Change Android DNS settings: Enhance Your Internet Experience

When you type www.google.com on your web browser, your smartphone asks the DNS server for the corresponding IP address where that site is located, and once it has that information, you are able to open Google on your browser. In simple words, the job of DNS servers is to match the domain name (like www.google.com) with its IP address (like 172.217.24.238).

By default, your ISP automatically assigns a DNS server when your router or Android connects to the internet, but you don't have to use those. There are several reasons why you might want to change the DNS servers assigned by your ISP.

One reason is if you suspect there's a problem with the ones you're using now. An easy way to test for a DNS server issue is by typing a website's IP address into the browser. If you can reach the website with the IP address but not the name, then the DNS server is likely having issues. Another reason to change DNS servers is if you're looking for better browsing speed or want to block malware, pornography, or access American Netflix outside the United States.

Now that you're convinced why you need different DNS settings, let's see how you can change the DNS settings of your Android smartphone.

How to Change Android DNS Settings?

There are quite a few DNS changer apps available in the Play Store, but I will cover only a few because the process is simple and there is not much to do once you understand the basics.

1. Android Native Process

We are so used to searching for apps for everything that we forget Android is a smartphone OS and comes with a lot of built-in features. Let's see how it works.

1. Go to the Settings app on your Android phone and tap WiFi.
2. Long press on the Network you are connected to and click Modify Network on the popup screen.
3. You will notice Advanced options there. Click it to reveal IP Settings where you will switch from DHCP to Static. This allows you to enter your own settings.
4. Scroll a little further and you should now see DNS 1 and DNS 2 options where you can enter your new entries.

And that's it! You can save changes to successfully update your DNS settings on your Android. However, there is one problem with the above method. Before Android Nougat, you didn't have to worry about entering your IP address, subnet mask, and all those network details. However, after the Android N update, now you have to take care of that too, otherwise, the save button will turn gray, meaning you can't save your DNS settings. This is where third-party DNS changer apps come in.

2. DNS Changer Beta (No Root)

While there is no shortage of DNS changer apps in the Play Store, most of them either don't work or are filled with ads. DNS Changer Beta, on the other hand, is not only free but comes with no annoying ads.

Apart from the usual features like a list of DNS servers to choose from and the option to stop or start using DNS to browse the Internet, there are some additional features that I liked. You can disable the notification in the notification center. You can remove the icon in the status bar so no one knows any better.

The app also allows you to configure IPv4 and IPv6 settings, and the latter can be disabled if you want. If there is a DNS server setting you want to use but is not available in the list, you can create your own entry.

3. Override DNS (Root)

Unlike the previous app, this one will need a rooted Android smartphone. If you don't know how to root it, you can either visit XDA Developer's forum to learn it or use the above app. The process is complicated, and there is always a risk of bricking your phone. Now, with that out of the way, let's check out Override DNS.

The overall process remains the same, where you can either choose from a drop-down menu of pre-configured DNS settings or you can opt to enter your custom values. The reason this app makes the list is that unlike other apps, Override DNS will not create a VPN; instead, it changes the internal network settings, which means less battery drain and better performance. It also assures privacy since no one sees your Internet traffic.

4. Netguard

Netguard is a popular name when it comes to blocking internet access on specific apps. But in this article, I am not talking about the Netguard version that is available on the Play Store; instead, I am referring to the one that many of you are using to block ads. The app is free to use and available on Github, which you will have to sideload if you are not using it already.

Apart from protecting you from unwanted ads on an app-level basis and offering robust firewall features, you can also use Netguard to change your DNS settings.

5. DNS Manager (with DNSCrypt)

This app comes with DNSCrypt built inside. DNSCrypt masks your DNS queries so no one knows what you are doing on your smartphone, the way it was always supposed to be, but isn't.

The app has a free version, which may or may not work depending on your model and OS version, and how lucky you are! The pro version, available for $1.99, works well.

The UI of the app is rather too simple, but as long as it works as advertised, it is fine by me. The pro version is ad-free and comes with all the features that we saw in other DNS apps above.

How to Tell if You Have Successfully Changed DNS Servers?

Just like your computer's MAC address, the DNS servers don't go beyond the router. So there is no way for you to check your DNS servers using an online website like you do with your IP address. However, there are still a few things you can do.

First of all, make sure you flush your DNS cache for the effect to take place – on Android, you can do so by simply restarting the device. Next, download the free PingTools app from the Google Play Store and look for the DNS section inside it.

If you are using OpenDNS as your DNS resolver, then simply go to http://welcome.opendns.com. If you have done the configuration right, you'll see “Welcome to OpenDNS!” and if not, then you'll get an ‘Oops' page.

In conclusion, changing your Android DNS settings can enhance your internet experience by providing better browsing speed, blocking unwanted content, and offering more control over your DNS settings. Whether you choose the Android native process, DNS Changer Beta, Override DNS, Netguard, or DNS Manager, each app offers its own set of features and benefits. Give it a try and see how it improves your internet experience.