Android’s handling of DNS (Domain Name System) over Wi-Fi can sometimes lead to frustrating connectivity issues. While your device might be successfully connected to a Wi-Fi network, you could still experience slow browsing, app loading failures, or even an inability to access certain websites.
The core of the problem lies in how Android is configured to obtain DNS server addresses. By default, Android is set to use the DNS servers provided by the Wi-Fi router. This works well when the router is properly configured and using reliable DNS servers. However, if the router is using slow, unreliable, or even compromised DNS servers, all devices connected to that network, including your Android device, will suffer.
One common symptom is slow website loading. When you type a website address into your browser, your device first needs to translate that address (e.g., google.com) into an IP address (e.g., 142.250.180.142). This translation is the job of the DNS server. If the DNS server is slow to respond, the entire website loading process is delayed.
Another problem arises when the router’s DNS server experiences outages or intermittent connectivity issues. This can lead to websites randomly failing to load, even though your Wi-Fi connection seems perfectly fine. You might see error messages like “DNS server not responding” or similar connection errors.
Furthermore, some malicious actors might compromise routers and configure them to use rogue DNS servers. These rogue DNS servers could redirect your traffic to phishing websites or inject malicious advertisements into your browsing experience. This presents a significant security risk.
Fortunately, there are several ways to address Android DNS issues on Wi-Fi:
- Change DNS settings on your router: This is the most effective solution, as it benefits all devices connected to your network. Consult your router’s manual to learn how to access its configuration page and change the DNS server addresses. Popular and reliable public DNS servers include Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
- Use a DNS changer app: Several apps on the Google Play Store allow you to override the router’s DNS settings on your Android device directly. These apps typically create a VPN connection to route your DNS queries through their preferred DNS servers.
- Configure private DNS (Android 9 and later): Android offers a built-in “Private DNS” feature that allows you to encrypt DNS queries over HTTPS (DoH). This enhances privacy and security. To use it, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS and select “Private DNS provider hostname”. Enter a DoH server address, such as “one.one.one.one” (Cloudflare) or “dns.google” (Google).
- Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network: Sometimes, simply forgetting the Wi-Fi network and reconnecting can resolve temporary DNS configuration issues.
By implementing these solutions, you can improve your browsing speed, enhance your online security, and ensure a more reliable Wi-Fi experience on your Android device.