DNSmasq on Xiaomi: what service is it and how to disable it on Android

Why dnsmasq appears in your Xiaomi logs

Have you ever noticed the strange process of dnsmasq in the Task Manager or the logs of your Xiaomi? This system component often raises questions among users – especially when it begins to actively consume resources or appears in reports of network activity. In fact, dnsmasq is not a virus or spyware, but a legitimate tool integrated into the firmware. MIUI steer DNS-requests and local network.

However, its work is not always obvious. In some cases, dnsmasq may conflict with the VPN, slowing the Internet or even blocking access to certain sites, especially for users who are actively using Wi-Fi hotspots, USB-If you are faced with similar problems – this article will help you understand why you need dnsmasq on Xiaomi and how to disable it without risk to the system.

Before we get to the instructions, it is important to understand that dnsmasq is not a critical component for the basic operation of the smartphone. MIUI, But it can affect some network functions, such as sharing the Internet through Wi-Fi Hotspot or Mi Share (a feature of fast file sharing between Xiaomi devices).

What is dnsmasq and why is it needed in MIUI

DNSmasq is a lightweight. DNS-cache server and DHCP-A proxy originally developed for Linux systems. MIUI It performs several key functions:

• 🔄 Caching DNS-query: speeds up reopening sites, reducing network load.
• 📡 Local area network management: distributes IP-Addresses to devices connected to your Xiaomi Wi-Fi Hotspot.
• 🛡️ Traffic Filtering: Blocks access to potentially dangerous domains (within built-in protection) MIUI).
• 🔗 Mi Share Support: Provides detection of other Xiaomi devices on the local network.

In most cases, dnsmasq works unnoticed, but sometimes it becomes excessive, for example, if you use AdGuard, 1.1.1.1 or other third-party. DNS-The server, the built-in dnsmasq, can conflict with it, causing delays or connection errors, and the process can "wake up" every time Wi-Fi or mobile data is turned on, which is noticeable in the increased battery consumption.

On Xiaomi, dnsmasq is usually automatically run when:

• 📶 Connecting to a new Wi-Fi network.
• 🔄 Modem Activation and Access Point.
• 🔒 Updates to system security settings (for example, after patch installation) MIUI).

When to turn off dnsmasq on Xiaomi

Disabling dnsmasq is not a mandatory procedure, but may be useful in the following cases:

Critical: If you use Mi Share or Quick Share, disabling dnsmasq can disrupt the service, in which case it is better to limit yourself to setting exceptions rather than completely disabling the service.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO F3) dnsmasq is responsible for the work of the private DNS (Disabling traffic encryption may reduce security when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.

How to check dnsmasq activity on your Xiaomi

Before you turn off the service, make sure it's actually causing problems. Here are a few ways to diagnose:

1. Check through ADB (Requires developer mode enabled: adb shell ps -A | grep dnsmasq If the command returns a string like system 1234 1 0% S /system/bin/dnsmasq — service.
2. Log analysis (via Logcat or MatLog): logcat | DNSMASQ: Failed to create listening socket.
3. Traffic monitoring (NetGuard or PCAPdroid apps): - Open the app and see which domains the dnsmasq process requests. - If there are suspicious addresses among them (e.g. miui.ads), this may indicate a conflict with ad blockers.

Standard tools can also be used. MIUI:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 7 times on the build number line to turn on developer mode.
2. Then open the Settings. → Additionally. → For developers → Activity monitor and find the dnsmasq process.

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If there are errors in the code in the dnsmasq logs EACCES, This could mean a conflict with access rights. Try resetting the network settings to Settings. → Connections → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Internet and Bluetooth

How to disable dnsmasq on Xiaomi (Step-by-step instructions)

There are several methods to disable dnsmasq, varying in complexity and consequences. Choose the right one depending on your Xiaomi model and version. MIUI.

Method 1: Disconnect via ADB (without root)

This is a good way to do this for most devices and doesn't require superuser rights.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Developer Mode Included and Debugging by USB smartphone.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Install ADB Download from the Android Studio website)

Enable debugging on USB on Xiaomi (Settings) → For developers)

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm trust in your device

Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux)-->

Next, execute the commands in order:

1. Check the connection: Adb devices must display your device’s serial number.
2. Disable dnsmasq: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.dnsmasq If the team returns Success, the service is disabled.
3. Reboot the device: adb reboot

To get it back, use the command:

adb shell pm enable com.android.dnsmasq

Method 2: Magisk (for rooted devices)

If you have Magisk installed, you can turn off dnsmasq more flexibly:

1. Install the Disable Dnsmasq module from the Magisk repository.
2. Or manually edit the file. /system/etc/init.d/99dnsmasq (If it exists, add the line: exit 0
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (for example, MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 13) dnsmasq is integrated into the netd system process. its deactivation can lead to loss of mobile Internet. TWRP.

Method 3: Change DNS-manually

If the goal is to avoid conflicts with VPN third-party DNS, You can just reconfigure the network:

1. Go to Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on your network → Change the network → Additional settings.
3. In the field DNS 1 and DNS 2 specify alternative servers, e.g.: 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) 8.8.8.8 (Google) 9.9.9.9 (Quad9)

Save your settings and reconnect to the network.

Problems after disabling dnsmasq and their solutions

Even if you successfully disable the service, there may be side effects, and here are the most common ones and ways to address them:

If you experience permanent connection breaks after disabling dnsmasq, try:

• 🔄 Reset network settings (Settings) → Connections → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Internet and Bluetooth).
• 📱 Switch to another network mode (e.g., with a 4G on 3G back and forth).
• 🛠️ Install a patch through Magisk that restores network services (e.g. Universal SafetyNet Fix).

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On devices with MIUI 13/14 Disabling dnsmasq can cause Game Turbo to malfunction.If you are actively playing, it is better to limit yourself to setting up alternatives. DNS, Not a complete shutdown of the service.

Alternatives to dnsmasq: how to replace Xiaomi

If you have disabled the built-in dnsmasq but want to keep it functional, consider the following alternatives:

• 🌐 AdGuard Home: - Can be installed on a router or run on a smartphone via Termux. - Supports ad blocking, caching DNS Traffic filtering. - Minus: requires customization and takes additional resources.
• 🔒 NextDNS: - Cloudy DNS-service with customizable lock rules. - Integrated through an application or network setting. - Plus: does not require root rights.
• 📡 Pi-hole: - Local. DNS-server for blocking ads and trackers. - Optimal for home network (installed on Raspberry Pi or router). - Minus: not suitable for mobile use.
• 🛡️ 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare): - Fast and reliable DNS DNS-over-HTTPS support. - You can configure directly in Wi-Fi settings or through the Warp app.

For users who want to completely replace dnsmasq with Xiaomi, the best solution is a combination of:

1. AdGuard Home in Termux (for local caching and locking).
2. NextDNS or Cloudflare as an External DNS (traffic-encrypting).

If your goal is to get rid of conflicts with VPN, enough:

1. Disable dnsmasq via ADB.
2. In the settings VPN Enable the option to use local DNS (if).
3. Install the application DNS Changer and select Cloudflare or Google DNS.

FAQ: Frequent questions about dnsmasq on Xiaomi