DNSmasq in Android Xiaomi: Hidden features, problems and setup

Why DNSmasq is important for Xiaomi owners

If you’ve ever dug into the system logs of your Xiaomi or tried to optimize network settings, you’ve probably come across the mysterious DNSmasq process. DHCP- and DNS-The server, originally created for Linux, has long been an integral part of firmware. MIUI, But it's often underappreciated, whereas on PCs or routers, DNSmasq is used for caching. DNS-request and distribution IP-In the local network, in Android, its functions are much more specific – and sometimes controversial.

Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO And we're often faced with problems, like the Internet slows down after it's upgraded, and apps can't connect to Wi-Fi, even though the signal is stable. MIUI It works in the background, controlling traffic routing. But why did Xiaomi integrate this tool into its shell? And why are some users rushing to turn it off?

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔍 What is DNSmasq and why is it needed in Android (especially in the Internet) MIUI)
• ⚙️ How it affects internet speed, battery and network stability
• ⚠️ Typical problems (from «DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN» lock-in VPN)
• 🛠️ Methods of disabling or reconfiguring (including: ADB Magisk)

Warning: some manipulations will require an unlocked bootloader and root rights – without them, the possibilities are limited.

DNSmasq: What are these simple words?

DNSmasq is open source software that combines three key functions:

• 📡 DNS-Cache: Retains responses DNS-Requests, speeding up repeated visits to sites.
• 🔄 DHCP-server: automatically distributes IP-Addresses to devices on the local network (relevant for routers).
• 🔗 TFTP-server: used to download files over the network (rarely in demand on smartphones).

On desktop systems or routers, DNSmasq is installed manually to optimize the network. MIUI) It is built into firmware and works out of the box – often without the user’s knowledge.

In smartphones, Xiaomi DNSmasq performs two main tasks:

1. Management DNS-Traffication: Redirects requests through Xiaomi (or carrier) servers, which can speed up or slow down the Internet.
2. Content Filtering: Blocks access to “undesirable” sites (policy) MIUI or local laws).

It works regardless of your settings. DNS You can use Wi-Fi or mobile network settings, for example, even if you manually prescribe it. DNS 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare), DNSmasq can ignore them and use its servers.

⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. China or India), Xiaomi is required to block certain resources under local law. DNSmasq is doing this filtering at the system level.

Why Xiaomi is using DNSmasq in the MIUI

Xiaomi never officially explained the reasons for the integration of DNSmasq into the MIUI, But analysis of firmware and system behavior allows us to identify several key motives:

DNSmasq is particularly aggressive in its behavior. MIUI Global and MIUI China: For example, in the Chinese version, it can block access to Google, Facebook or Telegram, even if you manually prescribe alternatives. DNS. Global firmware filtering is softer, but still present – for example, sites with “adult” content or pirated materials can be blocked.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 12-14 DNSmasq is part of the Private System DNS (Android 9+). If you've turned on Private DNS In the settings, but the traffic is still going through Xiaomi's servers, and it's his fault. DNS Checker from Google Play.

Problems that DNSmasq causes in Xiaomi

Despite its stated benefits, DNSmasq is often a source of headaches, and the most common symptoms of its malfunctioning are:

• 🌐 Mistakes. DNS: The websites don't open, even though the Internet is there, and the browser has messages like, ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED or DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN.
• 🐢 Slowing down the Internet: pages load longer than usual due to unnecessary redirects DNS-request.
• 🔌 Problems with VPN: some VPN-Services like ProtonVPN or NordVPN are not working because DNSmasq ignores them. DNS-server.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: the background process constantly reaches the grid, which discharges the battery faster.
• 📵 AdBlock conflicts: Apps like AdGuard or Blokada stop blocking ads as DNSmasq intercepts their requests.

Problems are most often encountered after updating. MIUI Or resetting. For example, Xiaomi users. 12T Redmi Note 11 complained about the “breakdown” of the Internet after the transition to the Internet MIUI 14 – the reason for this was the aggressive policy of DNSmasq, which began to ignore user accounts. DNS-setting.

Critical feature: in MIUI 13+ DNSmasq can block access to local networks (for example, to a router over the Internet). IP 192.168.1.1) if they don’t meet Xiaomi’s “security standards,” even if they’re on the same Wi-Fi network — for example, you won’t be able to connect to a printer or a printer. NAS-server.

💡

After the update MIUI If you stop opening sites, try to temporarily turn off Wi-Fi and turn on mobile data. If the problem disappears, DNSmasq is to blame for your Wi-Fi settings.

How to disable or reconfigure DNSmasq

The ways to fight DNSmasq depend on what you can do: without root rights, there are limited options, but even they can help. Let's look at the simple to the complex.

🔧 Method 1: Change DNS in settings (without root)

The safest, but not always the most effective way to do this:

1. Go to Settings. → Wi-Fi (or Mobile Network).
2. Click on your network → Change the network → Additional settings.
3. In the field DNS Enter alternative servers, such as 8.8.8.8 (Google) 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) 9.9.9.9 (Quad9)

Save and reconnect to the network.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 This method may not work – the system ignores user DNS, If DNSmasq is active, check the real one. DNS via DNS Checker.

🔧 Method 2: Disconnection through ADB (rootless)

If the change DNS It didn’t help, try to disable DNSmasq through ADB:

adb shell settings put global private_dns_mode off


adb shell settings put global private_dns_specifier ""

Then restart the device. This method doesn't work on all firmware, but it can help you with this. MIUI 12–13.

Install. ADB Download from the Android Developers website)

Put the debugging on. USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — press 7 times)

Connect your phone to your PC and allow debugging

Check the connection with the adb device command

-->

🔧 Method 3: Removal via Magisk (root required)

If you have unlocked the bootloader and installed Magisk, you can completely remove DNSmasq:

1. Install the module. DNS Changer or Disable DNSmasq from Magisk repository.
2. Or manually delete the file. /system/bin/dnsmasq (Magisk File Manager with root access).
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: DNSmasq removal may disrupt Private DNS and some system functions (e.g. parental controls). MIUI 14+ This can lead to errors when connecting to Wi-Fi.

💡

Disabling DNSmasq without root is a temporary solution. MIUI The problem will be solved and the problem will have to be solved again.

DNSmasq Alternatives: What to Use Instead

If you have disabled DNSmasq but want to retain the benefits of caching DNS Ads and Blocking, Consider These Alternatives:

• 🛡️ AdGuard or Blokada: Blocking Ads and Trackers at Level DNS, but not in conflict with the system.
• 🌍 NextDNS or Control D: Cloud DNS-Services with flexible filtering settings.
• 🔄 DNSCrypt: Encrypting DNS-requests, preventing their interception.
• 📱 InviZible Pro (for root): a full replacement for DNSmasq with support for Tor and VPN.

For users without root, the best option is NextDNS or AdGuard. DNS. They operate at the network level, do not require superuser rights and are compatible with the Internet. MIUI. For example, to configure NextDNS:

1. Download NextDNS from Google Play.
2. Sign up and create a configuration (select blocklists for ads, trackers, etc.).
3. Activate your profile in the application – it will automatically prescribe your own DNS systemically.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 Some applications (e.g., NextDNS) may conflict with System Private DNS. If the Internet is lost after setting up - turn off the Private DNS customized.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When using DNSmasq, users often make critical errors that lead to loss of the Internet or unstable operation of the system.

Important: on devices with a Qualcomm processor (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi) K60) Disabling DNSmasq may cause Wi-Fi module to malfunction 6E. Before experimenting, check compatibility!

💡

If the Internet disappeared after manipulation with DNSmasq, reset the network settings: → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions