Phone used here: Nokia 7 Plus running Android 9. Android One.

So, what’s DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. And, is a bit simplified a system that connects a hostname (like facebook.com) to it’s server IP address.

A little but…

If you use a LAN with local hostnames for servers etc, you will have difficulties with addressing those servers with the local hostnames when you use point to another DNS provider. And, you will have to use the IP address of those things instead. Like when you try to look at the intranet server you just set up and you can’t understand just direct hostname fails on your android pie phone with a private dns set. Yup. I did that.

Can’t I just use whatever my ISP got?

Sure you can. But, using a DNS that’s a bit more secure isn’t a bad idea. Or just faster. Or better.

There’s some choices here. But, I will focus on Google and Cloudflare here. For me Cloudflare seems to be a LITTLE faster.

And, to complicate things a little bit, you need to add the hostname of the DND provider you want.

Google DNS

1. Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS
2. Select Private DNS provider hostname.
3. Enter dns.google and hit Save.
4. Click Save.

1.1.1.1 – Cloudflare

1. Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS
2. Select Private DNS provider hostname.
3. Enter 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com and hit Save.

Visit 1.1.1.1/help to verify DNS over TLS is enabled.