How to Change DNS on Android: Google DNS, Private DNS and DNS Changer Apps

Changing the DNS server on an Android phone can give you more control over how your device resolves website and service addresses.

Android provides its own Private DNS feature, but you can also use a DNS changer app when you want easier server switching, custom DNS profiles or additional tools such as a DNS speed test.

In this guide, we’ll explain the main ways to change DNS on Android, how to use Google DNS, and when a DNS changer app can be useful.

What Is DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name System.

When you enter a website address, your device needs to find the IP address associated with that domain. A DNS resolver performs this lookup.

Your internet provider normally assigns a DNS server automatically, but you are not required to use that resolver.

Public DNS providers include:

• Google Public DNS
• Cloudflare
• Quad9
• OpenDNS
• AdGuard DNS

Different DNS servers can provide different response times, filtering options and encrypted DNS support.

Changing DNS does not automatically increase your internet download speed, but a responsive DNS resolver can reduce the time required for certain domain lookups.

How to Change DNS on Android

There are several ways to change DNS on Android.

The most appropriate method depends on whether you want a system-wide Private DNS configuration, DNS settings for an individual Wi-Fi network, or a dedicated DNS changer app.

Method 1: Use Android Private DNS

Modern Android versions include a feature called Private DNS.

On many Android devices:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Select Private DNS.
4. Choose Private DNS provider hostname.
5. Enter the hostname provided by your DNS provider.
6. Tap Save.

The exact menu names can vary depending on your Android version and device manufacturer.

Android’s Private DNS feature is designed to secure DNS queries and responses, and Google recommends keeping Private DNS enabled when possible.

How to Use Google DNS on Android

Google Public DNS is one of the most commonly used public DNS services.

For Android Private DNS, Google provides the hostname:

dns.google

Google also provides these traditional IPv4 DNS addresses:

Primary Google DNS

8.8.8.8

Secondary Google DNS

8.8.4.4

Google’s documentation confirms that Android 9 and later support Private DNS and that dns.google can be used as the provider hostname.

If your goal is simply to use Google DNS across supported Android networks, Private DNS is usually the simplest built-in approach.

What Is a DNS Changer App?

A DNS changer app provides another way to manage DNS settings on Android.

Instead of repeatedly navigating through Android network settings, a DNS app can provide an interface where you can select or configure DNS servers.

Depending on the app, additional tools may include:

• Custom DNS servers
• DNS response-time testing
• Ping testing
• Network information
• DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH)
• DNS-over-TLS (DoT)
• Saved DNS profiles
• Wi-Fi and mobile network support

This can be particularly useful if you regularly test multiple DNS providers.

Android Private DNS vs DNS Changer App

The two approaches serve slightly different purposes.

Feature	Android Private DNS	DNS Changer App
Built into Android	Yes	No
Quick server switching	Limited	Usually easier
DNS speed testing	No	App-dependent
Custom profiles	Limited	App-dependent
DNS-over-TLS	Yes	App-dependent
DNS-over-HTTPS	Not through the standard Private DNS interface	App-dependent
Network diagnostic tools	No	App-dependent

If you only want to configure one encrypted DNS provider and leave it active, Android Private DNS may be enough.

If you frequently compare DNS servers or need additional network tools, a dedicated DNS changer can be more practical.

DNS Changer for Android Without Root

Changing DNS does not necessarily require root access.

For example, DNS Changer & Net Speed Test by SSM APP can apply a selected DNS server on Wi-Fi and mobile networks without requiring root access.

The app also supports custom and encrypted DNS options.

For a dedicated no-root workflow, see DNS Changer & Net Speed Test for Android.

What About DNS Changer Pro?

Users who want additional DNS and network testing tools can also use DNS Changer Pro & Speed Test.

Its current feature set includes DNS connection testing, ping testing, download and upload speed testing, custom profiles and encrypted DNS options.

For additional DNS and network testing tools, see DNS Changer Pro & Speed Test.

How Does a DNS Changer Work on Android?

Some Android DNS changer apps use Android’s local VPN interface to apply DNS settings.

This does not necessarily mean the app is operating as a traditional VPN.

For example, SSM APP’s DNS Changer uses Android’s local VPN interface to apply the selected DNS configuration. It does not route your traffic through a remote VPN server and does not change your public IP address.

This distinction is important because a DNS changer and a VPN are not the same thing.

A VPN may route network traffic through another server.

A DNS changer primarily changes which DNS resolver handles DNS requests.

What Is a DNS Speed Test?

Not every DNS server performs identically on every network.

DNS response time can depend on factors such as:

• Your location
• Internet provider
• Mobile or Wi-Fi network
• DNS provider infrastructure
• Network congestion
• Time of day

A DNS speed test compares how quickly different DNS resolvers respond from your current connection.

The DNS server that performs best for one user may not be the fastest option for another user.

This is why testing the DNS servers from your own network is more useful than relying only on a universal “fastest DNS” list.

Does Changing DNS Make the Internet Faster?

Sometimes the browsing experience can feel more responsive, but DNS should not be confused with bandwidth.

Changing DNS normally does not turn a 50 Mbps connection into a 100 Mbps connection.

DNS primarily affects domain-name resolution.

A faster resolver may reduce lookup latency for some requests, particularly when a website or app needs to resolve several domains.

For this reason, DNS response time should be tested separately from:

• Download speed
• Upload speed
• Network latency
• Ping

Does Changing DNS Reduce Gaming Ping?

Usually, DNS is not the primary factor determining your in-game latency.

Once your device has resolved the game server’s address, the network route between you and the server has much more influence over ping.

A different DNS server can affect how quickly the initial lookup is completed and, in some services, could affect which endpoint is returned, but a DNS change should not be presented as a guaranteed way to reduce gaming ping.

Testing your connection is the safest way to compare results.

Google DNS or Another DNS Provider?

There is no single DNS provider that is automatically best for every Android user.

Google Public DNS is widely available and provides encrypted DNS support. Google documents both DoT and DoH support.

Cloudflare is another popular option. Its public resolver uses:

1.1.1.1

and

1.0.0.1

and its Android Private DNS hostname is:

one.one.one.one

Cloudflare currently documents Android Private DNS configuration for Android 9 and later.

The best approach is to test multiple providers from your own connection.

Which DNS Should You Use on Android?

Choose a DNS server based on what you actually need.

If you want simplicity, Android Private DNS may be sufficient.

If you want Google DNS, you can configure dns.google.

If you want to compare different servers, a DNS changer app with a DNS speed test can make testing easier.

And if you frequently change DNS configurations, saved profiles and network testing tools can reduce the amount of manual configuration required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best DNS changer for Android?

There is no DNS changer that is automatically best for every device and network. Look for support for the DNS protocols and testing features you need, then compare the results on your connection.

Can I change DNS on Android without root?

Yes. Android supports Private DNS without root, and DNS changer apps can also provide no-root DNS configuration depending on their implementation.

What is Google DNS for Android?

Google Public DNS uses 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for IPv4. Android Private DNS users can use the hostname dns.google.

What is a DNS speed test?

A DNS speed test measures how quickly DNS servers respond to DNS queries from your current network.

Is a DNS changer a VPN?

Not necessarily. Some DNS changer apps use Android’s VPN interface to configure DNS locally, but they are not traditional VPN services that route all traffic through a remote VPN server.

Does changing DNS change my IP address?

Changing your DNS resolver alone does not normally change your public IP address.

Final Thoughts

Android gives users several ways to manage DNS.

For a simple system-wide configuration, Android Private DNS is an effective built-in option. Google DNS and other public DNS providers can be configured directly using their supported hostnames.

For users who want easier DNS switching, custom configurations and DNS speed testing, a dedicated DNS changer app can provide additional control.

The important part is to choose a DNS server based on your own network rather than assuming that one resolver will always be the fastest for everyone.