Best DNS Settings for Android
Step-by-step guide to configure DNS on Android for faster gaming connections and improved reliability.
Updated March 2026
Recommended DNS Servers for Android Gaming
These servers offer the best balance of speed, reliability, and security for gaming on Android:
| Provider | Primary DNS | Secondary DNS | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 |
1.0.0.1 |
Lowest latency, fastest resolution | |
| Google DNS | 8.8.8.8 |
8.8.4.4 |
Most reliable, widest compatibility | |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 |
149.112.112.112 |
Security filtering + DNSSEC | |
| Cloudflare Family | 1.1.1.3 |
1.0.0.3 |
Gaming + malware blocking |
How to Change DNS on Android
Follow these steps to configure custom DNS on your Android:
-
Open Settings
Go to Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections on Samsung). -
Private DNS (Android 9+)
Tap Private DNS (or Advanced > Private DNS). Select Private DNS provider hostname. -
Enter hostname
Enter one.one.one.one for Cloudflare, or dns.google for Google DNS. -
Save
Tap Save. This enables DNS-over-TLS for all apps automatically. -
Alternative: per-network
For older Android or per-Wi-Fi settings: tap your Wi-Fi network > Edit > Advanced > IP settings > Static > set DNS 1 and DNS 2.
After changing DNS, test your connection to verify everything works. You may need to restart the device or clear the DNS cache.
Find the Fastest DNS for Your Android
Which DNS is fastest from your location? Run a real-time benchmark to test 24+ servers and find the best one for your Android gaming.
Run DNS BenchmarkDNS Setup for Other Platforms
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best DNS for gaming on Android?
Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Google (8.8.8.8) are the most popular choices for Android gaming. Cloudflare tends to have slightly lower latency due to its massive anycast network, while Google offers the highest reliability. Run a benchmark from your network to determine which is fastest for you.
Does changing DNS on Android improve gaming performance?
Changing DNS on Android primarily improves connection setup times — how quickly you connect to game servers, matchmaking, and download updates. It does not reduce in-game ping once connected, since game traffic uses direct IP connections after the initial DNS resolution.
Can I use DNS-over-HTTPS on Android?
Android supports encrypted DNS. You can configure DNS-over-HTTPS or DNS-over-TLS in the system settings for additional privacy. This encrypts your DNS queries from your ISP.
Should I set DNS on my Android or on my router?
Setting DNS on your router applies the change to all devices on your network, which is simpler to manage. Setting it directly on your Android overrides the router setting for that device only. For gaming, setting it on the device ensures the DNS is always used, even on other networks.