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

Have you ever noticed that some sites open faster on one device and slower on the other, even though both are connected to the same Wi-Fi network? or have you ever seen a situation where banking applications suddenly stop working and the browser issues a warning about an insecure connection? The reason may lie in the settings DNS-servers that your Xiaomi smartphone uses by default.

In this article, we will discuss in detail what is private. DNS-Xiaomi’s Smartphone Server as It Differs From Standard DNS From the provider, and why setting up it can significantly improve your online experience. You’ll learn how to enable this feature on models from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which servers are best for speed and security, and what pitfalls can occur if you misconfigure. We pay special attention to privacy issues - not everyone knows that the standard DNS-servers may share your requests with third parties, including Internet service providers and advertising networks.

If you’ve ever thought about how to make the Internet on your Xiaomi faster, safer and more confidential, this is the material for you. We’re not going to limit ourselves to superficial instructions, but we’ll dive into the technical details so that you can consciously choose the best settings for your tasks.

What is it? DNS-Server and why you need it in your smartphone

DNS (Domain Name System is a kind of phone book on the Internet. Every time you type in a website address (like mi.com), your smartphone is accessing the Internet. DNS-server to find out IP-the address corresponding to this domain. DNS You would have to remember numerical addresses like 192.168.1.1 for each site.

By default, your Xiaomi is using DNS-servers that your ISP provides (e.g., Rostelecom or MTS). However, this approach has several significant drawbacks:

• 🐢 Low speed: Provider DNS Often overloaded, which slows down the opening of pages.
• 👁️ Lack of privacy: The provider sees all your requests and can log them.
• 🚫 Blocking: Some sites may not be available due to provider restrictions.
• 🛡️ Vulnerabilities: Standard DNS They do not encrypt traffic, making it vulnerable to interception.

This is where the private comes to the rescue. DNS-Unlike the standard server, it allows you to:

• ⚡ Speed up page loading with optimized servers (e.g. Cloudflare or Google) DNS).
• 🔒 Encrypt DNS-requests by protecting them from eavesdropping (via DNS-over-TLS or DNS-over-HTTPS).
• 🌍 Bypass regional locks and access blocked resources.
• 🛡️ Protect yourself from phishing and malicious sites (some private ones) DNS filter out dangerous domains).

Privately DNS Different from standard: Comparative table

To better understand the benefits of private DNS, Let's compare it to traditional servers from the provider. Here's a table with key differences:

As you can see from the table, the private DNS But there are some nuances: some servers may block access to certain resources (e.g. AdGuard). DNS By default, it blocks ads and trackers, and improper settings can lead to problems connecting to some LANs (such as hotels or corporate Wi-Fi).

⚠️ Note: If you are using a Xiaomi corporate smartphone with a customized MDM (Mobile Device Management, Changes DNS-The security policies of the company may be violated by servers, in some cases, this may lead to a device lock or leakage of sensitive data.

How to Include Private DNS on the smartphone Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Set up a private DNS Xiaomi takes 2-3 minutes, but requires attention to detail. MIUI 12–14 and HyperOS, including:

• Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra
• Xiaomi 14/14 Pro/14 Ultra
• Redmi Note 12/13
• POCO F5/X5

Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings and go to Connections and Sharing (or Network and Internet depending on the firmware version).
2. Choose Private. DNS. If this item is not, click on additional → Private DNS.
3. Click on the hostname of the private provider DNS.
4. Enter the address of the selected DNS-For example, for Cloudflare: 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com For Google. DNS: dns.google For AdGuard DNS: dns.adguard.com

Press Save. The system will prompt you to connect to VPN (That’s OK, that’s how encryption is implemented. DNS Android, you'll agree.

The correct host name (without typos)

Connection to VPN confirmed

The Internet is working (check in the browser)

Page loading speed has not dropped-->

If the Internet stopped working after saving the settings, check:

• 🔄 Correctness of the entered address (typos are a common cause of errors).
• 📶 Stability of connection to Wi-Fi or mobile network.
• 🔒 Restrictions on the current network (for example, in public Wi-Fi) DNS may be blocked).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware (especially older versions) MIUI for Redmi 9 or POCO X3) Option “Private” DNS" Maybe not. In that case, you'll have to change. DNS Manually for each Wi-Fi network in the Settings section → Wi-Fi → [tap on the net] → Change the network → Additionally. → Settings IP (Static) → DNS 1/2.

Best private DNS-Xiaomi servers in 2026: comparison and recommendations

Choice DNS-The server depends on your priorities: speed, privacy or protection from malicious sites. We tested popular options on Xiaomi 13 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro smartphones.+ in the conditions of Russian networks (MTS, Beeline, Tele2) and made a rating.

For most Xiaomi users, we recommend:

• 🥇 Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) – if you need maximum speed and privacy.
• 🥈 AdGuard DNS — If you want to block advertising and trackers.
• 🥉 Yandex DNS (Safe – if you use Russian-language websites frequently and want protection from phishing.

💡

If you travel frequently, set up two profiles. DNS: one for the home (e.g. Yandex) DNS), Another one for overseas (Cloudflare), you can switch them manually or through applications like this. DNS Changer.

Problems and mistakes in setting up a private DNS Xiaomi: How to fix it

Even with the right setup, you can run into problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and their solutions.

1.The Internet does not work after the private DNS

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 A typo in the server address: Check the data you entered, 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com should be introduced without gaps.
• 📵 Lockdown VPN: Some operators (e.g. MegaFon) block DNS-over-TLS. Try another server or disable it. VPN customized.
• 🔒 Network restrictions: Corporate or hotel Wi-Fi may be banned from changing DNS. Try to connect to another network.

2 Some applications are not working.

Some banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may block access when using third-party banking services. DNS. Decisions:

• 📱 Add domains to the exceptions (if yours is yours) DNS-The server supports this function, for example, AdGuard Home).
• 🔄 Temporarily shut down the private DNS for critical transactions (e.g. payments).

3. Slow Internet speeds

After the shift DNS The pages have been loading longer:

• 📡 Check the speed on the DNSPerf site – the server you choose may be overloaded.
• 🌐 Try the server with the nearest geographical location (for example, Yandex is suitable for Russia). DNS).
• 📶 Make sure the problem is not in the network itself (check the speed on another device).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14) when using a private DNS There may be a conflict with the built-in VPN-If the Internet disappears after connecting to the VPN, Try to turn off the option Always on VPN privately DNS.

Private DNS Security and security: myths and reality

Many Xiaomi users fear that setting up a private DNS It can damage your device or your data, and we'll figure out what's true and what's mythical.

Myth 1: Private DNS slowing down the internet

🔍 Reality: On the contrary, the right choice DNS-A server (such as Cloudflare) often speeds up page loading by optimizing routes, and slowdowns are only possible when using remote or congested servers.

Myth 2: Private DNS Anonymize the traffic completely

🔍 Reality: DNS It only encrypts domain requests, but not all traffic, VPN Tor.

Myth 3: Customization DNS Could break a smartphone

🔍 Reality: Change DNS — It's a software setup that doesn't affect hardware or firmware, and in the worst case, the Internet will stop working, but it's easy to fix with a reset.

Myth 4: All private DNS equally

🔍 Reality: Different providers have different privacy policies, like Google. DNS It collects data (albeit anonymously) and Cloudflare promises not to store logs.

If you’re concerned about privacy, look out for open source servers like NextDNS or Control D. They let you set up your own filters and have transparent data policies.

💡

Private DNS — It's not a panacea for all threats, but it's a lot more secure than the standard ISP settings. VPN Regular updates to your Xiaomi.

Additional Opportunities: How to Use Private DNS for blocking advertising and trackers

One of the most useful applications of private DNS — Blocking ads and tracking scripts at the network level, even in applications where you can't install a blocker (for example, on YouTube or TikTok).

This will be done by specialized DNS-server:

• 🛡️ AdGuard DNS: 🔗 Address: dns.adguard.com 📌 Features: Blocks ads, trackers, malicious and phishing sites. There is a "family" filter to block content 18+.
• 🛡️ NextDNS: 🔗 Address: requires registration and setting up a personal profile on the website nextdns.io. 📌 Features: Allows you to create custom block lists, set up geo-unlocking and analyze traffic.
• 🛡️ CleanBrowsing: 🔗 Address: family-filter-dns.cleanbrowsing.org (family filter). 📌 Features: Blocks porn sites, gambling and social networks (optional).

Example of AdGuard setup DNS plug-in:

1. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Private DNS.
2. Enter dns.adguard.com.
3. Save the settings and restart the smartphone.
4. Check the work on the site adguard.com/adguard-dns-test.html.

Please note that the lock is at the level DNS perfect:

• ❌ Do not block ads in some apps (such as those embedded in Facebook or Instagram).
• ❌ It can falsely block legitimate websites (such as some Google services).
• ❌ Not working with HTTPS-traffic if the website is using SNI-encryption.

For more flexible setup, consider installing AdGuard Home on a router or using it. VPN Ad-blocking (e.g. Proton) VPN NetShield).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Private DNS Xiaomi