How to Activate Android Private DNS?
Making sure your online actions stay private is crucial in the constantly changing world of digital privacy. Understanding Private DNS meaning is vital for enhancing your security. Using Private DNS is one practical technique to improve your privacy on an Android smartphone. This feature adds an extra degree of security to your internet connections and helps shield your browsing data from prying eyes. We’ll explain what Private DNS is, why it’s useful, and walk you through the entire process of activating it on your Android smartphone in this in-depth guide.
What is a Private DNS?
Your Domain Name System (DNS) requests are encrypted by the private DNS protocol, which is often referred to as DNS over TLS (DoTLS) or DNS over HTTPS (DoH). DNS is the mechanism that converts domain names that are readable by humans, such as www.example.com, into IP addresses that are used by computers to identify one another over a network. Your DNS queries are encrypted when you use Private DNS, which helps shield your online activity from being tracked by possible hackers and other third parties, such as your internet service provider (ISP).
Enable Private DNS to Avoid Being Watched by Others
It is now essential for all users to enhance their device security since threat actors are increasingly focusing on Android smartphones. The private DNS Android feature will improve your privacy because it encrypts your DNS request. You will thereby benefit from increased security and privacy. Furthermore, you may be able to accelerate slow load times by simply adjusting your DNS settings.
How to Clear the DNS Cache On Your Device?
Flush it first before modifying your DNS server. The cache on your DNS server might be full. You can speed up you’re browsing without switching servers by clearing this.
- Launch Chrome on your Android phone. If you don’t use Chrome, you can access DNS settings by using the documentation provided by your preferred browser.
- In the address bar, type chrome://net-internals/#dns.
- Select “Clear Host Cache”.
- Restart the device.
If your browsing experience is still slow, move on to switching DNS servers.
How to Activate Private DNS on Android
- Step 1: Launch the Settings app.
- Open the home screen on your Android handset after unlocking it.
- Find and open the Settings application. Usually, the icon has the appearance of a cogwheel or gear.
- Step 2: Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
- Select Network & Internet by scrolling down the Settings menu.
- Press the Advanced button to see further network-related choices.
- Step 3: Open the Private DNS Configuration
- The Private DNS option is located in the Advanced menu. To continue, tap on it.
- Step 4: Configure Private DNS Mode.
1) There are three options available to you:
Private DNS provider hostname, Automatic, and Off.
-
- Off: In this case, the default DNS settings are used and Private DNS is disabled.
- Automatic: This option enables the device to automatically use the DNS settings supplied by your network.
- Private DNS Provider Hostname: Enter the hostname of the selected Private DNS provider here.
2) To manually set your DNS settings, select the hostname of your private DNS provider.
Step 5: Type the hostname for the private DNS
1) Your Private DNS provider’s hostname must be entered when prompted. Enter the hostname in this manner:
- Enter dns.google.com to access Google Public DNS.
- Enter 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com for Cloudflare DNS.
- Type dns.quad9.net to access Quad9 DNS.
- NextDNS: 45.90.28.0 o Open DNS: 208.67.222.222.
2) To save the modifications, hit Save after entering the hostname.
Step 6: Check the Configuration.
1) To confirm that Private DNS is enabled, go back to the Private DNS settings panel. The hostname of the specified provider ought to be shown.
2) Another way to test your setup is to go to a website like https://www.dnsleaktest.com that displays your DNS information. This will verify that the Private DNS provider is handling the routing of your DNS queries.
Strengthen Your Online Security with iProVPN
iProVPN is a great option for improved internet privacy. This user-friendly tool is accessible for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and provides complete protection.
Some of iProVPN’s features are:
- Unlimited Bandwidth: With iProVPN’s fast servers, you can browse and stream without interruption and without worrying about data restrictions or throttling.
- Web Threat Protection: Use iProVPN’s cutting-edge security features to protect yourself from malicious websites, online fraud, and phishing attempts.
- Public Wi-Fi Security: To protect your personal data from any cyber threats, encrypt your connection when using any public Wi-Fi network.
Secure DNS and Private DNS
Big businesses and enthusiasts can manage their own DNS servers and set custom query rules. Private DNS is essentially a non-public server, not a high-privacy solution by itself. In practice, secure DNS protocols like DNSCrypt, DNS over TLS (DoT), and DNS over HTTPS (DoH) often power Private DNS. These protocols encrypt DNS queries, enhancing security compared to regular DNS.
The DoH protocol is considered superior due to its resistance to filtering by ISPs. While detailed knowledge of Secure DNS isn’t necessary, using a DNS server that supports these protocols ensures better privacy and security. Free, secure servers such as public DNS (1.1.1.1, 8.8.8.8) from Cloudflare and Google are available, supporting both standard and encrypted DNS.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Although setting up Private DNS is usually simple, there could be some problems. The following are some typical issues and how to fix them:
- DNS Resolution Problems: Verify that you have typed in the hostname correctly if you are having trouble visiting websites after turning on Private DNS. Another option is to attempt changing DNS providers.
- Connectivity Issues: Verify that your device is correctly connected to a network and that the Private DNS settings are right if you are unable to access the internet. See if turning off Private DNS for a while fixes the connectivity problem.
- App Compatibility: Enabling Private DNS may cause some apps to malfunction. If you experience issues with any particular app, you might want to get in touch with the app’s support staff for help.
DNS Vs. VPN
Got it! Here’s a direct comparison of DNS and VPN:
| Feature | DNS (Domain Name System) | VPN (Virtual Private Network) |
| Primary Function | Translates domain names into IP addresses. | Encrypts internet traffic and routes it through a server. |
| Privacy | Basic DNS queries are not encrypted; privacy depends on the DNS provider. | Encrypts all internet traffic, enhancing privacy. |
| Security | Offers limited security; some DNS services offer encrypted DNS (DoH/DoT). | Provides strong encryption and protects against eavesdropping. |
| Impact on Speed | Generally fast; does not significantly affect browsing speed. | Can slightly reduce speed due to encryption and server distance. |
| Geo-Restrictions | No impact on geo-restrictions; does not change your IP address. | Can bypass geo-restrictions by masking your IP address with a server’s IP. |
| Data Encryption | No encryption of traffic. | Encrypts all data transmitted between your device and the VPN server. |
| Usage | Used for resolving domain names; can be combined with other services for enhanced privacy. | Used for secure and private browsing, accessing restricted content, and masking IP addresses. |
This table summarizes how DNS and VPN differ in their functionalities and impacts on privacy and security.
Summing it Up
Activating Private DNS on your Android device enhances your privacy by encrypting DNS queries and shielding your browsing from prying eyes. This straightforward setup process not only boosts your security but can also improve browsing speed. For comprehensive protection, consider combining Private DNS with tools like iProVPN to secure all aspects of your internet activity. Together, they ensure a safer and more private online experience.
FAQs
- What is Private DNS on Android?
Private DNS on Android, also known as DNS over TLS (DoTLS) or DNS over HTTPS (DoH), encrypts your DNS queries, preventing third parties like ISPs and hackers from monitoring your browsing activity. This enhances your privacy and security while you surf the web.
- How does Private DNS improve my privacy?
Private DNS improves your privacy by encrypting the DNS requests your device sends out. This means that your ISP and other entities cannot easily track or intercept the websites you visit, keeping your online activity more secure.
- How can I activate Private DNS on my Android device?
To activate Private DNS on Android:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS.
- Select Private DNS provider hostname and enter the hostname of your chosen DNS provider.
- Save your settings and verify the setup using a DNS test website.
- What are some reliable Private DNS providers?
Popular Private DNS providers include:
- Google Public DNS: dns.google
- Cloudflare DNS: 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com
- Quad9 DNS: dns.quad9.net
- NextDNS: 45.90.28.0
- OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222
- How do I clear the DNS cache on my Android device?
To clear the DNS cache:
- Open Chrome and go to chrome://net-internals/#dns.
- Click on Clear Host Cache.
- Restart your device to ensure changes take effect.
- What should I do if Private DNS causes connectivity issues?
If you encounter connectivity issues:
- Ensure the Private DNS hostname is entered correctly.
- Verify your device is connected to a network.
- Temporarily disable Private DNS to check if it resolves the problem.
- Consider trying a different DNS provider if issues persist.
- Can Private DNS improve my internet speed?
In some cases, Private DNS can enhance speed by using optimized DNS servers. However, if you experience slow browsing, consider clearing your DNS cache or switching to a different DNS provider.
- How does Private DNS compare to a VPN?
Private DNS encrypts DNS queries to improve privacy, while a VPN encrypts all internet traffic and routes it through a secure server. A VPN offers more comprehensive privacy and security, including masking your IP address and bypassing geo-restrictions.
