Private DNS for Android: Everything You Need to Know

Using a private DNS service for Android is a popular way to protect your online activity or even speed up your browsing. It encrypts your DNS queries, making it harder for third parties, such as internet service providers or attackers on public Wi-Fi, to monitor your browsing behavior.

But how exactly does it work? What are the advantages and disadvantages? How do you enable it, and what are the best Private DNS options for Android? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using Private DNS on Android.

What’s Android Private DNS?

Private DNS for Android is a feature that lets you use encrypted DNS instead of the default protocol to improve your security and privacy.

The Domain Name System (DNS) is responsible for translating human-readable domain names like privateinternetaccess.com into numerical IP addresses that computers use to locate servers on the internet. When DNS traffic isn’t encrypted, third parties with access to your network – such as your ISP or network provider – can see the websites you visit.

By default, most Android devices use traditional, unencrypted DNS. This allows third parties, such as your internet service provider or network administrators, to monitor your activity. It can be risky in unsecured environments like airport public Wi-Fi, where malicious actors may be able to view your DNS queries and potentially target you.

With Private DNS enabled, your DNS queries are encrypted using the DNS over TLS (DoT) protocol¹. Many users turn this feature on to add an extra layer of protection while browsing.

How Does It Work?

The DoT protocol encrypts your DNS queries before they leave your device. This means that when you type in a website you want to visit, your phone goes through a complex encryption process before sending its request. 

1. When you enter a website’s name or connect to an app, the DoT protocol is activated.
2. Before requesting the IP address for the site you want to browse, your device connects to a special secure channel, usually through port 853.
3. Once the encrypted connection is established, in a process known as the TLS handshake, the devices verify certificates and generate temporary keys to encrypt DNS traffic.
4. Your device sends your DNS queries through the temporary encrypted tunnel, and the DNS server returns responses through the same secure channel.
5. Third parties will only be able to see that you’re interacting with a DNS server, but not the specific websites or platforms you’re visiting.

This process can vary slightly depending on your device. Not all Android phones support DoT; only those running Android 9 Pie or later include this feature, since Android Private DNS with DoT support was introduced in 2018².

Other factors can also interfere with your encrypted connection. For example, networks that block port 853 or issues with the DoT hostname entered in the settings may prevent Private DNS from working properly.

How to Set Up Private DNS on Android

There are different ways you can switch from your Android device’s unencrypted DNS to a private DNS. The two most common options are:

• Automatic: Your device will try to use an encrypted DNS connection provided by the network you’re connected to – if it’s supported.
• Private DNS provider hostname: You manually enable a private DNS service offered by a provider such as Google, Cloudflare, or AdGuard. You’ll need to know the provider’s hostname before turning this on, since Android will ask for it during setup.

For both methods, you must go through a similar process:

1. Open Settings on your Android device and go to Connections.

2. Then, tap More connection settings. On certain devices, this may appear under Network & Internet.

3. Tap Private DNS.

4. Choose your preferred private DNS option:
   
   1. Select Automatic, which is usually the recommended choice.
      

   

   2. Or select Private DNS provider hostname, enter the hostname of the DNS provider you want to use, and save.
      

   

Advantages of Activating Private DNS on Android

Since its launch, security experts and developers have advised users to enable Private DNS on Android when supported. The main advantages of this feature include: 

• Privacy protection: Encryption makes it more difficult for anyone with access to your network to monitor which sites you visit, including your ISP.
• Improved connection speed: Private DNS can improve performance since certain DNS providers offer faster resolution times and operate optimized global networks.
• Reduced risk of DNS spoofing and hijacking: Private DNS makes it harder for attackers to redirect you to malicious websites, modify DNS responses, or track your domain requests.

Disadvantages of Activating Private DNS on Android

Despite its clear advantages, private DNS comes with a few downsides, too.

• No IP address masking: When you use Android Private DNS, your IP address remains visible to the websites and apps you connect to.
• Possible compatibility issues: Not all Android devices, apps, or networks support encrypted DNS. On some networks, private DNS may fail to work because encrypted channels aren’t supported or DoT traffic on port 853 is blocked. In certain cases, specific apps may crash or perform poorly when private DNS is enabled.
• Slower connection: Some private DNS providers can be slow, making your browsing feel sluggish. This can happen during the TLS handshake and certificate validation process. Performance can also drop if your chosen Private DNS provider only has servers located far from your physical location.
• Only DNS queries are encrypted: It’s important to understand that only your DNS traffic is protected. Other data, such as your IP address, traffic metadata, destination IPs, and app activity, may still be exposed depending on your network and settings.
  

The Best Private DNS for Android

While you can always opt for the automatic private DNS recommended by the network you’re connected to, you may prefer to use one of the reputable and free alternatives offered by specialist providers, which may offer extra features or privacy perks:

• Cloudflare: This high-performance public DNS resolver based in the US offers strong privacy with minimal logging. It uses a large global network and optimized resolvers designed for speed and privacy.
  • Hostname: 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com
• Google DNS: Google’s DNS is widely used and known for reliability. Its massive infrastructure helps ensure high uptime and efficient caching.
  • Hostname: dns.google
• AdGuard: Besides DNS encryption, AdGuard offers ad and tracker blocking, along with other family protection features such as adult content filtering.
  • Hostname (default): dns.adguard-dns.com
• Quad9: This private DNS service focuses on privacy and cybersecurity. It blocks malicious domains and known threats using real-time threat intelligence. The service operates under Swiss law and doesn’t log your IP address.
  • Hostname: dns.quad9.net
• OpenDNS: Cisco offers this private DNS service focusing on protection and reliability. It includes features like FamilyShield for blocking adult content, anti-phishing protection, and other customizable security options.
  • Hostname: resolver1.opendns.com

Services with large global infrastructures usually offer faster and more reliable connections. However, if a provider has servers closer to your location or offers extras, like ad blocking or family protection, it might be a better fit for you. 

FAQ

References:

1. Specification for DNS over Transport Layer Security (TLS) – IETF
2. DNS over TLS support in Android P Developer Preview – Android Developers Blog