Android - Change DNS Settings

When you access websites, your Android device uses your ISP’s DNS servers by default. When you use sites while connected to Private Internet Access (PIA), you automatically use our DNS servers, which helps your browsing remain private. 

You can also change your DNS settings so that you use a different service instead. You can either change your Android DNS settings using the PIA app or your device’s connection settings. 

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Change DNS Using the PIA App

 

Important: If you change DNS settings inside the PIA mobile app, the changes will only apply when you are connected to the VPN.

 

Launch the PIA app and make sure you are disconnected from the VPN. Then, follow these steps:

  1. Tap the three-line menu icon (☰) located in the top left corner.
Private Internet Access app interface on Android, showing the main connection screen. The hamburger menu icon is highlighted.
  1. Tap Settings. 
Private Internet Access app interface on Android, showing the main connection screen. The hamburger menu icon is highlighted.
  1. Next, tap Networks. 
Private Internet Access app interface on Android, showing the settings menu. The "Networks" option is highlighted.
  1. Tap DNS. 
Private Internet Access app interface on Android, showing the Networks page. The "DNS" option is highlighted.
  1. Tap EDIT to add a custom DNS service. 
Private Internet Access app interface on Android, showing the main DNS Selection popup window. The "EDIT" button is highlighted.
  1. Enter the provider’s primary and secondary DNS addresses, then tap Save. 
Private Internet Access app interface on Android, showing the main DNS Selection popup window. The DNS address fields and "Save" button are highlighted.

If the setup is successful, PIA will automatically use the configured DNS service when you connect next time. 

Change DNS Using Android Settings

The latest Android version lets you manually configure private DNS settings, which help secure your DNS traffic and apply to all internet connections. To configure this:

  1. Navigate to Settings > Connections. 
Settings app on Android, showing a highlighted "Connections" button.
  1. Tap More connection settings at the bottom. 
Connections page on Android, showing a highlighted "More connection settings" option.
  1. Tap Private DNS. 
"More connection settings" page on Android, showing a highlighted "Private DNS" option.
  1. Select Private DNS provider hostname. 
Private DNS popup window on Android. The "Private DNS provider hostname" option is highlighted.
  1. Enter your provider’s hostname and tap Save. 
Private DNS popup window on Android. The "Enter hostname of DNS provider" field and "Save" button are highlighted.


 

How to Check That New DNS Settings Are Working

To verify that your Android device is using the DNS service you configured, you can use a DNS walk test tool since the results will show your DNS service provider. To do this:

  1. Use this link to access PIA’s free DNS leak test. 
  2. On the DNS leak test page, tap Start. 
Private Internet Access DNS leak test tool on Android, showing a highlighted "Start" button.
  1. The results may take a few seconds to display. Once they do, verify that the ISP field matches your DNS provider. 
Results for Private Internet Access's DNS leak test on Android. The "ISP" field is highlighted.

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