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.
Jump To…
- Change DNS Using the PIA App
- Change DNS Using Android Settings
- How to Check That New DNS Settings Are Working
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:
- Tap the three-line menu icon (☰) located in the top left corner.
- Tap Settings.
- Next, tap Networks.
- Tap DNS.
- Tap EDIT to add a custom DNS service.
- Enter the provider’s primary and secondary DNS addresses, then tap Save.
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:
- Navigate to Settings > Connections.
- Tap More connection settings at the bottom.
- Tap Private DNS.
- Select Private DNS provider hostname.
- Enter your provider’s hostname and tap Save.
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:
- Use this link to access PIA’s free DNS leak test.
- On the DNS leak test page, tap Start.
- The results may take a few seconds to display. Once they do, verify that the ISP field matches your DNS provider.