How to Configure DNS over HTTPS on Android

This guide will help you set up and configure DNS over HTTPS (DoH) on your Android device, providing complete instructions from basic setup to advanced configuration.

Prerequisites

  • Android 9.0 (Pie) or higher
  • Device administrator privileges
  • Stable network connection
  • Basic knowledge of network settings

Basic Configuration

Step 1: Access Network Settings

  1. Open your device’s “Settings” app
  2. Scroll to “Network & internet”
  3. Tap “Advanced” or “More settings”
  4. Find the “Private DNS” option

Step 2: Configure Private DNS

  1. Tap “Private DNS”
  2. Choose configuration mode:
    • Off
    • Automatic (default)
    • Private DNS provider hostname

Step 3: Set Up DoH Provider

  1. Select “Private DNS provider hostname”
  2. Enter the DoH provider’s hostname, for example: 
    dns.google
one.one.one.one
dns.quad9.net
  3. Tap “Save” or “Apply”

Configuration for Different Android Versions

Android 9 (Pie)

  1. Settings > Network & internet > Advanced
  2. Select “Private DNS”
  3. Enter provider hostname

Android 10

  1. Settings > Network & internet
  2. Tap “Advanced”
  3. Select “Private DNS”
  4. Configure provider

Android 11 and Above

  1. Settings > Network & internet
  2. Tap “Private DNS”
  3. Choose configuration option
  4. Enter provider hostname

Advanced Configuration

Configuration via ADB

For advanced users, you can configure Private DNS using the ADB command-line tool:

# Enable Private DNS
adb shell settings put global private_dns_mode hostname

# Set provider hostname
adb shell settings put global private_dns_specifier dns.example.com

# Verify settings
adb shell settings get global private_dns_mode
adb shell settings get global private_dns_specifier

Enterprise Management Configuration

For enterprise devices, configure via MDM policy:

{
  "private_dns_mode": "hostname",
  "private_dns_provider": "dns.example.com"
}

Verify Configuration

Method 1: System Settings Verification

  1. Return to Private DNS settings page
  2. Check connection status
  3. Confirm “Connected” or “Verification successful” is displayed

Method 2: Using Online Tools

  1. Visit DNS leak test website
  2. Run standard test
  3. Verify DNS requests are going through configured provider

Method 3: Using Terminal

  1. Install terminal app
  2. Execute DNS queries: 
    nslookup example.com
dig example.com

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

  1. Cannot Connect to Private DNS

    • Check network connection
    • Verify provider hostname
    • Confirm Android version compatibility
    • Restart device

  2. Performance Issues

    • Choose geographically closer provider
    • Check network quality
    • Monitor data usage
    • Try alternative providers

  3. App Compatibility

    • Update system and apps
    • Check VPN conflicts
    • Verify firewall settings
    • Clear DNS cache

Advanced Troubleshooting

  1. Using System Logs

    # View DNS-related logs
adb logcat | grep -i dns

# Check network status
adb shell dumpsys connectivity

  2. Network Diagnostics

    # Test DNS resolution
adb shell nslookup example.com

# Check network connectivity
adb shell ping 8.8.8.8

Best Practices

  1. Provider Selection

    • Evaluate privacy policies
    • Check service availability
    • Consider geographical location
    • Test connection speed

  2. Security Recommendations

    • Use trusted providers
    • Regular system updates
    • Monitor network activity
    • Enable additional security features

  3. Performance Optimization

    • Choose nearest servers
    • Regular cache clearing
    • Monitor network performance
    • Keep system updated

App-Specific Configuration

VPN Apps

  1. Ensure VPN supports DoH
  2. Configure VPN’s DNS settings
  3. Verify DNS doesn’t leak

Browsers

  1. Chrome

    • Enable secure DNS
    • Configure DoH provider

  2. Firefox

    • Enable HTTPS-Only mode
    • Configure DNS over HTTPS

Next Steps

Additional Resources

Considerations

  1. Battery Usage

    • DoH may slightly increase battery consumption
    • Monitor battery usage
    • Adjust settings when needed

  2. Data Usage

    • DoH requests use HTTPS
    • May increase data usage slightly
    • Consider mobile network limitations

  3. Privacy Considerations

    • Understand provider’s logging policies
    • Consider no-logs providers
    • Regularly review privacy settings