DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is essentially the phone book of the internet. It translates domain names like "google.com" into numerical values (IP addresses) so that network devices can route data. When you type a URL into your browsers address bar, your phone first connects to a DNS server, which replaces the friendly name you entered with the websites IP address.
Private DNS mode is a feature that encrypts your DNS queries and keeps them safe from prying eyes. It allows you to send your network data to a secure DNS address rather than the one that would otherwise most likely be controlled by your internet service provider. Prior to Android 9, the only way to use private DNS servers was to configure them for individual saved Wi-Fi networks or use a local VPN. However, since Android 9, you can enable Private DNS Mode on Android by following these steps:
- Open the Settings app and tap Network & Internet.
- Enable Private DNS.
- Add a provider that offers secure DNS.
Its important to note that changing your DNS server doesnt improve your browsing security, but it can improve connectivity regardless of what Wi-Fi network you connect to.
