How to turn on Private DNS Mode on Android (and why you should)
Nearly everything you do on your desktops, laptops, phones, and tablets begins with a Domain Name System (DNS) query. Essentially, DNS turns domain names (such as ZDNET.com) into an IP address so web browsers and apps know where to get the information you want. Without DNS, you’d wind up having to type 34.149.132.124 every time you wanted to go to ZDNET.com. Or, if you run a Google search, DNS is at work.
Also: Stop using weak passwords for streaming services – it’s riskier than you think
The problem is that standard DNS isn’t secure, meaning all your queries are sent over the network as plain text.
Why is that a problem? Let’s say you’re on a public network (like a coffee shop), and you start searching for things on your Android device. Or maybe you have to access a CMS or other work tool and you don’t want the public to know the address you’re typing. If someone else is on the same network and has the skills, they could intercept your non-encrypted search queries (or the URLs you visit) and know exactly what you’re looking for.
That’s where Private DNS Mode comes into play. Once you enable this feature, all of your DNS queries are encrypted, so any bad actors won’t be able to view them (even if they capture those packets). In other words, Private DNS Mode should be an absolute must for anyone who values their privacy and security.
Also: The best VPN services: Expert tested and reviewed
But how do you enable Private DNS Mode on Android? It’s actually pretty simple. Let me show you how.
How to enable Private DNS mode on Android
What you’ll need: The only thing you need to enable Private DNS Mode is an Android device running at least Version 9 of the operating system (which was released in 2018). So pretty much every modern Android phone is capable of enabling the feature.
Open the Settings app (either from the Notification Shade or the App Drawer) and then tap Network & Internet. If you’re using a Samsung Galaxy device, you’ll go to Settings > More Connection Settings.
You’ll find the entry for Private DNS near the bottom of the Network & Internet window. On Galaxy devices, it will be located in the middle of the More Connections settings list. If you don’t find it, go back to the main Settings page and do a search for Private DNS.
This is where it can get a bit tricky. You need to have the address of a provider that offers Private DNS. Here’s my provider of choice:
1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com
Some other possible hostnames you can use:
- Google DNS: dns.google
- Quad9: dns.quad9.net
- Cleanbrowsing DNS: security-filter-dns.cleanbrowsing.org
- Open DNS: 208.67.222.222
- NextDNS: 45.90.28.0
- Comodo Secure 8.26.56.26
- OpenNIC: 192.95.54.3
Note: Although each of the above free DNS services is worth trying, I would recommend going with Cloudflare (1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com). I find it to be the fastest and the most secure of the bunch. On top of the speed, Cloudflare adds DNS filtering into the mix, which can help prevent email from being sent from malicious IP addresses.
When you tap Private DNS, a new pop-up will appear. Tap Private DNS Provider Hostname, and then type the hostname for the DNS provider of your choice.
You can also choose Automatic, which will automatically switch to Google’s Private DNS when it’s available. For those who aren’t so quick to trust Google for such a feature, I would recommend selecting Private DNS and then typing the address for your provider of choice. Tap Save to save the new setting and close the Settings app.
Also: How to spot a fake data blocker that could hack your computer in seconds
And that’s all there is to it. Once you’ve enabled Private DNS on Android, you can be sure all of your DNS queries are encrypted. Enjoy that added privacy and security.
Post Publications || Join us on Whatsapp || Post Disclaimer
SEND A STORY: Do you have a story for us or need a promotion/advertisement? Submit them via our email admin@edulearnweb or Ghanaeducation.org
TELEGRAM PAGE >>> [JOIN]
DOWNLOAD OUR EDUCATION NEWS APP - MOBILE APP
JOIN OUR EDUCATION NEW GROUPS (WHATSAPP)
Join one of our Whatsapp/Telegram Groups for current Ghana Education Service News Updates:
JOIN ONLY ONE... THANKS
TELEGRAM PAGE >>> [JOIN]
Group 1 >>New Group> [JOIN]
Group 2 >>New Group> [JOIN]
TELEGRAM PAGE >>> [JOIN]
Only websites that give us a URL backlink can repost our content on their sites.
The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by edulearnweb.com and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the post for any purpose.
||About Us|| Contact Us