How to change DNS to Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face situations where the provider’s standard settings do not provide the desired speed or stability of the connection. One effective optimization measure is to change the domain name servers. This action allows you to speed up the response of applications, bypass the provider’s locks and improve the security of transmitted data.

The procedure for changing network settings in the MIUI or HyperOS shell does not require superuser rights (Root) and takes only a few minutes. You do not need third-party applications, since all the necessary functionality is built into the Android system settings. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm for different versions of firmware and types of connection.

Before you start setting up, it is worthwhile to understand what exactly you are changing. DNS-servers translate human-readable site addresses into machine IP-Using fast public servers like Google or Cloudflare often yields a measurable performance boost over a provider utility.

Why Change DNS on Xiaomi Smartphones

The main reason users are taking this step is to speed up page loading. Providers often use overloaded servers that are slow to process requests. Switching to optimized nodes of large companies reduces the response time (ping) in games and speeds up the opening of sites.

The second important aspect is security and privacy, and many providers keep your search history, and some even put ads on the pages they open. DNS-Services often support encryption and filter phishing sites, protecting the device from malware.

⚠️ Note: When choosing a server, make sure it supports security protocols, otherwise your data may be shared in plaintext.

Also, changing the DNS helps bypass simple domain name-level resource locks set by the provider. This is not a full-fledged VPN, but it is quite enough to access some blocked sites or services. The MIUI shell implements a convenient switching mechanism that works globally for the entire device.

Preparing for changes in network parameters

Before making changes to the network configuration, it is recommended to record the current values, which will allow you to quickly return everything back if the new server is out of service or unstable in your area, write down the addresses or just take a screenshot of the settings.

You'll need a stable Internet connection to check the results. The best way to do this is to be in a Wi-Fi signal area or have good mobile network coverage, and to choose the server addresses you plan to use in advance.

The most popular and reliable options today are:

  • πŸ”΅ Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) - stability and speed standard.
  • 🟠 Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) – Focused on maximum speed and privacy.
  • 🟒 Quad9 (9.9.9.9) – specializes in blocking malicious domains.
  • πŸ”΄ OpenDNS (208.67.222.222) – provides flexible content filtering settings.

Make sure your battery is at least 20-30% charged, although the procedure is not energy intensive. In rare cases, if the system fails, the device may need to reboot, so the power reserve will not hurt.

How to change DNS for Wi-Fi network on Xiaomi

Setting up a static DNS for wireless networks is a classic method available on all versions of Android.This method changes the settings only for the specific access point you are currently connected to.

To start, go to the Settings menu and select the Wi-Fi section. Find the network you're connected to and click on the arrow to the right of the network name or hold your finger to the network name to call the context menu. In the list that appears, select Change the network or Additional Settings.

β˜‘οΈ Checking before shift DNS

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In the menu that opens, find the Settings item. IP (or IP-The default is the value. DHCP, So what you need to do is automatically get all the parameters. You need to switch that to static).

After switching, additional fields for data entry will open. IP-The address of the device and the gateway are usually filled in automatically, but they can be changed if necessary. DNS 1 and DNS 2. Enter the addresses you have selected, such as 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Save the changes by clicking Save or the box in the corner of the screen.

⚠️ Warning: Once you save the settings, Wi-Fi can shut down for a second and reconnect for a second. IP-parameters.

If the Internet is lost, check that the gateway address is correctly entered, it must match the address of your router (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). DNS spelled out.

Configure private DNS (DNS-over-TLS) in MIUI

Modern versions of the MIUI and HyperOS shells, which are based on Android 9 and higher, have introduced Private DNS (Private DNS) – a more advanced method that encrypts requests, preventing them from being intercepted by the provider or owner of the Wi-Fi network.

Unlike static settings for Wi-Fi, this option applies globally to all connections, both Wi-Fi and mobile Internet. You can find it along the way: Settings β†’ Connection and Sharing (or Additional Features) β†’ Private DNS.

By default, you select Auto or Off mode. To manually configure, select Private Host Name. DNS (It's important not to enter here. IP-address, and domain name of the server that supports the protocol TLS.

List of hosts for Private DNS
dns.google (Google), 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com (Cloudflare), dns.quad9.net (Quad9)

Enter the address of the selected provider, for example, dns.google or 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com. Click Save. If the address is entered incorrectly or the server does not support encryption, the system will give an error and will not apply the settings.

Using a private DNS is especially important when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in cafes or malls. Encrypting requests will prevent the network administrator from seeing which sites you visit, which significantly improves your digital hygiene.

Changing DNS for Mobile Internet

Many users mistakenly believe that DNS settings for Wi-Fi automatically apply to the mobile network (3G/4G/5G). This is not true. Changing mobile data settings in MIUI often requires the use of a hidden menu or third-party utilities, since the standard interface does not always provide direct access to these fields.

One way is to use the engineering menu. Open the Phone app and type ##4636##. If the code works, the testing menu will open. Select Phone Information. Scroll down to Set your preferred network type or DNS menu (if available in your Android version).

However, on new versions MIUI Access to these settings through code is often blocked, and then the most effective solution is to install a change application. DNS, localist VPN-This doesn't change the system settings directly, but it redirects all traffic through the selected server.

πŸ“Š What type of connection do you use most often?
Home Wi-Fi
Mobile 4G/5G
Public Wi-Fi
Only Wi-Fi at home

An alternative for advanced users is to change the settings of the access point (APN). Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Access points (APN). Choose your active one SIM-map, click on the current access point. DNS 1 and DNS 2 Enter the desired addresses and save the profile.

After changing the APN, be sure to turn on and off flight mode so that the network re-registers with new parameters. If the Internet does not appear, check that the remaining fields (APN, username, password) remain unchanged, especially if your operator requires specific settings.

For ease of choice, we will give a comparative table of the main DNS providers. You can combine primary and secondary addresses from different providers, although it is better to use a pair from one service to avoid conflicts.

ProviderPrimary DNSSecondary DNSFeatures
Google Public8.8.8.88.8.4.4High speed, reliability
Cloudflare1.1.1.11.0.0.1Privacy, DDoS Protection
Quad99.9.9.9149.112.112.112Blocking malware sites
OpenDNS208.67.222.222208.67.220.220Parental control (basic)
AdGuard DNS94.140.14.1494.140.15.15Blocking Advertising and Tracking

Note that using DNS with ad-blocking feature (like AdGuard) can slow down the opening of some β€œheavy” sites, but will greatly improve the experience overall by removing banners.

The choice of server depends on your priorities: if you want maximum speed, choose Cloudflare or Google. If you want to protect children or viruses, Quad9 or specialized servers.

Checking the work and troubleshooting problems

Once you make the changes, you need to make sure that the new DNS actually works, and the easiest way is to open your browser and go to any service to check your IP and DNS, like 2ip.ru or dnsleaktest.com.

On the test page you will see the current IP-address and used DNS-If the list shows the addresses you have assigned (like Google or Cloudflare), it is a success. If your ISP addresses are displayed, check the settings again.

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If sites stopped opening after changing the DNS, try clearing the DNS cache. To do this, turn on and off flight mode or restart your smartphone.

Possible problems and solutions:

  • πŸ“‰ Internet is gone completely: Most likely, the Gateway is incorrectly specified in static Wi-Fi settings. IP mode DHCP.
  • 🐒 Sites load slowly: Selected DNS-The server may be far away geographically. Try an alternative from the table.
  • πŸ”„ Settings reset: Some mobile operators may ignore settings APN. Only the private system will help. DNS or VPN-attachment.

If you have used a private DNS mode and it has stopped working, it is possible that the provider will block port 853 used for DNS-over-TLS, in which case you will have to return to standard settings or use a VPN.

⚠️ Attention: When using public DNS Remember that the provider DNS (Google now sees your search history, even if your ISP doesn’t see it.

To return to factory settings, simply select from the menu IP-setting DHCP (for Wi-Fi or Auto (for Private) DNS). This will instantly restore the standard network configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will changing the DNS setup of my router reset?
No, changing the DNS on Xiaomi’s smartphone only affects that particular device. The settings of the router and other connected gadgets (TVs, laptops) will remain unchanged. To change the DNS for all devices at once, you need to change the settings in the router itself.
Should I reboot my phone after changing the DNS?
In most cases, you don't need to reboot, just disconnect and reconnect to Wi-Fi or turn on/off flight mode for the mobile network, but if you notice strange network behavior, rebooting will help reset the DNS cache.
Is it safe to use Google’s DNS or Cloudflare’s?
Yes, they are large and reliable companies that value their reputations, and their servers are often safer than those of local providers, because they use modern encryption and attack protection protocols.
Will the DNS change if the internet is completely off?
No. DNS only translates site names into addresses. If there is no physical connection to the Internet (no signal, unpaid tariff, cable break), changing the DNS will not help restore access.
Can I write DNS for each Wi-Fi network separately?
Yes, with static IP (through the settings of a particular Wi-Fi network), the settings apply only to that access point. For each new network, the settings will need to be re-entered if you are not using a global Private DNS.

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Proper DNS setup is an easy way to speed up the internet and improve security without installing unnecessary apps and paid subscriptions.