How to set up DNS on Xiaomi Redmi 3S: 3 ways to speed up the Internet

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 3S It is still popular today because of its reliability and budget price, but over time, many users face slowing internet speeds, problems accessing some sites, or frequent connection errors. In 90% of cases, these problems are solved by correct settings. DNS-servers – special addresses that translate domain names (such as google.com) into IP-addresses that are understandable to the device.

In this article, we will explain why the standard DNS The provider may be slowing down your Redmi. 3S, Which alternative servers to choose for maximum speed and security, and also show 3 working ways of configuring them: through the parameters of Wi-Fi, mobile network and using third-party applications. MIUI on your device – they may affect the availability of certain features.

Why change DNS to Xiaomi Redmi 3S?

By default, your smartphone is using DNS-servers that are automatically assigned by the ISP, and it's not always optimal for several reasons:

  • 🐒 Low loading speed: provider DNS Often overloaded, which increases the response time of sites.
  • 🚫 Content blocking: Some servers restrict access to certain resources (e.g. Netflix or Telegram).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Lack of protection: standard DNS They do not encrypt traffic, making it vulnerable to interception.
  • 🌍 Geographical restrictions: 403 Forbidden error may be detected when connecting to foreign sites.

Tests show that replacing DNS with Redmi 3S can increase page load speeds by 30-50% (the data is relevant for MIUI 9-12 firmware), and it is the only legal way to get around blocking without using a VPN that does not require root rights.

⚠️ Note: If you use a corporate or learning network (such as an office or university), change DNS It may violate security rules, and in such cases, it is better to check the permission of the administrator.

What are they? DNS-Select servers for Redmi 3S?

The choice of DNS depends on your goals, and we have collected proven options with their features:

DNS-serverIPv4-addressAdvantagesDeficiencies
Google Public DNS8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4High speed, reliability, and IPv6 supportCollects data about requests (anonymously)
Cloudflare DNS1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1Fastest (according to DNSPerf tests), private (does not store logs)Can block some torrent trackers
Yandex.DNS77.88.8.8, 77.88.8.1Optimized for Russian-language sites, there is a "Safe" modeSlower than foreign analogues for foreign resources
OpenDNS208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220Filtering malicious sites, parental controlRegistration is required for some functions

For most Redmi 3S users, Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) is the best choice, combining speed and privacy. If you want to protect against phishing, try OpenDNS. Google DNS is suitable for accessing resources blocked in Russia (for example, Twitter or Reddit).

πŸ“Š What? DNS You are using your Xiaomi?
Standard from the provider
Google Public DNS
Cloudflare
Yandex.DNS
Other

Method 1: Configure DNS for Wi-Fi network

This is the simplest method, which does not require additional applications to be installed, and the instructions are relevant for MIUI 9-12 (on newer versions, the path may differ slightly).

Turn off the VPN (if enabled)

Connect to the right Wi-Fi network

Write down your current DNS (in case of rollbacks)

Check the battery charge (minimum 20%)

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Steps:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Wi-Fi.
  2. Click on your network name (not the switch!).
  3. In the window that opens, tap Change the Network (or additionally, depending on the version of MIUI).
  4. Scroll down to IP Settings and select Static (instead of DHCP).
  5. In the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields, enter the selected addresses (e.g. 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 for Cloudflare).
  6. Save the changes and reconnect to the network.

To check if the settings have been applied, open the browser and go to the site. DNS Leak Test. The results should show up. IP-address of your choice DNS-provider.

⚠️ Note: If after the change DNS Some sites (e.g., banking sites) have stopped opening, return the standard settings, some resources block access from non-fiction sites" DNS for security reasons.

Method 2: Changing DNS for Mobile Internet (3G/4G)

Setting up a DNS for a mobile network on Redmi 3S is a bit more complicated, because MIUI doesn't provide a direct interface for that, but there's a workaround through creating a new APN. This method works on all firmware versions, including MIUI 8.

Important: Before starting, write down the current parameters. APN (You can find them in the settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Access points (APN)), To bring it back if necessary.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Access point (APN).
  2. Click on your current profile (usually referred to as your carrier, such as MTS or Beeline).
  3. In the field APN-select protocol IPv4 (If there is no such item, skip the step).
  4. Find the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields (if none are available, click Add New APN and fill in all required fields by copying them from the standard profile).
  5. Enter the selected DNS-addresses (e.g. 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google).
  6. Save the changes and restart the phone.
What if the DNS field is not in the APN?
If your version of MIUI does not have DNS fields in the APN settings, it means that the operator is blocking editing them. In this case, use Method 3 (DNS change applications) or contact the operator's support to unlock this feature. Some users solve the problem by resetting network settings (Settings β†’ System β†’ Resetting β†’ Network settings Reset), but this will delete all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords.

After you reboot, check your internet speed with Speedtest. If the speed drops, return the standard APN settings.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If the first two methods didn’t work or you need flexibility (e.g., switching between the two methods quickly). DNS), Install a specialized application. 3S fit:

  • πŸ“± 1.1.1.1: Faster & Safer Internet (from Cloudflare) – simple interface, automatic connection.
  • πŸ”’ DNS Changer – Supports customization DNS, Shows ping to servers.
  • 🌐 NextDNS – allows you to create your own filters for blocking ads and trackers.

Let’s look at the example of 1.1.1.1:

  1. Download the app from Google Play.
  2. When you first start, press Connect and allow creation. VPN-Connections (this is necessary for redirection) DNS-traffic).
  3. In the settings, select 1.1.1.1 (for maximum speed) or 1.1.1.2 (for blocking malicious sites).
  4. Activate the switch in the main window of the application.

The advantage of this method is that it can quickly disable DNS without changing system settings, and it also shows statistics of blocked requests and server response times.

πŸ’‘

If banking applications (e.g. Sberbank or Tinkoff) have stopped working after installing DNS applications, add them to exceptions in the application settings or temporarily disable custom DNS. Banks often block access from β€œnon-standard” networks for security reasons.

Problems and Solutions in Configuring DNS

Even after you set up your DNS properly on Redmi 3S, you can have some problems, and we've collected some of the most common ones and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
DNS doesn't change (remains old)DNS cache not clearedFollow the command in ADB: adb shell "su -c 'ndc resolver flushdefaultif'" or restart the phone.
No Internet after DNS changeIncorrectly entered IP-addressCheck the addresses for typos. Use 8.8.8.8 for the test.
Some sites are not openedDNS-server blocks the resourceTry another DNS (e.g. 76.76.76.76 to bypass locks).
Slow loading speedThe DNS is geographically selectedUse the Benchmark DNS for your speed test.

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ”„ Firmware updates: on older versions MIUI (below 9) some settings may not be available. Update via Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.
  • πŸ“Ά Signal strength: A weak Wi-Fi or mobile network signal can mask problems with the signal. DNS.
  • πŸ› οΈ Conflict with VPN: Shut it down. VPN-pre-setting DNS.

πŸ’‘

If the speed of the Internet has not changed after all the manipulations, the problem may not be in the DNS, but in the congestion of the provider’s network or the hardware limitations of the phone (for example, a weak Redmi 3S processor).

Additional Tips for Network Optimization

Setting up your DNS is just part of the job of improving your internet connection on Redmi 3S. Here are some more tips:

  • πŸ“‘ Change the network mode: go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Preferred network type and select 4G (preferably)/3G/2G supplant.
  • πŸ”‹ Turn off traffic savings: in Settings β†’ Battery and productivity β†’ Save traffic: Deactivate this option – it can limit speed.
  • 🧹 Clear the network cache: in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Three dots (menu) β†’ Resetting application settings.

For advanced users: If you have root access, you can edit /system/etc/resolv.conf manually, but it’s risky – making incorrect changes can lead to loss of the Internet.

Also, look for alternative firmware (like LineageOS), which offers more flexible network settings, but installing them requires unlocking the bootloader and may take away your warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about DNS setup on Redmi 3S

Can I use DNS from a provider and a third party at the same time?
No, the device only uses one set. DNS-servers within a single connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network), but you can configure different types of servers. DNS Wi-Fi and mobile internet separately.
How to return standard DNS if I forget their addresses?
Return your IP settings to DHCP (automatic) mode in Wi-Fi settings or remove the custom APN for the mobile network. The provider will automatically assign their DNS when you next connect.
Will Netflix/Disney+ work with a modified DNS?
Yes, but only if you choose a DNS that doesn't block these services, like Google DNS or Cloudflare, which is suitable for most streaming platforms, but you'll need a VPN to access content from other regions.
Why do some applications (like VKontakte) run slower after changing their DNS?
Some applications use their own apps. DNS-servers, ignoring system settings, and there may be a delay due to the geographic location of the selected server. DNS. Try servers that are physically closer to your region (e.g. Yandex.DNS for Russia).
Can I configure DNS on Redmi 3S without accessing settings (e.g. if my phone is locked)?
No, you need to change the DNS settings menu. If your phone is locked, unlock it first (via Mi Account or factory reset) In extreme cases, use your ADB computer for remote settings, but that requires USB debugging enabled.