How to change DNS to Xiaomi: speed up and protect the network

Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer users advanced options for customizing the system, but standard network settings are often ignored. DNS-Servers are one of the most effective ways to speed up the loading of web pages and increase connection stability, especially if the provider provides slow or congested name servers. Many device owners do not even suspect that a simple step in settings can solve problems with a long response of applications or lack of access to certain resources.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to change DNS to Xiaomi using both built-in Android features and third-party utilities. You will learn which addresses are the fastest and most reliable at the moment, and understand the difference between setting up a specific WiFi connection and changing the parameters globally for the mobile Internet.

It's worth noting that the procedure doesn't require root rights and is available on all current versions of the MIUI and HyperOS shell. We'll look at the nuances of working with encryption protocols like DNS-over-TLS, which are becoming the standard for protecting traffic from interception. If you want to make the most of your gadget, this material will be a great guide to action.

Why Change DNS on Xiaomi Smartphones

The main task of the domain name system is to convert human-readable site addresses into machine-readable ones. IP-Standard servers that are automatically assigned by your mobile operator or home Internet provider often run slowly or contain cache errors. This results in the browser thinking long before opening a page, although the speed of the communication channel itself can be high, and replacing it with public and fast alternatives from large technology companies reduces response time.

In addition, the use of third-party DNS-It allows you to bypass simple locks implemented at the provider level, if you are faced with a situation where messengers or individual sites do not open without the enabled VPN, Changing resolver addresses often solves the problem, and it's also an important aspect of digital hygiene, as many public services don't log your queries, unlike providers.

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Use DoT/DoH-encrypted DNS so that the provider can’t see which sites you visit, even if the traffic isn’t encrypted with HTTPS.

However, it is worth noting that DNS It's not a complete tool for anonymity. It doesn't hide your identity. IP-The address does not change the geolocation as it does. VPN-This is just the Internet's phone book, and replacing it affects the speed of finding a resource and the ability to open it.

Preparation: Choosing the optimal DNS-service

Before you make changes to your settings Xiaomi, you need to decide on the provider DNS. There are several leaders in the market that have proven to be the most stable and fast solutions for mobile devices, the choice depends on your priorities: maximum speed, data privacy or filtering unwanted content.

The most popular solution is Google Public DNS, which is fast and compatible with any device, and if privacy is the first, then Cloudflare is the service that does not store user history. Family networks often use OpenDNS with parental control functions.

📊 What is the criterion of choice DNS more important to you?
Page loading speed
Data confidentiality
Blocking ads
Stability of connection

Below is a table with the current addresses of the main providers that can be used on Redmi and Poco devices:

ProviderThe main DNSAlternative DNSFeature
Google Public DNS8.8.8.88.8.4.4High speed.
Cloudflare1.1.1.11.0.0.1Privacy
Quad99.9.9.9149.112.112.112Security
OpenDNS208.67.222.222208.67.220.220Filtration
AdGuard DNS94.140.14.1494.140.15.15Blocking ads

Remember or write down the selected IP-The current versions of Android also support the entry of domain names of providers, which simplifies the process and allows you to use secure connections.

Instructions: Change DNS for WiFi network

Setting up a DNS for wireless connectivity is the most common scenario, especially for home internet. On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI shell, this process is done through the standard WiFi settings menu and does not require the installation of additional software.

To start, go to Settings and select Wi-Fi. Find your active network in the list 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 window that opens, find the IP Setup field (sometimes hidden in additional settings) and switch from DHCP to Static.

☑️ Static adjustment IP

Done: 0 / 1

After switching mode will be active fields for data entry. IP-The address and the gateway are usually filled in automatically, and you don't have to change them unless you know exactly what you're doing. DNS 1 and DNS 2. Enter the addresses of the previously selected service, for example, 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Press the Save button or the tick in the upper right corner.

⚠️ Note: When switching to static IP Make sure that the gateway address matches your router’s address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.

If done correctly, the WiFi icon will remain active and the Internet will start working through new servers, and to return everything as it was, you just need to select DHCP mode again in the settings of this network.

Global Private DNS Setting (for WiFi and 4G/5G)

Starting with Android 9, the system has a private feature DNS (Private DNS), which allows you to set protected DNS-server for all connections at once, including mobile Internet, which is a more modern and preferred method, since it encrypts requests and does not require a change of mode. IP On Xiaomi devices, this option is in deep system settings.

To activate the function, open Settings and search for the phrase “DNS” or “Private DNS.” Alternative path: Connect and share → Private DNS. The default mode is “Auto”, which means using a DNS provider. Select the option Host Name of the Private DNS provider (Specify manually).

What is the difference between IP and Host Name?
In older versions of Android, you had to enter IP-Addresses (digits) in modern versions for Private mode DNS It is required to enter the provider’s domain name (for example, dns.google), since the DoT encryption protocol is used, which relies on security certificates tied to the domain.

The domain name of the service is not the digits, but the domain name of the service. For Google, it will be dns.google, for Cloudflare, 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com or just dns.cloudflare.com. For AdGuard DNS, use dns.adguard.com. After entering the address, click Save.

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Private regime DNS It works globally for all applications and networks, providing encryption DNS-Requests and increasing user privacy.

The system will check the availability of the server, if the address is entered correctly, the connection will be established instantly, in case of an error, the system will report that the server is unavailable, and prompt you to return to automatic settings.

Using third-party applications to manage DNS

If the built-in MIUI tools don’t seem flexible enough or you want to quickly switch between different DNS profiles, you can use specialized applications from Google Play.

One of the most popular solutions is the Intra app or DNS Changer. They work on the principle of creating local. VPN-tunnel through which only DNS-requests without affecting the speed of the main connection and without hiding your IP. This allows you to bypass the restrictions without losing the speed characteristic of full-fledged VPN.

These programs often require special permissions to be used, and once installed, the application will request permission to create a software. VPN-Connectivity is a standard procedure for operating system network filters in Android. You will need to confirm the action by clicking “OK” in the system window.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications to change DNS Make sure they don’t require unnecessary permissions, such as accessing contacts or the file system.Network utilities should not have access to your personal data.

The advantage of this approach is that you can switch quickly, so you can create a profile for low-ping games, a profile for safe surfing, and a profile for bypassing locks by swapping them with one tap across the screen.

Diagnostics and check of new settings

After making the changes, it is important to make sure that the new DNS It actually works and doesn't cause conflict, and the easiest way to check is to open a browser and go to a site that might have loaded slowly or never opened at all. DNS-solver.

There are many online tools, such as dnsleaktest.com or whoer.net, and if you go to a website like this, you will see which one is the most popular. DNS-The server is currently used to resolve domain names. IP-the address of your provider, so the settings did not apply or were reset.

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To accurately check the response rate of the DNS, use the ping command in the terminal or an application like Ping & DNS, comparing the response time (ms) of different servers.

If you notice that the Internet is gone completely or some sites have stopped opening, perhaps you have chosen the following: DNS-The server is locked or unavailable in your area, and then you should go back to the settings and write the addresses of the alternative provider from the table above. DNS, which occurs automatically when the smartphone is rebooted.

In rare cases, problems may arise from antivirus software or corporate filters if the device is used on the work network, then you will need to coordinate the settings with the system administrator.

Possible problems and ways to solve them

Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users may face a number of challenges, including resetting Private DNS settings after rebooting or switching flight modes, one common problem on Xiaomi, which may be due to aggressive battery optimization in MIUI that kills background network processes.

To avoid this, go to the battery settings and find the app responsible for network settings (if you use third-party software) and set No Limits mode. For Private DNS system settings, try disabling and enabling flight mode to initiate a reconnection to the network with new settings.

⚠️ Attention: If after the shift DNS Access to the local network (printers) has ceased to work, NAS, If you're smart, check if the server you're looking at is blocking local addresses. DNS Local requests may be considered suspicious.

Another problem — «DNS Probe Finished No Internet in Chrome.This is an error indicating that the browser cannot get a response from the browser. DNS-Solution: check the correct addresses entered, make sure the device has the correct time and date (time errors break down) SSL-certificates), and try to clear the browser cache.

Is it safe to use free public DNS?
Using trusted public DNSs from large companies (Google, Cloudflare) is safe and often more reliable than servers from smaller providers. However, avoid unknown services that promise to “speed up the Internet” as they can redirect your traffic or inject advertising.
Does changing DNS affect battery consumption?
Changing DNS does not increase battery consumption by itself; on the contrary, faster server response can reduce the active time of a radio module when loading pages, but using third-party switching applications with constant background monitoring can add 1-2% per day.
Do I need to change the DNS on each WiFi network separately?
If you use the method of adjustment through static IP», Yes, the settings only apply to a specific WiFi network. DNS» (Private DNS) In system settings, the changes apply globally to all WiFi and mobile internet at once.
Why do some websites not open after the DNS change?
Some of them DNS-Services (especially family-based or security-enabled) can block access to sites with malicious content or gambling, and it can also be a situation where the site is geolocated, and change of location. DNS A foreign server can knock this link down.