Almost everything you do on your desktop, laptop, phone and tablet that starts with a domain name system (DNS) query. Essentially, DNS replaces the domain name (eg zdnet.com) in an IP address, so web browser and apps know where to get that information.
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Without DNS, you have to type 34.149.132.124 every time to go to Zdnet.com or 74.125.21.102 to go to Google.com. Even by searching only Google, DNS is at work. The problem is that the standard DNS is not encrypted, which means that all your questions are sent as plain text on the network.
Why is non-encrypted DNS a problem?
Suppose you are on a public network – like a coffee shop – and you start searching for things on your Android device. “If someone else is on the same network and has skills, they can intercepted your non-encrypted search query (or URL you see) and really know what you are looking at.
It is from here that private DNS mode comes in the game. Once you enable this feature, all your DNS questions are encrypted, so bad actors will not be able to see them – even if they capture those packets. In other words, private DNS mode should be a complete one for anyone who gives importance to their privacy and safety.
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But how do you enable private DNS mode on Android? It is really quite simple. Let me tell you how.
How to enable private DNS mode on Android version 11 or new
If you are using Android version 11 or new, the old method of private DNS no longer works. Instead of manually handling this process, you have to install an application made by Cloudflare, which is called 1.1.1.1 + TanaOnce you install the app, it will open, and you will see a slider that has disconnected. Tap that slider, and it will enable service.
Cloudflare Warp app makes it easier to enable private DNS on Android starting from 11.
Jack Walons/ZDDNet
There is a warning to use the app. If it is disabled and you need to re -enable private DNS, you will not get an app in your app drawer. Instead, you have to search it in Google Play Store and tap openly from there. I think Cloudflare can cure this small annoyance, but until they do it, you know to use the app to use at least. If, on the other hand, the app is running, then you see a notification entry, which will open the app when tapped.
How to enable private DNS mode on more than 11 old Android versions
what you’ll need: An Android device that is running 10 or more old versions. I am using a Pixel 9 Pro (which means that I now have to use a new method), but much more every modern Android phone is capable of enabling private DNS.
Open the settings app (either notification shade or app drawer) and then tap on the network and internet. If you are using a Samsung Galaxy device, you will go to Settings> More Connection Settings.
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Network and Internet options should appear on top of the settings app.
Screenshot by Jack Waln/ZDNET
You will get entry for private DNS near the lower part of the network and internet window. On Galaxy devices, it will be located in the middle of the more connection settings list. If you don’t find it, go back to the main settings page and search for private DNS.
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Private DNS entry is in the network and internet section of Settings app.
Screenshot by Jack Waln/ZDNET
This is where it can be a bit difficult. You should know a provider who provides private DNS. Cloudflare is the provider of my choice, so know for their primary safe DNS:
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1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com
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You can use some other potential hosts:
- Google DNS: dns.google
- Quad9: dns.quad9.net
- Cleanbrowing DNS: Security-Filter- dns.cleanbrowsing.org
- Open DNS: 208.67.222.222
- Nextdns: 45.90.28.0
- Comodo safe: 8.26.56.26
- Opennic: 192.95.54.3
Comment: Although the above free DNS services are all worth trying, I recommend going with cloudflare (1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com). I find it the fastest and the safest of the bunch. At the top of the speed, Cloudflare adds dNS filtering, which can help prevent emails from being sent from malicious IP addresses.
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When you tap on private DNS, a new pop-up will appear. Tap on private DNS provider hostams, and then type hostams for the DNS provider of your choice.
Adding a private DNS provider to Android.
Screenshot by Jack Waln/ZDNET
You can also choose automatic, which will automatically switch to Google’s private DNS when available. For those who are not so hurry to rely on Google for such convenience, I recommend selecting private DNS and then typing the address for the provider of your choice. Save the new settings to save the new setting and close the Settings app. You can find yourself in a place where Google’s private DNS servers are not available, so using one like a cloudflare has benefits beyond speed.
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You can then verify that it is working by opening its default Android browser and may indicate that if you see that “DNS over TLS (DOT) sets as” yes “, it is working.
And all this is there. Once you enable private DNS on Android, your DNS questions are encrypted. Enjoy that couple privacy and security.
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