Why Change DNS on Xiaomi Router and When to Change it
DNS-servers are like the Internetβs βphone bookβ that converts domain names (e.g., yandex.ru) into IP-By default, your Xiaomi Mi Router uses server addresses. DNS-In some cases, standard settings can slow down the loading of sites, block access to certain resources or even collect data about your requests.
When should you consider changing your DNS? First, if you notice that pages load longer than usual and that speedtest.net is normal; second, if you need to bypass regional restrictions, such as accessing foreign streaming services or sites blocked in your country; and third, to improve security: some public DNSs (such as Cloudflare or Google Public DNS) encrypt traffic and block phishing sites.
But there's a flip side to this: not all alternative DNSs are equally useful, some may be slower than your ISP, and others may be able to gather data about your queries for targeted advertising, so you should test a few options before changing your settings and choose the best one.
What are they? DNS-Best Servers to Use for Xiaomi in 2026
The choice of DNS depends on your goals. We have compiled a current list of trusted servers with their features:
- π Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1) β The fastest and most secure option with DNS-over-HTTPS support. does not log requests, blocks malicious sites.
- π Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) β It is stable but collects anonymous data to improve services, suitable for bypassing some regional lockdowns.
- π‘οΈ AdGuard DNS (94.140.14.14 / 94.140.15.15) β Blocking Advertising and Trackers at Level DNS. There are options with family protection (adult content filtering).
- π·πΊ Yandex.DNS (77.88.8.8 / 77.88.8.1) β Optimized for the Russian-speaking segment. 77.88.8.7 Blocks viruses and fraudulent websites.
- π OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220) β Supports parental control and phishing protection, requires registration for full functionality.
For most Xiaomi users, we recommend starting with Cloudflare or AdGuard DNS, which combine speed and protection. If you need to bypass geoblocking (for example, for Netflix or Disney+), try Google DNS or dedicated servers like 1.1.1.3 (Cloudflare to circumvent censorship).
β οΈ Note: Some providers are blocking the change DNS If the Internet goes missing after changing your settings, try using DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) in your browser or set up your browser. VPN.
Step-by-step: how to change DNS on Xiaomi routers (all models)
The DNS change process is the same for most Xiaomi Mi Router models (including the 4A Gigabit, AX3600, AX6000, AX9000 and Mini).
- Connect to the router network via Wi-Fi or via Ethernet cable.
- Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 (for most models) or miwifi.com. If the page doesn't open, check. IP-router address in your device settings.
- Enter the login and password to log into the control panel. By default, this is the combination indicated on the router sticker (usually admin and the password on the back).
- Go to the section Additional settings β Network β LAN (on some firmware, the path may look like Network β Local Network).
- Find the field. DNS-server (or Primary) DNS / Secondary DNS). By default, there may be 0.0.0.0 or the address of the provider.
- Enter the addresses of the selected DNS-servers (e.g. 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 for Cloudflare.
- Restart the router through the System Tools menu β Reboot or button on the case.
After you reboot, check the Internet. If the sites don't open, go back to the settings and make sure the DNS is entered correctly. Sometimes it helps to clean the DNS cache on your devices (on Windows, follow the command).
ipconfig /flushdnsIntroduced both DNS-servers (main and backup)|
Addresses entered without typos (e.g. 1.1.1.1, not 1.1.1.1.1)|
The router is connected to the Internet (WAN indicator burns)|
The device is off. VPN (It may conflict with new DNS)-->
Features of DNS configuration on MiWiFi and Padavan firmware
If your Xiaomi runs on alternative firmware (like Padavan or modified MiWiFi), the process may be different.
| Firmware | The Way to DNS Settings | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Stock MiWiFi | Additional settings β Network β LAN | Chinese/English interface: Some DNSs may be restricted (e.g., 1.1.1.1 in China). |
| Padavan (RT-N56U) | Network β LAN β DHCP Settings | You can set the DNS separately for IPv4 and IPv6. Supports DNS-over-TLS. |
| OpenWRT | Network β Interfaces β LAN β Edit β DHCP Server | Requires manually specifying DNS in /etc/config/dhcp. Suitable for advanced users. |
| Modified MiWiFi (from Enigma2) | Advanced β DHCP/DNS | There is an option to βIgnore the DNS providerβ that supports blocking lists (for example, for advertising). |
Padavan and OpenWRT can also be configured with DNS-rewrite, which allows you to redirect requests to certain domains to other domains. IP. For example, you can unlock access to YouTube through alternative servers. /etc/dnsmasq.conf add a line:
address=/youtube.com/142.250.186.46But remember: such manipulations may violate the rules of using services and lead to the blocking of the account.
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If some websites (e.g. banking) have stopped working after the DNS change, add them to exceptions via the hosts file on the router or go back to the DNS provider for critical services.
How to check if new DNSs are applied on all devices
Change of change DNS The router should automatically extend to all connected devices, from smartphones to smart TVs, but sometimes the settings are ignored. DNS:
- π₯οΈ On Windows: run nslookup ya.ru in the command line and look at the Server bar β there should be your address DNS.
- π± On Android: Install the app DNS Checker or enter in the terminal (via Termux) getprop | grep dns.
- π Nana iOS/macOS: Open System settings β Network β Additionally. β DNS Check the current servers.
- π Online check: go to the website dnsleaktest.com - it will show which ones are DNS currently in use.
If the DNS has not changed on any device, check:
- Is it configured with static DNS (manually in network parameters)?
- Does the device use a VPN or proxy (they can override DNS)
- Have your network settings been updated (try reconnecting to Wi-Fi or restarting your device).
β οΈ Note: Some apps (e.g. Telegram, 1.1.1.1 from Cloudflare) may be ignored DNS router and use your own servers. This is done to bypass locks, but it may conflict with your settings.
Frequent DNS Change Problems and How to Solve Them
Even after you set up your DNS properly, you can still get a problem, and we've collected some common errors and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The Internet is gone after the DNS change | Incorrect DNS addresses or blocking by the provider | Go back to the DNS provider or try 8.8.8.8. Check if the provider requires PPPoE authorization. |
| Some sites are not opened | DNS-The server is blocking domains or there is a conflict with the IPv6 | Try a different DNS or turn off IPv6 in your router settings. |
| DNS changes itself after rebooting | Firmware resets settings or automatic updates enabled | Update the firmware to the latest version or roll back to a stable build. |
| Slow loading of pages | Selected DNS is geographically or overloaded | Use namebench to test your DNS speed or select a server closer to your region. |
If neither option worked, try resetting your router to factory settings (reset button for 10 seconds) and reset. Also check if the router has Parental Control or Firewall enabled, which can block the router. DNS-request.
What if the provider blocks the DNS change?
Additional settings: DNS for IPv6, parental controls and ad blocking
Modern Xiaomi routers (for example, AX6000 or AX9000) support IPv6, And you can ask for it, too. DNS. This is true if your provider provides IPv6-Addressing. To set up:
- Go to Network. β IPv6.
- Turn on IPv6 and select Native or Passthrough mode (depending on provider).
- In the IPv6 DNS field, type addresses such as: 2606:4700:4700:::1111 (Cloudflare) 2001:4860:4860::::8888 (Google)
Specialized DNS can be used to block advertising and unwanted content:
- π« AdGuard DNS: 94.140.14.14 (blocks ads) or 94.140.14.15 (blocks ads) + Β«adult).
- π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ CleanBrowsing: 185.228.168.168 (family filter).
- π NextDNS: 45.90.28.167 (with customization of locking rules).
To set up parental controls through DNS:
- Select a family-protected DNS (e.g. 185.228.168.168).
- In the router settings (Advanced β Parental Control), add childrenβs devices to the βwhite listβ.
- Set up an access schedule (for example, blocking social networks after 22:00).
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Using specialized DNSs (such as AdGuard) can speed up page loading by 10-30%, as it blocks the loading of ad scripts and trackers before they are loaded.