Are you grappling with sluggish Wi-Fi connectivity on your Android device? Occasionally, the culprit behind frustratingly slow internet speeds or the inability to access certain websites might just be your DNS server. DNS servers, short for Domain Name System servers, are pivotal in translating web addresses into IP addresses, enabling you to access websites and perform online searches. If your DNS server hits a rough patch, it can severely disrupt your online experience. The good news is that changing your DNS server on your Android device is a relatively simple and swift solution. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the process of Android DNS server change, be it a smartphone, Chromebook, or tablet.
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Why Your DNS Server Selection Matters
Traditionally, your internet service provider (ISP) assigns a default DNS server to your connection. However, DNS servers, like any other servers, may encounter technical glitches over time, leading to issues with your internet connection quality. While the need to change your DNS server to troubleshoot connectivity problems doesn’t arise frequently, certain situations may necessitate it.
When you switch to a different router, your DNS server also changes correspondingly. By modifying your DNS server settings on your Android device, you override the default server provided by your ISP. It’s essential to note that this alteration solely affects your Android device, while other devices connected to the same router will continue using the default DNS server.
In cases where all your devices at home experience DNS-related connectivity woes, a more effective approach might involve changing the DNS server settings at the router level. However, the process for making such changes can vary based on your router’s make and model. To navigate this, you can consult the documentation provided with your router for specific guidance on DNS settings adjustments.
Prerequisites for Android DNS Server Change
Before embarking on the DNS server modification journey, you must arm yourself with primary and secondary DNS addresses. For this guide, let’s use Google Public DNS as an illustrative example:
IPv4
- Primary: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary: 8.8.4.4
IPv6
- Primary: 2001:4860:4860::8888
- Secondary: 2001:4860:4860::8844
It’s worth noting that the order in which you assign these addresses as primary or secondary is irrelevant. Should you opt for an alternative DNS server, make sure you have the hostname and addresses ready, all presented in a format resembling those provided above.
The IPv6 address format provided earlier is a condensed format that functions seamlessly with the majority of devices. Nevertheless, certain devices may necessitate more detailed values. If you encounter any issues with the abbreviated address, consider experimenting with these alternative formats:
- Standard Format: 2001:4860:4860::8888
- Expanded Format: 2001:4860:4860:0:0:0:0:8888
- Fully Extended Format: 2001:4860:4860:0000:0000:0000:0000:8888
Changing Your DNS Server on Android
- 1.Begin by opening the “Settings” app on your Android device.
- Scroll down to and select “Network & Internet.”
- Continue scrolling and tap on “Private DNS.”
- Opt for “Private DNS provider hostname.”
- Here, you will enter your chosen DNS provider hostname (for instance, dns.google).
- To confirm the changes, click “Save.”
To ensure that the changes take effect, open a web browser and attempt to load a web page. If the page loads successfully, congratulations! You’ve successfully transitioned to your new DNS server.
Conclusion
Switching your DNS server on your Android device is a simple yet effective solution to tackle connectivity issues, particularly when using Wi-Fi. Whether you’re at home or on the go, having this handy trick up your sleeve can significantly enhance your online experience. However, it’s crucial to recognize that Android DNS server change primarily influences connectivity and doesn’t inherently bolster your online security. For comprehensive security during your online ventures, consider employing one of the top VPNs available for Android.
