How to change the DNS on Samsung android phone

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How to Change the DNS on Samsung Android Phone

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a crucial element of how the internet operates. It acts like a phonebook for the internet, translating domain names into IP addresses so that your device can locate and connect to websites. While your Internet Service Provider (ISP) usually supplies your DNS settings, there may be instances where you want to switch to a different DNS provider for various reasons, such as enhancing security, improving speed, or accessing geo-restricted content. If you own a Samsung Android phone and are curious about how to change its DNS settings, this guide is designed for you.

Understanding DNS

Before diving into how to change the DNS settings on your Samsung Android phone, it’s significant to understand the fundamental concepts of DNS.

  1. What is DNS?

    • DNS stands for Domain Name System. It translates human-readable website names (like www.example.com) into numerical IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1) that computers use to identify each other on the network.

  2. How DNS Works?

    • When you enter a URL into your web browser, a DNS query is initiated to translate that URL into an IP address. The browser uses this IP address to connect to the desired website.

  3. Why Change DNS?

    • Speed: Some DNS servers respond faster than others.
    • Security: Enhanced security features can help protect against attacks.
    • Access: You can use DNS servers that provide access to geo-restricted content.
    • Customization: Some DNS services provide enhanced filtering options that can improve user experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing DNS on Samsung Android Phone

Changing DNS settings on your Samsung Android phone can be accomplished easily by following these steps:

Step 1: Accessing Your Phone Settings

  1. Unlock your Samsung Android phone.
  2. Open the "Settings" app. You can find the settings icon on your home screen or in the app drawer.
  3. Scroll down and tap on "Connections."
    • This section manages your phone’s connection settings, including Wi-Fi and mobile data.

Step 2: Access Wi-Fi Settings

  1. Tap on "Wi-Fi."

    • This option displays the available Wi-Fi networks and your current Wi-Fi connection.

  2. Locate your active Wi-Fi network.

    • Your phone should be connected to a Wi-Fi network at this point. The network you are currently connected to will generally be displayed at the top of the list.

  3. Tap on the gear icon (Settings) next to your connected Wi-Fi network.

    • This will bring up the settings for the specific Wi-Fi network you are connected to.

Step 3: Modifying IP Settings

  1. Scroll down to find "IP settings."

    • It is usually set to "DHCP" by default. This means your phone automatically receives an IP address along with DNS settings from the router.

  2. Change "IP settings" from DHCP to Static.

    • By doing this, it will allow you to input your DNS settings manually.

Step 4: Entering New DNS Addresses

  1. Scroll down to find the "DNS 1" and "DNS 2" fields.

    • Here, you can specify the DNS servers you wish to use.

  2. Input your desired DNS servers.

    • Some popular and efficient public DNS servers include:
      • Google DNS:
      • DNS 1: 8.8.8.8
      • DNS 2: 8.8.4.4
      • Cloudflare DNS:
      • DNS 1: 1.1.1.1
      • DNS 2: 1.0.0.1
      • OpenDNS:
      • DNS 1: 208.67.222.222
      • DNS 2: 208.67.220.220

  3. Confirm your DNS entries.

    • Double-check that you entered the DNS addresses correctly to avoid connection problems.

Step 5: Saving the Changes

  1. After entering the DNS addresses, tap “Save" or “Connect.”

    • This action will apply your new DNS settings.

  2. Exit the settings.

    • Close the settings app to return to your home screen.

Step 6: Testing Your New DNS Settings

After changing your DNS settings, it’s essential to verify that the changes have been successfully applied.

  1. Open a web browser on your Samsung Android phone.
  2. Visit a website to check connectivity.
    • If the site loads properly, your new DNS settings are functioning well.
  3. Consider using DNS leak test websites like dnsleaktest.com to ensure that your DNS requests are routed through the new DNS servers.

Potential Issues

While altering DNS settings is generally seamless, you might encounter some issues. Here are a few things to consider if you run into trouble:

  • Website Connectivity Issues: If you can’t connect to websites after changing your DNS, double-check the DNS addresses you entered for accuracy.
  • Slow Connection: Occasionally, the new DNS provider may not offer better speeds than your ISP. If you experience slowness, try switching back to DHCP or another DNS server.
  • Cached DNS: Your device might cache DNS entries. If you face issues, consider restarting your phone or the router.

Changing DNS on Mobile Data Connection

Sometimes, you may want to change the DNS for mobile data as well. Unfortunately, changing DNS settings for mobile data on Android is more complicated than on Wi-Fi and often requires third-party apps.

Here’s how to configure DNS for mobile data connections:

Using a Third-Party App

  1. Download a DNS Changer App:

    • Search for DNS changer apps in the Google Play Store. Popular options include “DNS Changer” or “NetGuard.”

  2. Install and Open the App:

    • Follow the app instructions for setup. Most DNS changer apps have user-friendly interfaces.

  3. Enter Your DNS Addresses:

    • Just like with Wi-Fi, enter the desired DNS servers.

  4. Activate the DNS Changer:

    • Make sure to toggle the app to connect your data through the chosen DNS.

Conclusion

Changing DNS settings on your Samsung Android phone is a straightforward process that can lead to faster internet speeds, improved security, and greater access to content. Whether you choose to change the DNS settings for Wi-Fi or mobile data, the steps provided above guide you through the process with clarity.

Remember, DNS settings can significantly impact your browsing experience, so take the time to choose reliable DNS providers. Always keep in mind the possible issues and solutions that may arise during or after the modification process, and don’t hesitate to revert to default settings if necessary.

Changing your DNS can enhance your experience on your Samsung Android phone significantly—happy browsing!

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