ByOnline privacy and ad blockers have become extremely important for users these days. Android users are especially turning to DNS services to avoid tracking, ads, and unwanted websites. AdGuard DNS is a secure, fast, and privacy-focused solution that can be easily set up on Android devices. In this article, we will explain in detail how to use AdGuard DNS on your Android phone and how it makes your internet browsing more secure and private.
What is AdGuard DNS?
AdGuard DNS is a free DNS service that blocks ads, trackers, and dangerous websites. It works at the DNS level without any additional apps. This means that it works at the system level and provides protection for all the apps and browsers on your device.
AdGuard DNS provides two types of services:
1. Default Servers – blocks ads and trackers only.
2. Family Protection Servers – blocks ads and trackers as well as adult content and pornographic websites.
Benefits of setting up AdGuard DNS on Android
Ad-free browsing experience
Enhanced online privacy
Less data consumption on the device
Improved speed and performance
Protection from adult content (Family Protection Mode)
Complete process of setting up AdGuard DNS on an Android device
1. Setting up AdGuard DNS via Android Settings (for Android 9 and above)
Android 9 (Pie) and above come with the Private DNS feature, which makes setting up AdGuard DNS extremely easy.
Step-by-step guide:
1. Open the Settings of your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on Network & Internet.
3. Now go to the Advanced option.
4. Here you will find the option of Private DNS, tap on it.
5. Select Private DNS provider hostname.
6. Enter one of the following there:
For Default Servers:
`dns.adguard.com`
For Family Protection Servers:
`dns-family.adguard.com`
7. Tap Save, and your settings will be saved.
Now your device is fully connected to AdGuard DNS and protected from tracking, ads, and more.
2. Setting up AdGuard DNS for Wi-Fi networks in Android (for Android 8 and below)
If your device doesn’t have the Private DNS option, you can manually set DNS for each Wi-Fi network.
Step-by-step guide:
1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the name of the connected network and select Modify Network.
3. Tap Advanced options.
4. Change IP settings from DHCP to Static.
5. Enter the following in the DNS fields below:
DNS 1: `94.140.14.14`
DNS 2: `94.140.15.15` (Default Servers)
or
DNS 1: `94.140.14.15`
DNS 2: `94.140.15.16` (Family Protection Servers)
6. Save.
This will apply AdGuard DNS to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Using AdGuard DNS from a third-party app (if necessary)
If you want more control or to set up DNS on the mobile network, you can use apps like Intra, Nebulo, or DNSChanger.
Process to set up AdGuard DNS with DNSChanger:
1. Download the DNSChanger app from the Play Store.
2. Open the app and enter the following DNS servers:
Primary DNS: `94.140.14.14`
Secondary DNS: `94.140.15.15` (or other server for Family Protection)
3. Tap the Start button.
The app will now use AdGuard DNS for all your network traffic.
How to perform a browsing test with AdGuard DNS
If you want to check if your device is using AdGuard DNS correctly, follow these steps:
1. Open a browser and go to [https://dnsleaktest.com](https://dnsleaktest.com).
2. Run the Standard Test.
3. If AdGuard appears in the DNS server, it means the setup is successful.
AdGuard DNS alternatives and comparison
| Service | Ad Blocking | Tracker Blocking | Free Usage | Parental Control |
| ————— | —————– | ————— | ———- | ————— |
| AdGuard DNS | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Cloudflare DNS | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Google DNS | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| NextDNS | ✔️ | ✔️ | Limited | ✔️ |
The advantage of AdGuard DNS is that it works without the need for any apps or root, making it suitable for normal users as well.
Conclusion
Using AdGuard DNS on Android devices is a very simple and effective way to protect your device from ads, tracking, and harmful content. Whether you have a new or old Android version, you can easily set it up.
Want to grow your website organically? Contact us now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Using AdGuard DNS on Android
Q1: Is AdGuard DNS free?
Answer:
Yes, AdGuard DNS is a completely free service that anyone can use. Both Default and Family Protection servers are available at no cost.
Q2: Does AdGuard DNS affect your internet speed?
Answer:
No, AdGuard DNS usually does not affect your internet speed. Sometimes it also helps in loading pages faster by removing ads.
Q3: Is it necessary to root the phone for this?
Answer:
Absolutely not. AdGuard DNS does not require a root to set up. You can easily configure it using Android Settings or a third-party app.
Question 4: Does AdGuard DNS only work in the browser?
Answer:
No, AdGuard DNS works on a system level, so it can block tracking and ads in all your apps (like Instagram, YouTube, games, etc.).
Question 5: Can I use AdGuard DNS on mobile data networks?
Answer:
Yes, but Android 9 and above only support setting DNS directly on mobile data with the Private DNS option. For Android 8 and below, use an app like DNSChanger.
Question 6: What is the difference between Family Protection DNS and Default DNS?
Answer:
Default DNS (`dns.adguard.com`): Blocks only ads and trackers.
Family Protection DNS (`dns-family.adguard.com`): Blocks ads and trackers as well as adult content and dangerous websites.
Question 7: If I change DNS in Settings, can I revert it?
Answer:
Yes, you can always go to Settings and set DNS to “Automatic” or “Off” so that the device will start using the default DNS again.
Question 8: Is AdGuard DNS safe for kids?
Answer:
Family Protection DNS is a great option for kids as it filters out pornographic and adult content. It helps parents ensure their children’s online safety.
Question 9: Does AdGuard DNS work on iPhones?
Answer:
Yes, it can be used on iOS devices as well with the help of Private DNS support or through the AdGuard app. However, this article is for Android.
