How to change DNS on Xiaomi phone: 3 ways for all models

Shift. DNS-servers on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO) β€” It's an easy way to speed up loading, bypass regional locks, or improve security on the web. Many users are faced with slow Internet access due to standard Internet access. DNS ISPs who are often overloaded or censored, and in this article we will discuss how to configure alternatives. DNS on any Xiaomi phone – from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

It's important to understand that changing DNS doesn't require root rights or complex manipulations, but it's done through standard system settings. We'll look at three basic methods: Wi-Fi settings, mobile network settings, and third-party applications, and you'll also learn which DNSs to choose for different tasks, from top speed to bypass locks.

Why change DNS to Xiaomi?

By default, your phone is using DNS-These servers are not always optimal for several reasons:

  • 🐒 Low speed: Provider services DNS Often overloaded, which slows down the opening of sites.
  • 🚫 Censorship: Some providers block access to certain resources (e.g. Telegram or Torrent trackers).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Safety: standard DNS They do not encrypt requests, which allows attackers to intercept data.
  • 🌍 Geo-restrictions: shifting DNS Helps bypass blockings by region (for example, to watch Netflix or YouTube from another country).

Alternative DNSs, such as Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), or AdGuard DNS, address these issues, such as Cloudflare guaranteeing minimal latency thanks to a global network of servers, and AdGuard DNS blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level.

⚠️ Note: Some mobile operators (such as MTS or Beeline) may ignore user-generated services. DNS In this case, it will only help. VPN shift DNS via Wi-Fi.

Method 1: Changing DNS for Wi-Fi

This is the simplest and most reliable method that works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 10, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13T. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14:

  1. Open Settings and go to the Wi-Fi section.
  2. Click on your network name (near the connection tick) and select Change Network.
  3. Scroll down to the Additional Settings block and turn on the option to Show Additional Settings.
  4. In the DNS field 1, enter the address of the main server (for example, 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare), and in DNS 2, enter the backup (for example, 1.0.0.1).
  5. Click Save and reconnect to the network.

If the DNS field is not in the settings, then your version of MIUI hides this setting. In this case, use Method 3 (applications).

Make sure your phone is connected to the right network.

Write down the current DNS settings (in case of rollbacks)

Select alternative DNS from the list below

Check the speed of the internet before and after the changes-->

DNS-serviceThe main DNSDNS backupFeatures
Cloudflare1.1.1.11.0.0.1The fastest, supports DNS-over-HTTPS
Google Public DNS8.8.8.88.8.4.4Reliable, but can collect data for analytics
AdGuard DNS94.140.14.1494.140.15.15Blocks ads and trackers
OpenDNS208.67.222.222208.67.220.220Filtering phishing sites

Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)

Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8)

AdGuard DNS

OpenDNS

Others-->

Method 2: Configure DNS for mobile Internet (3G/4G/5G)

Changing DNS for mobile is more difficult because Xiaomi (like other manufacturers) doesn’t provide direct access to these settings, but there’s a workaround through creating a new APN (access point), which works on all Android 10 and newer phones, including the Redmi Note 11 and Xiaomi 12 Pro.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [Yours. SIM-map] β†’ Access points (APN).
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the New Access Point.
  3. Fill in the fields: Name: Custom DNS (any name) APN: copy the value from the current APN (for example, Internet.beeline.com) Type APN: default,supl DNS 1: 1.1.1.1 (or other) DNS 2: 8.8.8.8 (optional)

Save your settings and activate the new APN.

⚠️ Note: some operators (e.g, Tele2) They can drop user-generated APN After the reboot, you'll have to reset or use it. VPN.

Phones with MIUI 14 and later may not have a DNS field in APN, which is a firmware restriction, and only Method 3 (applications) will help.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If standard methods don't work (e.g. Xiaomi with MIUI for the global market), you can use specialized applications that allow you to set the DNS at the system level, bypassing the manufacturer's limitations.

  • πŸ“± 1.1.1.1: Faster & Safer Internet (from Cloudflare) – a simple application with support for DNS-over-HTTPS and Warp VPN.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ AdGuard – blocks advertising and trackers, supports custom DNS.
  • πŸ”’ DNS Changer – allows you to quickly switch between different DNS-server.

How to set up 1.1.1.1:

  1. Download the app from Google Play.
  2. Open it and press Connect (the app will request permission to create it). VPN-connections are normal).
  3. Select 1.1.1.1 (for maximum speed) or 1.1.1.1 with Warp (for traffic encryption).
  4. Now all traffic is going through Cloudflare's DNS.

πŸ’‘

After the shift DNS Some sites have stopped opening, try using them. DNS-Google servers (8.8.8.8) – less likely to be blocked by providers.

Checking the operation of new DNS

After changing the settings, it is important to make sure that the system is actually using the new DNS.

  1. Open your browser and go to the DNS Leak Test site.
  2. Press Extended Test and wait for the results.
  3. The list should show the DNS you have specified (e.g. 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8).

If the test shows old DNS, it means:

  • πŸ”„ The settings are not saved (check again).
  • πŸ“΅ Mobile operators ignore user services DNS (use VPN).
  • πŸ“± Change annex DNS It does not have the necessary permissions (reinstall it).
What if the DNS doesn’t change?
If after all the manipulations, the DNS remains old, the problem may be in the firmware. On some versions of MIUI for China (for example, on Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra with CN ROM), network settings are blocked. Solutions: 1. Install Global ROM. 2. Use a VPN with custom DNS support (for example, ProtonVPN). 3. Get root rights and edit /system/etc/resolv.conf file manually (for power users).

Frequent problems and solutions

When you change your DNS to Xiaomi, users are faced with common mistakes.

Problem.Reason.Decision
The Internet is gone after the DNS changeIncorrect DNS address or connection failureCheck if the addresses you enter are correct. If it doesn't work, reset your network settings to Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset settings β†’ Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile Internet, and Bluetooth settings.
DNS reset after rebootingRestriction of firmware or operatorUse applications like 1.1.1.1 or set up DNS on your router.
Some sites are not openedDNS-The server blocks resources (e.g. AdGuard) DNS block out advertising domains)Try a different DNS or turn off filtering in the app settings.

If you use dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz), make sure that the DNS is changed for both networks. On some routers (such as Xiaomi Mi Router), you can set the DNS settings centrally, eliminating the need to configure each device separately.

The Best DNS for Different Tasks

The choice of DNS depends on your goals, and here are some recommendations for typical scenarios:

  • πŸš€ Top speed: 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google) servers with minimal latency due to global infrastructure.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Security and privacy: 9.9.9.9 (Quad9) β€” Blocks malicious domains. or 1.1.1.2 (Cloudflare with malware filtering).
  • 🌍 Bypassing blockings: 76.76.19.19 (ControlD) or 185.222.175.175 (CleanBrowsing) – help to open blocked sites.
  • πŸ“΅ Ad Blocking: 94.140.14.14 (AdGuard) DNS) or 76.76.2.3 (NextDNS).

For Xiaomi with MIUI for China (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro CN), it is recommended to use a DNS-enabled VPN, as local restrictions can block alternative DNS. A good option is ProtonVPN or Windscribe, which allow you to set custom DNS inside the tunnel.

πŸ’‘

For stable operation, choose DNS with the servers closest to you. For example, if you are in Russia, check the latency (ping) to 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8 through the PingTools application.

Can you change your DNS to Xiaomi without root rights?
Yes, all of the methods described in this article work without root, except for manual editing of system files (e.g. /system/etc/resolv.conf), but this is not required for a standard DNS change.
Why do some applications fail after changing the DNS?
Some applications (for example, banking or messengers) are tied to DNS Identity service provider if you use AdGuard DNS Or similar filtered servers, they can block access to these domains. Solution: Add problematic sites to the whitelist in the settings. DNS-Replacement or temporary return of standard DNS.
How to reset DNS to Xiaomi standard?
To return default settings: For Wi-Fi: Go to network settings and delete values in the fields DNS 1 and DNS 2, then save. For mobile: delete the one you created. APN Or return the standard. For applications (e.g. 1.1.1.1): turn off VPN-mode.
Which DNS is best for playing on Xiaomi?
For online games (e.g. PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile), minimal latency is critical.We recommend 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) - optimized for speed. 8.8.8 (Google) - stable, but can be slower in some regions. 208.67.222.222 (OpenDNS) - good for servers in Europe. Before playing, check the ping to game servers through the Ping & DNS application.
Does the shift work? DNS Xiaomi SIM-map?
Yeah, but the settings. DNS Linked to a specific network (Wi-Fi or mobile network of each network) SIM-If you use both cards SIM-Internet maps, set up DNS individually for each of them through APN (Method 2).