How to change DNS on the Xiaomi router: full instructions with pictures and tips

Why Change DNS on Xiaomi Router and When to Change it

DNS-servers are like the Internet’s β€œphone book” 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:

  • πŸ”’ 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.
  • 🌍 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.
  • πŸ›‘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).
  • πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί 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.
  • πŸš€ 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).

⚠️ 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.

πŸ“Š What? DNS You are using it on your Xiaomi router?
Provider (by default)
Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)
Google (8.8.8.8)
AdGuard DNS
Other

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).

  1. Connect to the router network via Wi-Fi or via Ethernet cable.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. Go to the section Additional settings β†’ Network β†’ LAN (on some firmware, the path may look like Network β†’ Local Network).
  5. 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.
  6. Enter the addresses of the selected DNS-servers (e.g. 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 for Cloudflare.
  7. 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 /flushdns

Introduced 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.

FirmwareThe Way to DNS SettingsFeatures
Stock MiWiFiAdditional settings β†’ Network β†’ LANChinese/English interface: Some DNSs may be restricted (e.g., 1.1.1.1 in China).
Padavan (RT-N56U)Network β†’ LAN β†’ DHCP SettingsYou can set the DNS separately for IPv4 and IPv6. Supports DNS-over-TLS.
OpenWRTNetwork β†’ Interfaces β†’ LAN β†’ Edit β†’ DHCP ServerRequires manually specifying DNS in /etc/config/dhcp. Suitable for advanced users.
Modified MiWiFi (from Enigma2)Advanced β†’ DHCP/DNSThere is an option to β€œIgnore the DNS provider” 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/142.250.186.46

But 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:

  • πŸ–₯️ On Windows: run nslookup ya.ru in the command line and look at the Server bar – there should be your address DNS.
  • πŸ“± On Android: Install the app DNS Checker or enter in the terminal (via Termux) getprop | grep dns.
  • 🍎 Nana iOS/macOS: Open System settings β†’ Network β†’ Additionally. β†’ DNS Check the current servers.
  • 🌐 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:

  1. Is it configured with static DNS (manually in network parameters)?
  2. Does the device use a VPN or proxy (they can override DNS)
  3. Have your network settings been updated (try reconnecting to Wi-Fi or restarting your device).

⚠️ 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 causeDecision
The Internet is gone after the DNS changeIncorrect DNS addresses or blocking by the providerGo back to the DNS provider or try 8.8.8.8. Check if the provider requires PPPoE authorization.
Some sites are not openedDNS-The server is blocking domains or there is a conflict with the IPv6Try a different DNS or turn off IPv6 in your router settings.
DNS changes itself after rebootingFirmware resets settings or automatic updates enabledUpdate the firmware to the latest version or roll back to a stable build.
Slow loading of pagesSelected DNS is geographically or overloadedUse 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?
Some ISPs (especially in corporate or educational networks) use DNS-redirect, a forced substitution of DNS on their servers. In this case, it will help: 1. Set up DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or DNS-over-TLS (DoT) at the device level (in the browser or OS). 2. Using a VPN with support for DNS-leak protection (for example, ProtonVPN or Windscribe). 3. Installing an alternative firmware on a router (for example, Padavan), which supports DNSCrypt. 4. Setting Static Routes on the router will bypass knowledge (for advanced).

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:

  1. Go to Network. β†’ IPv6.
  2. Turn on IPv6 and select Native or Passthrough mode (depending on provider).
  3. 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:

  • 🚫 AdGuard DNS: 94.140.14.14 (blocks ads) or 94.140.14.15 (blocks ads) + Β«adult).
  • πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ CleanBrowsing: 185.228.168.168 (family filter).
  • πŸ” NextDNS: 45.90.28.167 (with customization of locking rules).

To set up parental controls through DNS:

  1. Select a family-protected DNS (e.g. 185.228.168.168).
  2. In the router settings (Advanced β†’ Parental Control), add children’s devices to the β€œwhite list”.
  3. 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.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent DNS Questions on Xiaomi

Can I use DNS from the provider and an alternative at the same time?
Yes, you can specify the main and backup DNS in the router settings, for example, the main one is 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare), the backup one is your provider's DNS, and the router will only use the backup if the main one is not available.
How to return standard DNS if the Internet is gone after the changes?
Go to the router settings (192.168.31.1), delete manually entered DNS and leave the fields empty or enter 0.0.0.0. Save settings and restart the router. If access to the web interface is lost, reset with the Reset button.
Will a Smart TV or a game console with custom DNS work?
Yes, all devices on the network will use the DNS router, including the Xiaomi Mi TV, PlayStation or Xbox. However, some services (such as Netflix or PlayStation Network) may block access when using public DNS. In this case, add their domains to exceptions or use the DNS provider.
Can I configure different DNSs for different devices on the network?
On Xiaomi's stock firmware - No, DNS They're assigned to the entire network, but on alternative firmware, like Padavan, you can use them. DHCP Reservations to assign different DNS by certain devices MAC-address.
How do I check if the DNS I select is following my requests?
Use tools like DNS Leak Test (dnsleaktest.com) or DNS Spy (dnspy.io) to show which queries are leaking. For maximum privacy, choose a DNS with a no-log policy (such as Cloudflare or Quad9) and configure DNS-over-HTTPS on your devices.