Private DNS-Xiaomi Server: A Complete Guide to Setup and Use

If you’ve ever experienced slow loading sites, content blocking, or privacy issues on a Xiaomi smartphone, then set up a private one. DNS-The server can be the solution. This feature, hidden in the depths of Android settings, allows you to redirect everything. DNS-You can request your device through a secure channel, bypassing the ISP's standard servers, but what does that do in practice? Why are Redmi owners, POCO Or Mi should pay attention to it?

In this article, we will discuss how private work. DNS on Xiaomi devices, what advantages it provides (and whether there are pitfalls), and also give a step-by-step instruction for setting up, taking into account the features of the firmware MIUI. You will learn how to choose a reliable DNS-ISPs, which servers to avoid, and how to check that everything is working correctly, and we will pay special attention to security issues, because the wrong settings can not only improve, but also worsen your online experience.

What's private? DNS And how it works for Xiaomi.

DNS (Domain Name System is a system that converts human-readable site addresses (such as mi.com) into IP-The default address for your Xiaomi smartphone is DNS-servers of a mobile operator or Wi-Fi network, which are not always optimal in speed, security or censorship. DNS It allows you to manually specify an alternative server that will handle all requests over an encrypted connection (usually via DNS-over-TLS or DNS-over-HTTPS).

On Xiaomi devices, this feature came along with support for Android 9 Pie and later. It works at the system level, so it redirects everything. DNS-requests from both browsers and apps (including YouTube, Telegram or Mi Video). DNS substitute VPN, But solves some of the problems: speeds up access to sites, bypasses some blocking and protects against substitution DNS (pharm attacks).

• 🔒 Traffic encryption: Requests are transmitted in encrypted form, making it difficult to intercept them.
• ⚡ Speeding up: Some public DNS (1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8) are faster than servers.
• 🌍 Bypassing geoblocking: You can connect to DNS in another country to access blocked content.
• 🛡️ Protection against malicious sites: Some DNS (For example, CleanBrowsing filters phishing resources.

But there are limitations. DNS he doesn't hide yours IP-address (as opposed to the address) VPN) It doesn’t encrypt all traffic, just DNS-In addition, some applications (e.g. banking) may ignore system settings. DNS and use your own servers.

Why set up a private DNS Xiaomi: Real cases

Not all Xiaomi users need a private setup DNS, But in some situations, it's actually useful. Let's look at some specific examples where it makes sense:

1. Slow Internet on mobile network. If sites open with a delay, and the speed of tests (for example, in Speedtest) shows normal values, the problem may be in the Internet. DNS Switching to 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google) often speeds up page loads by 20 to 50 times%.

2. Blocking sites by DNS. Some providers (especially in corporate networks or hotels) block access to resources by swapping resources. DNS. A private server can circumvent this limitation, for example, if VK Telegram does not open in public Wi-Fi, change DNS help.

3. Confidentiality. Standard DNS-Requests are transmitted in plaintext and the provider (or attacker on the same network) can see which sites you visit. DNS encrypted (e.g, Quad9 NextDNS is hiding this information.

4. Parental controls: Services like OpenDNS FamilyShield or CleanBrowsing filter content for children right at the level of the user experience. DNS, blocking access to adult websites, gambling or social media.

5. Access to regional content. Some DNS-Providers (e.g., Smart) DNS Proxy allows you to “pretend” to be a user from another country, unlocking Netflix, Disney+ or BBC iPlayer without iPlayer VPN.

⚠️ Attention: Not all DNS-servers are equally useful. Free public DNS (For example, Google may collect data about your queries for analytics, and if privacy is critical, choose providers with a clear no-log policy, such as: Quad9 or NextDNS.

How to set up a private DNS Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Set up a private DNS Xiaomi takes no more than a minute on smartphones, but there are several nuances that depend on the version MIUI Follow these instructions:

Step 1. Open your network settings

Go to Settings. → Connections and sharing → Private DNS. On some devices, the path may be different:

• 📱 MIUI 12/13/14: Settings → Wi-Fi and networking → Additionally. → Private DNS
• 📱 POCO Launcher: Settings → System system → Additionally. → Private DNS
• 📱 Android One (such as Mi) A3): Settings → The Internet and the Internet → Additionally. → Private DNS

Step 2. Select the setting mode

You will be offered three options:

• Automatically - used DNS provider (by default).
• Manually - you need to enter the address of the private DNS.
• Off – Disables the function (not recommended).

Choose Manual.

Step 3. Enter the address DNS-provider

You need to specify the host name (not the host name). IP!) chosen DNS-server, for example:

dns.google (Google Public DNS)


1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com (Cloudflare)




dns.quad9.net (Quad9)

Don't use it. IP-Addresses (e.g. 8.8.8.8) – the system will require a domain name!

Step 4. Save the settings.

Press Save and restart the device. It's done! DNS-The requests will be sent through the selected server.

Make sure the settings say "Connected"|Check the speed of the Internet in Speedtest|Open dnsleaktest.com to check out DNS|Reboot your smartphone if your websites don’t open-->

Best private DNS-servers for Xiaomi in 2026

Choice DNS-The provider depends on your goals: speed, privacy, bypassing locks or filtering content. We tested popular servers on Xiaomi devices and compiled a rating:

For most Xiaomi users, we recommend Cloudflare, which combines high speed and reliability. If you want to block ads, try AdGuard. DNS. CleanBrowsing (family-filter-dns.cleanbrowsing.org) is suitable for parental control).

⚠️ Attention: Some DNS-Providers (e.g. Yandex.DNS or SafeDNS) may be blocked in your country. Before setting up, check the availability of the server through the DNSPerf website.

Problems and mistakes in setting up a private DNS Xiaomi

Even after the proper setting up, a private DNS It can work incorrectly. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

1. Sites do not open or open slowly

Reasons:

• 🔌 Wrong address. DNS: Make sure you enter the host name, not IP. For example, dns.google is correct, but 8.8.8.8 is not.
• 🌐 DNS-Provider blocked: Check if the server is available in your country (e.g. Google) DNS It may be blocked in some regions).
• 📶 Network problems: Switch from mobile internet to Wi-Fi or vice versa.

2.Private DNS It does not persist after rebooting

This is a well-known problem with some versions of MIUI.

• 🔄 Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings.
• 📲 Firmware Update: Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Manual editing of the config (for advanced): Use ADB, DNS-over-TLS: adb shell settings put global private_dns_mode hostname adb shell settings put global private_dns_specifier dns.google

3 Applications ignore private DNS

Some programs (for example, banking or instant messengers) use their own software. DNS-Two solutions:

• 🔒 Use it. VPN: For example, ProtonVPN or Warp from Cloudflare.
• 📦 Disable network optimization in MIUI: Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Optimize the network and turn it off.

4. Leakage DNS (DNS Leak)

Even after setting up a private DNS Some queries may go through old channels. DNS Leak Test, if there's a leak:

• 🔧 Turn it off. IPv6 In Wi-Fi settings (if not used).
• 🔄 Change. DNS-Provider on a supportive DNS-over-HTTPS (e.g., NextDNS).

Security and privacy: private risks DNS Xiaomi

Although private DNS It's not a panacea, but it's a better defense, and we're going to look at the key risks and how to minimize them:

1.A false sense of security

Many users mistakenly believe that the private sector DNS It completely anonymizes their traffic. It actually only encrypts their traffic. DNS-requests, but not concealed:

• 🌐 Your real life. IP-address (sees the sites).
• 📡 Data transmitted by HTTP (unencrypted sites).
• 📱 Information that apps collect (such as Facebook or TikTok).

For complete anonymity, use it. VPN privately DNS.

2. Unscrupulous DNS-provider

Free of charge DNS-servers can:

• 📊 Collect data about your requests for sale to advertisers.
• 🔗 Redirect traffic to affiliate sites (for example, when typos in the address).
• 🚫 Block legal content according to your criteria.

Before choosing a provider, check its privacy policy. for example, Cloudflare and Quad9 Publishing independent security audits.

3.Attacks through DNS (DNS Hijacking)

If an attacker gains access to your network (for example, via public Wi-Fi), they can change the settings. DNS Even at the router level, to protect yourself:

• 🔒 Use DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or DNS-over-TLS (DoT).
• 📡 Customize. DNS And on the router and on the device.
• 🛡️ Turn the firewall on MIUI (Settings → Annexes → Permits → firewall).

nslookup mi.com 8.8.8.8

Compare the result with what returns your current DNS. If the addresses are different, your traffic is redirected.-->

Private DNS vs VPN: What's best for Xiaomi?

Private. DNS, and VPN They solve privacy and bypass problems, but they work in different ways:

When to use a private DNS:

• 🌐 We need to speed up the loading of sites.
• 🔍 Basic level of confidentiality (hide requests from the provider).
• 📵 Want to save battery power.

When to use VPN:

• 🌍 You need to change your location (for example, Netflix).
• 🔒 Complete anonymity is required (to hide). IP).
• 📡 Connect to public Wi-Fi.

The best solution: Use a private solution DNS + VPN For example, set up Cloudflare. DNS for everyday use, and VPN (ProtonVPN or Warp only enable sensitive tasks (online banking, block circumvention).

💡

On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 14+ You can use privately owned at the same time. DNS and VPN. The system automatically prioritizes VPN, but DNS-The requests will still go through an encrypted channel if VPN It doesn't override them.

FAQ: Frequent questions about private DNS Xiaomi