishing email.
4. OpenDNS. OpenDNS is another reliable DNS provider, offering enhanced online security and protection against phishing and botnet attacks. It also provides customizable content filtering, which makes OpenDNS perfect for families with children. Besides, it is much faster than ISP DNS servers.
5. NordVPN. NordVPN’s public DNS can be used freely by anyone. However, if you have a subscription, you can use NordVPN’s private DNS, which offers lightning speeds and protection against DNS-related cyber threats. Besides, you can enable Threat Protection Pro to safeguard you from landing on malicious pages.

FAQ

Is private DNS the same as a VPN?

The main difference between a DNS and a VPN is that DNS can’t provide you as much privacy as a VPN could. While a VPN encrypts your IP address, preventing cybercriminals, governments, and ISPs from tracking you online, your ISP can monitor your online traffic while connected to a DNS server.

How to change a DNS server on Android

1. Open the “Settings” app.
2. Select “Wi-Fi.”
3. Long press on your current Wi-Fi network and tap “Modify network.”
4. Change the IP address to static.
5. In the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields, enter DNS server addresses 103.86.96.100 and 103.86.99.100 accordingly.
6. Then tap “Save” and reconnect to your network to apply the changes.

Can I turn off a private DNS?

You can turn off a private DNS mode on your Android device. It’s pretty quick:

1. Open the “Settings” menu.
2. Enter “DNS” in the search bar and click “DNS.”
3. Tap “Off” in the menu.

What should my DNS settings be?

Evaluate your needs to choose the best DNS for your company or personal use. If you seek more network efficiency, privacy, and security, use free public DNS servers. However, to be able to configure your DNS settings, you need to look for a reliable private DNS. You can experiment with a few services to find yourself the best option.