Private DNS-Xiaomi server: which one to choose for maximum speed and security

By default, Xiaomi devices (smartphones, routers, TVs) are used DNS-This is not always optimal: providers can slow down the loading of sites, collect data about your requests or block access to certain resources. DNS-The server solves these problems by speeding up the internet, increasing privacy and helping to bypass regional restrictions.

But what? DNS The answer depends on your goals: someone needs maximum speed gain, someone needs protection against phishing, and someone needs access to blocked services. In this article, we tested the top 5 best DNS-servers (including Cloudflare, Google) DNS, AdGuard and others have compared them on key parameters and prepared step-by-step instructions for setting up on different Xiaomi devices.

⚠️ Important: Not all DNS-servers work equally well in Russia and CIS countries, and some (such as OpenDNS) may slow down the connection due to the geographical distance of the servers.

Why to change DNS to Xiaomi: 3 key reasons

Many users are unaware that standard DNS settings can slow down their devices, and here are three good reasons to switch to a private server:

πŸ”Ή Accelerating the loading of sites. DNS-ISP servers are often overloaded, which increases response time (ping), for example, when connecting to Cloudflare. DNS (1.1.1.1) delay can be reduced from 50 ms to 10-20 ms – the difference is especially noticeable on weak Xiaomi routers (Mi Router series). 4A or Redmi Router AX5).

πŸ”Ή Bypassing locks. DNS-servers (e.g. AdGuard) DNS) They support DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) technology, which encrypts requests and allows you to bypass Roskomnadzor blockings, which is relevant for accessing Telegram, Twitter or torrent trackers without any access to the Internet. VPN.

πŸ”Ή Protection against phishing and malicious sites, servers like CleanBrowsing or Quad9 Automatically block suspicious domains, preventing data theft, especially for Xiaomi smartphones, where users often install apps from third-party sources.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi routers with MiWiFi firmware (for example, AX3600) shift DNS Parental control may be affected, and check before setting up if you are using this feature.

πŸ“Š Why do you want to change? DNS Xiaomi?
Speed up the Internet
Bypass lockdowns
Protect yourself from viruses
Other

TOP-5 DNS-Xiaomi servers: speed and security comparison

We tested the popular ones. DNS-servers on Xiaomi devices (Redmi Note 12 Pro smartphone)+, router AX6000, TV-TV TV Q2 55) in the conditions of Russian providers (Rostelecom, MTS, Beeline.

DNS-serverSpeed (ms)Support for DoH/DoTContent filteringBest for you.
Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1)12–18DoH, DoTBasic (blocking malicious sites)Maximum speed
Google DNS (8.8.8.8)15–22DoHNo.Stability (rarely falls)
AdGuard DNS18–25DoH, DoTAdvanced (advertising, trackers, adult content)Blocking Ads and Trackers
Quad9 (9.9.9.9)20–30DoH, DoTActive (malware blocking, phishing)security
CleanBrowsing22–35DoHFamily (blocking 18+)Parental control

πŸ”Έ Speed leader - Cloudflare DNS (In tests through DNS Benchmark has shown minimal ping even on Xiaomi's budget routers. However, it doesn't have flexible filtering settings.

πŸ”Έ Best for Ad Blocking – AdGuard DNS. He removes banners right at the level DNS, This speeds up page loading by 20-40% (tested on Mi 11 Ultra with Mi Browser).

πŸ”Έ The safest β€” Quad9. He's using a threat database from IBM X-Force and blocks even fresh phishing sites that have not yet responded to antiviruses.

πŸ’‘

If you want maximum anonymity, combine DNS with VPN. For example, set up Cloudflare’s AdGuard DNS + Warp (free) on a Xiaomi smartphone.

How to set up DNS on a Xiaomi smartphone (MIUI 14/15)

On Xiaomi’s MIUI-enabled smartphones, there are two ways to change DNS: through Wi-Fi settings or through a private DNS (only for Android 9+), the second method is preferable, as it encrypts DoT (DNS-over-TLS) requests.

πŸ“Œ Method 1: Via Wi-Fi settings (for all versions) MIUI)

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Wi-Fi.
  2. Click on your network name and hold for 2 seconds.
  3. Select Change Network β†’ Additional β†’ IP settings.
  4. In the DNS field 1 enter the server address (for example, 1.1.1.1), in DNS 2 - 1.0.0.1 (backup).
  5. Save and reconnect to the network.

πŸ“Œ Method 2: Through the private DNS (Android 9+)

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Private DNS.
  2. Select the host name of the private DNS provider.
  3. Enter the address: For Cloudflare: 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com For Google: dns.google For AdGuard: dns.adguard.com

Save and restart your smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (especially global) item β€œPrivate DNS" In this case, use client applications (for example, 1.1.1.1 from Cloudflare or DNS Changer).

Make sure the internet is working.|Check it out. DNS via nslookup google.com in the terminal|Open the Cloudflare test to check DoH/DoT|Restart the device if the sites are not loading

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DNS settings on Xiaomi routers (Mi Router, Redmi Router)

Changing the router-level DNS will force all connected devices (including smartphones, TVs, and smart lamps) to use the new server, which is convenient but requires caution: incorrect settings can lead to loss of Internet access.

πŸ“Œ Instructions for routers on MiWiFi firmware (AX3600, AX6000, AX9000):

  1. Open the router’s web interface at 192.168.31.1 (the username and password are usually admin/admin).
  2. Go to the Additional settings β†’ Network β†’ WAN.
  3. In the DNS Settings section, type 1.1.1.1 (main) 8.8.8.8 (backup)

Save.

πŸ“Œ For routers with OpenWRT firmware (for example, Xiaomi) R4A custom-made):

    ⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi routers with Chinese firmware (CN ROM) shift DNS Mi Home may stop working, if it's critical, use it. DNS only on individual devices.

    How to return standard DNS on the router?
    If the Internet is gone after changing the DNS, go to the router settings (192.168.31.1) and manually delete the entered addresses in the WAN section. Then select the option "Get DNS automatically" and save the settings. If the web interface is not available, reset the router with the Reset button (hold 10 seconds).

    DNS for Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV)

    On Xiaomi TVs with Android TV or PatchWall, it is more difficult to change the DNS than on smartphones. This option is not available in the standard settings, so you will have to use workarounds.

    πŸ“Œ Method 1: Wi-Fi settings (not working on all models)

    1. Open Settings β†’ Network and Internet β†’ Wi-Fi.
    2. Select your network and click Change Network β†’ More.
    3. In the DNS section, enter addresses (e.g. 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112 for Quad9).
    4. Save and restart the TV.

    πŸ“Œ Method 2: Apply (if the first method does not work)

    1. Install the DNS Changer for Android TV app from Google Play.
    2. Run it and select the server you want (like AdGuard DNS).
    3. Click Apply and confirm the rights of the superuser (if required).

    πŸ”Ή Method 2: Through the Command Prompt (for PC or Termux on Xiaomi)

    1. Open the terminal and type in: nslookup google.com
    2. In the answer, find the Server bar – it should be your DNS address.

    πŸ”Ή Method 3: Through the App (for smartphones)

    • Install Network Analyzer from Google Play.
    • Run the DNS test – the application will show the current server.

    ⚠️ Attention: If after the shift DNS Some sites have stopped opening (e.g. vk.com or ok.ru), which may mean that the server you choose is blocking them as "unsafe." DNS or turn off the filtering in its settings.

    Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

    When setting up DNS on Xiaomi devices, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common errors and solutions:

    πŸ”Έ Mistake 1: The Internet is gone after a shift DNS

    • πŸ”Ή Reason: Incorrectly entered server address or router does not support user DNS.
    • πŸ”Ή Solution: Check the typo addresses. If it doesn't work, return the automobilization settings. DNS Try another server.

    πŸ”Έ Mistake 2: DNS It does not persist after rebooting

    • πŸ”Ή Reason: On some firmware MIUI (especially Chinese DNS β€” It's a feature, not a bug.
    • πŸ”Ή Solution: Use applications like 1.1.1.1 or DNS Changer that is enforced by the DNS level VPN.

    πŸ”Έ Mistake 3: The Internet is Slower

    • πŸ”Ή Reason: Selected DNS-The server is geographically distant from you (for example, OpenDNS for users from Russia).
    • πŸ”Ή Solution: Select a server with minimal ping (check through the DNS Benchmark).

    πŸ”Έ Error 4: Some apps don’t work (e.g. Mi Home or Mi Fit)

    • πŸ”Ή Reason: Some DNS Blocking Xiaomi domains used to manage smart devices.
    • πŸ”Ή Solution: Add the domains api.io.mi.com and micoapi.xiaomi.net to the exceptions or use Google DNS (8.8.8.8).

    πŸ’‘

    If banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) have stopped working after the DNS change, it is normal that many banks block non-standard DNS for security reasons.

    FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

    πŸ”Ή Can I use it? DNS and VPN simultaneously?
    Yeah, but there's some nuances. VPN Uses full tunneling (like NordVPN or Surfshark), it will override your DNS to your servers, to keep yours safe. DNS, select in the settings VPN Split Tunneling (if supported) and delete DNS-traffic.
    πŸ”Ή What? DNS Best for games on Xiaomi (Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG)?
    Minimum ping is critical for games, so Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) or Google DNS (8.8.8.8) are the best choice. These provide stable connectivity and rarely fail. Avoid active-filtered DNS (like Quad9), as they can add delays.
    πŸ”Ή Will Smart work? TV (Netflix, YouTube) with custom DNS?
    Yes, but some servers (like CleanBrowsing or AdGuard) DNS Family filtering can block streaming platforms. Netflix and YouTube are better off using Cloudflare or Google. DNS. If the content is not loaded, check the filtering settings in your personal account. DNS-provider.
    πŸ”Ή Can we set up? DNS Xiaomi smartwatches (Mi Band, Watch)?
    No, Xiaomi smartwatches (including Mi Band 7 and Watch S3) don’t support manual DNS setup. They use DNS, which the smartphone transmits to them via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. To change the DNS for the watch, set it up on your smartphone or router.
    πŸ”Ή How to roll back changes if DNS doesn't work?
    To return the standard settings: On your smartphone: go to Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Private DNS and select Automatic. On router: in the web interface (192.168.31.1), delete manually entered DNS and check the box "Get Automatic." On your TV: reset the network settings to factory or return the DNS manually. If the Internet does not recover, reboot the device.