How to prescribe a DNS server on Android Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide

Change of settings DNS On Xiaomi smartphones, it is an effective way to speed up your Internet experience and bypass the ISP locks. Your carrier’s standard servers often can’t handle heavy loads or contain errors that cause pages and videos to load slowly. Domain Name System System (DNS) It works like a phone book on the Internet, translating the names of websites that we understand into IP-server addresses where these sites are stored.

On devices running MIUI or HyperOS, this process has its own features, which depend on the version of the Android operating system. Newer versions of the system have a native Private DNS function that encrypts requests and improves security, making the use of third-party applications less necessary. However, manual methods of setting up over Wi-Fi are still relevant for older models or specific tasks.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of registration of DNS on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones. You will learn how to use the built-in tools of the system, which server addresses are considered the fastest and most reliable at the moment, as well as how to check the effectiveness of the changes made.

Why Change DNS on Xiaomi Smartphone

The main reason for replacing standard settings is to increase network response speed, and when you type in a site address, your request goes through the ISP's server chain, which can take time, and using public DNSs like Google or Cloudflare often reduces that time to a minimum, especially when you open heavy resources or streaming services.

The second important aspect is security and privacy. Providers often log the resources you visit and can use this information for targeted advertising. Using DNS-over-TLS (Private DNS) encrypts your queries, making them unreadable to intermediate nodes on the network. This does not hide the fact of visiting the site from the provider, but hides the specific pages and data you transmit.

Changing the DNS also helps bypass blocking if the site is blocked at the domain name level. If the provider does not let you access the resource, redirecting the request to the stub page, changing the phone book to an independent one can solve the problem without using a VPN, which makes it easier to access information while maintaining a high connection speed.

⚠️ Attention: Not all DNS-Using unverified public addresses can lead to leakage of your queries or swapping sites for phishing copies.

It's worth noting that changing the DNS doesn't affect the speed of downloading large files directly, as it depends on the bandwidth of the channel. However, connection stability and page opening speed can improve significantly. For gamers, this can mean less ping in some cases, although the result is different here.

πŸ“Š What is your priority when choosing DNS?
Page loading speed
Security of data
Bypassing lockdowns
Stability of connection

Using Private DNS in Android 9 and New

Since Android 9 (Pie), the system has built-in Private DNS (Private DNS) function, which is the most modern and correct way of setting up, since it does not require installing additional software and works at the system level, including mobile Internet and Wi-Fi. Owners of Xiaomi smartphones with current versions of MIUI can use this method.

To activate, you need to go to network settings. The path may vary slightly depending on the shell version, but it is usually in the Settings menu β†’ Connection and Sharing β†’ Private DNS. In some versions of HyperOS, this item can be hidden in advanced settings or accessed through a search by settings.

In the menu that opens, select the Private Host Name option. DNS. This is where you need to enter the server address, but not in the form IP (It's called 1.1.1.1, and it's called a domain name, and it's called DNS-over-TLS, so for example, for Google, it's called dns.google, and for Cloudflare β€” 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com.

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If the field does not accept the address, try entering it without the prefixes http:// or https://. Only a pure domain name, for example: dns.adguard.com

Once you enter the address, click Save. If the address is entered correctly, the system will check the connection and apply the settings. The status bar may display a key icon or a private DNS notification. If the address is incorrect or the server is unavailable, the system will issue an error and prompt you to return the default settings.

  • πŸ”Ή Advantage: Traffic encryption DNS, protection from eavesdropping by the provider.
  • πŸ”Ή Universality: Setup applies to all applications and network types.
  • πŸ”Ή Savings: Does not consume battery, as does not use background processes of third-party applications.
  • πŸ”Ή Simplicity: No need for Root rights or complex configuration.

Setting up DNS over Wi-Fi for older versions of Android

If your Xiaomi smartphone runs on the older version of Android (below 9) or there is no Private DNS feature, you can manually configure DNS for each Wi-Fi network, a method less convenient because it requires repeating actions for each new router, and does not work when using mobile Internet.

Go to Settings β†’ Wi-Fi and find the network you are connected to. Click on the arrow next to the network name or select Setup (sometimes you need to click on the gear icon or the icon "i"). In the menu that opens, find the IP Settings section and switch it from DHCP to Static.

When switching to static IP asks the system to fill in the fields IP-addresses, gateways and DNS. Fields DNS 1 and DNS 2 will be active. DNS 1 enter the address of the main server (e.g. 8.8.8.8), and DNS 2 is a backup (8.8.4.4 (IP-Address, gateway) it is better not to change if you do not know exactly what values are needed for your network, otherwise the connection may disappear.

⚠️ Note: When switching to static IP Make sure you don't change the default gateway address.A mistake in the gateway will result in loss of internet access, even if DNS spelled out.

Once you enter, click Save. The smartphone will reconnect to the network using the new settings. Check the Internet's health by opening any site. If the pages are not loading, return the IP settings to DHCP.

β˜‘οΈ Checking Wi-Fi settings

Done: 0 / 1

Using applications to change DNS

For users who want to have quick access to profile switching or use ad blocking features, specialized applications will be a great solution. VPN-tunnel through which they pass DNS-It allows you to change the questions. DNS"on the fly without reconnecting to Wi-Fi.

One of the most popular and reliable applications is DNS Changer. It is free, requires no Root rights and is open source, which ensures that there are no hidden surveillance functions, after installation, you just select the provider from the list or enter your addresses manually and press the Start button.

Another option is to use applications from DNS providers themselves, such as 1.1.1.1: Faster Internet from Cloudflare or Intra. These applications often have a more modern interface and additional protection features, but they can consume more battery life due to the constant background process.

  • πŸš€ Flexibility: The ability to switch between servers quickly.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Functional: Built-in ad filters and trackers in some applications.
  • πŸ“± Availability: Works on all versions of Android, including very old versions.
  • πŸ”‹ Consumption: Small but constant battery consumption.

It is important to understand that these applications create a permanent VPN-That means that there will always be a key icon in the notification curtain or VPN. Some banking apps or games may react by blocking the operation, requiring the β€œsuspicious” connection to be disabled.

List of the best DNS servers for Xiaomi

Choosing the right server is key. Global giants offer high reliability, but dedicated servers can be faster in your region. Below is a table with the most popular and verified addresses that can be used on Xiaomi smartphones.

ProviderThe main DNSAlternative DNSFeatures
Google Public DNS8.8.8.88.8.4.4High speed, reliability
Cloudflare1.1.1.11.0.0.1The focus on privacy is very fast.
OpenDNS208.67.222.222208.67.220.220Parental control, safety
Quad99.9.9.9149.112.112.112Blocking malicious sites
AdGuard DNS94.140.14.1494.140.15.15Blocking Advertising and Tracking

For users who are interested in advertising, AdGuard is a great choice. DNS. It automatically weeds out requests to known ad servers, which can speed up page loading and save traffic. DNS In this case: dns.adguard.com.

If your goal is to get the most response speed, try Cloudflare, whose infrastructure is optimized for minimal latency, but in some regions of Russia or the CIS, local providers can run faster than global giants, so it makes sense to test several options.

How to check the speed of DNS?
There are many apps in the Play Market, like DNS Benchmark or Namebench, that run speed tests for all the servers available and give you a rating of the best for your location and carrier.

Checking the work and diagnosis of problems

After you've prescribed DNS You can use your Xiaomi to make sure that you're settings are correct, and the easiest way is to open your browser and go to a site that might have loaded slowly or not opened at all. IP and DNS.

There are special sites, such as dnsleaktest.com or 2ip.ru/dns. When you go to them, you will see what they are like. DNS-If the listing shows Google, Cloudflare or any other provider of your choice, the setup has been successful.

If you have problems, such as no internet connection or connection errors, try resetting your DNS settings first. For Private DNS, select Auto or Disconnected. For Wi-Fi, return your IP settings to DHCP. Rebooting your smartphone and router also helps.

⚠️ Attention: If after the shift DNS Local banks or government services may not open, the server you choose may be blocking or not correctly routing traffic in your area.

Sometimes, app-level DNS caching can make it difficult to see changes right away. Try clearing your browser cache or turning flight mode on and off to reset network connections.

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Well-chosen DNS-The server can quietly speed up your smartphone and improve security, but requires testing to select the best option in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will a reset phone settings reset my DNS?
Yes, a full Hard Reset will return all network settings to their original values. You'll have to re-register DNS. But just rebooting the setup device doesn't reset.
Does DNS affect the speed of online gaming?
DNS only affects the connection time (server search) once the connection is established, DNS is not involved in the data transfer, so the ping in the game may decrease slightly or not at all, but matches can start faster.
Can I prescribe a DNS for mobile Internet (3G/4G)?
Through the Wi-Fi settings -- no, just for a specific network. DNS (Private DNS) β€” This setting applies globally to all interfaces, including mobile internet operator.
Is it safe to use free public DNS?
Using servers from large companies (Google, Cloudflare, Yandex) is safe. They have strict privacy policies. However, unknown free DNS can intercept and analyze your requests, so be careful with your choice.
Why is Private DNS not working on my Xiaomi?
The feature is only available on Android 9 and higher, and it may not work if your carrier blocks ports used for DNS-over-TLS, or if you use enterprise Wi-Fi with mandatory authorization.