How to change the DNS server on Xiaomi: speed up the Internet and bypass locks

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to fine-tune network connections to improve page loading speeds or bypass provider restrictions. Standard DNS settings, which are automatically provided by the carrier, do not always work correctly and can cause delays when accessing popular resources. That is why the ability to change the DNS server becomes an important skill for any advanced user of the MIUI ecosystem or the new HyperOS.

The address change procedure on Xiaomi devices has its own features, different from stock Android. In some versions of the firmware menu is hidden, and in others it is put in a prominent place. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods, from built-in security features to manually entering parameters via Wi-Fi, which will allow you to choose the best option for your model.

Properly configuring domain names can significantly improve network response and even speed up the launch of “heavy” applications. However, before making changes, it is important to understand what parameters you use to avoid disrupting the system.

Why Change DNS on Xiaomi Smartphones

The main reason users decide to change standard settings is to increase connection stability. Providers often use their own servers, which can be overloaded or filtered traffic, which leads to long waits when clicking on links. Using alternative services, such as Cloudflare or Google Public DNS, often solves the problem of “long server search”.

In addition, the change of addresses allows you to bypass the locks installed at the provider level, without the use of complex VPN-protocols that can slow down. DNS-They also offer built-in protection against phishing sites and ads, filtering queries before they even reach your device, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.

It is worth noting that on older versions of the shell MIUI The procedure may have required superuser rights, but modern versions of Android (starting at 9.0 and above) have a built-in Private mechanism. DNS. It allows you to encrypt. DNS-requests, protecting them from interception and substitution by third parties, which is critical to maintaining data confidentiality.

Preparation for setting up: addresses and security

Before proceeding to technical manipulations in the smartphone menu, you need to decide on the provider. DNS-There are many public servers, each with its own advantages: some are focused on speed, others on privacy, others on parental control, and the choice depends on your personal priorities and current access situation.

Below is a table with the most popular and verified addresses that are recommended for use on Xiaomi devices. Write down or copy the desired values so as not to search for them during the setup process.

It's important to understand the difference between working hours. DNS (DNS-over-TLS) uses an encrypted connection, and it is the host domain names (e.g., dns.google) that are entered. IP For Wi-Fi, you may need numerical IP-Confusion in these formats will lead to connection errors.

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Use hostname (text address) only in Private mode DNS. Manual Wi-Fi settings often require digital IP-address.

Method 1: Set up Private DNS in MIUI and HyperOS

The most modern and preferred method, running on all current versions of Android, including MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS. This method applies settings globally for all networks (Wi-Fi and mobile Internet) and provides traffic encryption. The algorithm of actions is the same for most models, from low-end Redmi to flagship Xiaomi.

To start, open the standard Settings app and search for the Connection and Sharing section (in some versions it may simply be called Connection). DNS-server DNS». If you can’t find it right away, use the search by settings by entering the request «DNS».

⚠️ Note: In some regions or custom firmware (e.g., Chinese versions without globalization), the path may be different.Look for Security or Advanced Settings if the standard menu does not include the item. are not found, look for "Security" or "Additional settings".

After entering the menu, select the option “Host Name of the Private Provider” DNS» (or “Manual”). In the field that appears, enter the address of the selected server, for example, dns.google or 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com. Don't use it here. IP-Addresses, the system will give an error. After entering, click "Save».

If done correctly, the Wi-Fi or mobile icon will not change, but requests will be processed through the selected server. You can check the work by opening any browser and going to the IP verification site or simply updating the news feed. If pages load faster or stopped popping ads (when using AdGuard), then the DNS configuration was successful.

Method 2: Change the DNS for a specific Wi-Fi network

If the global setting is private DNS If you don't have the right settings, or if you want to change the settings for your home network, you can use the manual Wi-Fi configuration mode, which is especially useful if your router can't broadcast the correct ones. DNS-Addresses, and you do not want or can not change the settings in the router itself.

Go to your Wi-Fi settings and click on your network name (or the arrow to your right) to open a detailed menu. Find the IP settings section (usually the DHCP value) and change it to Static, and then open up additional fields to enter numerical values.

In the fields «DNS 1" and «DNS 2" enter the numerical addresses of the selected servers. For example, for Google it is 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. IP It may be necessary to manually specify IP-Your phone address and gateway, unless they're automatically set up.

Once you save the settings, the phone will reconnect to the network, which is limited by the fact that it only works on the selected Wi-Fi network, switching to mobile Internet or other Wi-Fi, the old DNS settings will return automatically, which can be convenient for testing by different providers.

Solving Connection Problems and Errors

Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes find that after changing the DNS, the Internet is completely lost or unstable, most often due to a typo in the server address or using an inappropriate format (IP instead of a domain name in Private DNS mode), in which case the Android system usually gives a notification “failed to connect”.

Another common problem is the DNS cache. Even after changing settings, the phone may use old, cached addresses for a while. To force the update, it is recommended to turn on the flight mode for 10-15 seconds, and then turn it off, which will restart the network modules of the device.

⚠️ Attention: If after the shift DNS Local resources are no longer available (printers, NAS, Xiaomi smart home, possibly the server you select blocks local name resolution, in which case, return settings to automatic mode for the home network.

It is also worth considering that some corporate networks or networks in educational institutions may block third-party connections. DNS-If the Internet is lost in a public place after you set up, temporarily turn off Private. DNS Or return automatic Wi-Fi settings.

Additional methods: Resetting and annexes

In the rare cases where system settings are not applied or are not working correctly, you can use a network reset. This action will return all network settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile Internet) to factory values by removing saved passwords. Path to function: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.

For users who need more advanced features, such as real-time ping server selection or automatic switching, there are specialized apps from Google Play.However, for a basic DNS change to Xiaomi, they tend to be redundant and require unnecessary permissions.

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Android 9+ fully covers the needs of 99% of users, making third-party applications unnecessary.

If you use older models of smartphones based on Android 8 and below, the Private feature DNS In this case, the only option is to manually adjust the static IP for each Wi-Fi network or using client applications that create a local network VPN-diversion-tunnel DNS-request.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions