How to change the DNS server on Android Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide

Many owners of Xiaomi smartphones face situations when the Internet is unstable, pages are loaded for a long time, and some sites do not open at all. Often the reason lies not in the weak signal of the operator, but in the standard settings of domain names that the provider uses by default. DNS The server acts as a kind of translator, converting the addresses of sites that are understandable to a person into digital ones. IP-addresses required by the computer.

Changing these settings at the Android operating system level not only speeds up network response, but also bypasses simple locks and increases the privacy of data transmitted. Owners of Redmi and POCO devices have several ways to perform this procedure, ranging from built-in system functions to third-party utilities. In this article, we will discuss all available methods in detail.

Before we get to the bottom of this, it's important to understand that changing network settings is reversible and safe, if you use verified server addresses. You can always go back to factory settings if the DNS provider you choose is slower than your current one. Let's look at which addresses are now considered the fastest and most reliable.

Why Change DNS on Xiaomi Smartphone

The main reason users are choosing to change standard settings is to increase the speed of loading web pages, and providers often use their own servers, which may be overloaded or technically outdated. Using alternative solutions from giants like Google or Cloudflare reduces response time, which is especially noticeable on mobile networks. 4G/LTE.

Another important aspect is security. DNS-Services offer traffic filtering by blocking access to phishing sites and resources containing malware even before they load onto your device, which creates an additional layer of protection without the need to install heavy antivirus software.

⚠️ Note: Use of unverified or private DNS-servers can lead to leakage of data about the visited sites or complete lack of access to the Internet.

It’s also worth mentioning the ability to bypass blocking. Although it’s not a full-fledged VPN, changing the DNS sometimes allows you to access resources that have been blocked by the provider at the domain name level, but it’s worth noting that modern methods of filtering traffic often bypass this method of protection.

  • πŸš€ Accelerating Site Opening and Application Response through Optimized Routes.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Improved security and protection against fraudulent resources.
  • 🌍 Access to previously blocked sites and services.
  • πŸ“‰ Reduced ping in online games with the right server selection.
πŸ“Š What is your main purpose of the shift? DNS?
Accelerating the Internet
Bypassing lockdowns
Data protection
Just experimenting.

Choosing the right provider is half the success, and there are several market leaders that have proven to be the most stable and fast mobile solutions, and their infrastructure is distributed around the world, ensuring low latency no matter where you are.

The most famous is Google, which offers addresses that work almost everywhere, but for privacy-focused users, Cloudflare, which bills itself as the world’s fastest other DNS, is a great choice, and Quad9 servers that focus on security are also popular.

Below is a table with the addresses of the most popular servers you can use to customize your Xiaomi smartphone. Save this data as you will need it during the setup process.

ProviderDNS PreferredAlternative DNSFeature
Google Public DNS8.8.8.88.8.4.4Stability and speed
Cloudflare1.1.1.11.0.0.1Privacy and protection
Quad99.9.9.9149.112.112.112Blocking malware
OpenDNS208.67.222.222208.67.220.220Flexible setup
What is DNS over TLS?
DNS over TLS (DoT is a protocol that encrypts requests to DNS-The server, preventing the ISP or attacker from seeing which sites you visit.In modern versions of Android, this feature is built in by default when using Private DNS.

Method 1: Set up Private DNS in Android 9 and higher

Since the ninth version of Android, Google has introduced Private DNS, the most modern and correct way to change the server, as it provides encryption of requests and works globally for all connections (Wi-Fi and mobile Internet).

First, you need to go to the settings menu. In the MIUI or HyperOS shell, the path may vary slightly depending on the version, but the logic remains the same. Open the phone's settings and type "DNS" in the search bar at the top.

If the search is unsuccessful, you can go manually. Go to Connection and Sharing (or Wi-Fi and the Internet). DNS (Private DNS). The default is "Auto" or "Disconnected." You need to select "Private Host Name" option. DNS" or "manually".

In the open field, it is necessary to enter not IP-This is an important difference between this method and the old methods: enter the address of the respective provider, for example, dns.google for Google servers or 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com For Cloudflare, after you enter, press Save".

β˜‘οΈ Checking the settings of Private DNS

Done: 0 / 1

Once you save the settings, the phone can lose its connection to the Internet for a few seconds, after which the network will recover with new parameters. IP-address DNS-server.

Method 2: Changing DNS over Wi-Fi connection

If your smartphone is running on an older version of Android, where is the Private feature? DNS It's not available, or you only need to change the settings for a particular Wi-Fi network, you have to use the classic method. IP-settings for each individual connection.

Go to the Wi-Fi settings and find the network you are currently connected to. Click on the arrow to the right of the network name or hold your finger on the network name to call the context menu, and select "Change network" or "Configure network".

In the menu, find the item "Settings" IP" (or"IP-parameter. "The default is the value"DHCP". You need to switch it to static, and then you'll have additional fields for manual data entry.

⚠️ Note: When switching to static IP Make sure you don't change the gateway, or you may lose access to the LAN. DNS 1 and DNS 2.

Scroll down the list until you find the fields. DNS 1 and DNS 2. enter the address of the preferred server (e.g. 8.8.8.8) in the first field and the alternative one (8.8.4.4). IP-Phone address and gateway, no need to touch, they must fill in automatically or remain as they were.

It's worth noting that this method only works on the selected Wi-Fi network, if you switch to mobile Internet or another access point, the settings will not apply. For a global change on older Android, it's better to use third-party applications.

Method 3: Use of DNS Changer Applications

For users who want to be able to quickly switch between different servers or use older versions of Android without root rights, specialized applications will be a great solution. The Google Play store has many utilities, but one of the most popular and reliable is DNS Changer.

The principle of operation of such applications is based on the creation of local VPN-The phone thinks all traffic is going through VPN, But the app is actually just redirecting. DNS-requests to the servers you choose. It doesn't affect your Internet speed or change yours. IP-net.

Once you install the app, run it. On the home screen, you'll see a list of popular apps. DNS-Select the one you want, like Google or Cloudflare, or enter your addresses in the bottom boxes. To activate, click the big Start button".

πŸ’‘

The DNS Changer app only works while it's open or running in the background. If you clear the phone's memory, the connection may break, so add the app to the MIUI power saving exceptions.

At the top of the screen, you'll see a key icon or VPN notification, which means that the DNS has been changed, and the advantage of this method is that you can quickly turn off the protection or change the server in one click without going into the deep settings of the system.

Configure DNS through the developer menu (Alternative)

There's another way that advanced users can access, through the developer menu, which is similar to setting up a Private DNS, but it's hidden, and it's useful if the standard menu item in the settings is missing or not working properly for some reason.

First, you need to activate the developer mode. Go to About Phone and press quickly. 7-10 once-on-item "Version" MIUI" (or "OS version") until the message "You're a developer" appears, and then a new section "Extended Settings" will appear in the settings menu" ->"For developers".

Within this extensive list, you need to find Private DNS (Private DNS) and in some firmware versions it may be called the "Private DNS provider hostname." Enable it and enter the hostname of the server as described in the first method (e.g., dns.google).

This is a system and priority, and if you set the settings here and in the regular menu, they should sync, but if there are conflicts, the settings from the developer menu may take higher priority.

  • πŸ”§ Access to hidden Android system features.
  • βš™οΈ Possibility of fine debugging of network parameters.
  • πŸ“± It works on most versions of Android 9.+.

Possible problems and ways to solve them

Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes encounter difficulties, and the most common problem is the lack of Internet access after changing the DNS. This may mean that the entered server address is not available in your region or contains a typo.

If the Internet is gone, the first thing you do is to return the settings to Auto or Disconnect. Check if you spell the hostname for Private DNS (extra spaces or points may disrupt your work). Also make sure that the antivirus or firewall on your phone does not block the connection.

⚠️ Note: Some corporate Wi-Fi networks (in offices, schools, hotels) may block the use of third-party Wi-Fi DNS. If the internet doesn’t work only in a specific location, try to return the settings. DHCP.

Another possible problem is the leakage DNS". Even with Private on. DNS Some applications can ignore system settings and use their own, hard-coded addresses, in which case only the use of a full-fledged system will help. VPN-applications.

πŸ’‘

If the Internet stops working after changing the DNS, immediately return the settings to automatic mode to restore the connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will changing the DNS slow down my internet speed?
In most cases, the speed will increase or stay the same, as Google and Cloudflare servers are more powerful than the providers’ equipment, but if you choose a server that is physically located very far from your region, the ping can increase.
Do I have to pay for using third-party DNS?
No, all of the services listed in this article (Google, Cloudflare, Quad9) are completely free to end users, and are monetized through enterprise tariffs and analytics.
Will DNS help you watch Netflix in other countries?
Normal. DNS doesn't change yours IP-So it's not going to change the region in the streaming services. VPN. However, some specialized "Smart" DNS" Services can do this, but they are often paid for.
Is it safe to use the DNS Changer app?
Yes, if you downloaded it from the official Google Play store and it has good reviews, the app doesn't steal data, it just redirects domain name queries.