How To Use Google DNS And OpenDNS On Android Phone

Changing DNS Settings on Android: A Step-by-Step Guide

Domain Name System (DNS) plays a crucial role in translating domain names into IP addresses, enabling you to access websites and services seamlessly. However, the default DNS provided by your internet service provider might not always be the best option. Here’s how you can switch to Google DNS or OpenDNS on your Android device, enhancing your browsing experience and security.

Why Change Your DNS Server?

Standard DNS queries are sent over the network as plain text, which can be a security risk, especially on public networks. Using a reliable and secure DNS service like Google DNS or OpenDNS can improve your browsing speed and security. These services often offer additional features such as DNS filtering, which can help block malicious websites and improve overall network performance.

How to Change DNS Settings on Android

Using Private DNS Mode

Android devices running version 9 or later support Private DNS Mode, which allows you to use encrypted DNS queries. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to Network & Internet: Select the "Network & Internet" option.
3. Enable Private DNS: Scroll down and tap on "Private DNS."
4. Select a Provider: Choose "Private DNS provider hostname" and enter the hostname of your preferred DNS provider. For example, you can use dns.google for Google DNS or 208.67.222.222 for OpenDNS.

Manual DNS Configuration

If you prefer to configure DNS settings manually for a specific Wi-Fi network, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to Wi-Fi Settings: Select the "Network & Internet" option and then tap on "Wi-Fi."
3. Edit Network Settings: Tap on the Settings icon next to the Wi-Fi network you want to modify.
4. Modify Network: Tap on the "Edit" (pencil) icon at the top. If you don’t see the "IP settings" option, press and hold the network name and select "Modify Network."
5. Switch to Static IP: In the pop-up, expand "Advanced options" and switch from "DHCP" to "Static."
6. Enter DNS Settings: Focus on the DNS field and enter your preferred DNS servers. For example, type 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google DNS, or 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 for OpenDNS.

Common Issues and Solutions

Google DNS Being Added Automatically

On some Android versions (8, 9, and 10), the system may automatically add Google's DNS (8.8.8.8) as a secondary DNS if only one DNS entry is provided. To avoid this, ensure you provide two identical DNS entries in your router's DHCP settings. For instance, if you are using a Pi-hole, set both DNS entries to point to your Pi-hole IP.

Testing Your DNS Settings

After changing your DNS settings, it’s a good idea to test them to ensure everything is working correctly:

1. Open a Web Browser: Load a web page to see if it resolves correctly.
2. Use a DNS Test Site: Visit a site like https://welcome.opendns.com/ to confirm that your DNS settings are in effect.

Additional Tips

• Flush DNS Cache: If you experience slow browsing after changing your DNS server, clear your DNS cache. Open Google Chrome, go to chrome://net-internals/#dns, tap "Clear host cache," and restart your device.
• Use Encrypted DNS: Enable Private DNS Mode to encrypt your DNS queries, enhancing your privacy and security.

By following these steps, you can effectively switch to Google DNS or OpenDNS on your Android device, improving both your browsing speed and security.