Enhancing Privacy and Security: Enabling Private DNS Mode on Android

Almost everything you do on your connected devices begins with a DNS query. Whether you’re searching in your web browser’s address bar or using various apps on your mobile device, DNS is constantly at work. However, the standard DNS protocol is not secure as it sends queries over the network as plain text.

This lack of security becomes problematic, especially when using public networks like those found in coffee shops. If someone with the necessary skills is on the same network, they can intercept and view your search queries or the URLs you visit, compromising your privacy.

To address this issue, Private DNS Mode comes into play. When you enable this feature, all your DNS queries become encrypted, making it impossible for malicious actors to view them, even if they capture the network packets. Private DNS Mode is a must-have for individuals who value their privacy and security.

Enabling Private DNS Mode on Android is relatively straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

Requirements: An Android device running at least Version 9 of the operating system (released in 2018). Most modern Android phones are capable of enabling this feature.

1. Open Network & internet: Launch the Settings app (accessible from the Notification Shade or App Drawer) and tap on “Network & internet.” Samsung Galaxy users may find it under “Settings > More Connection Settings.”
2. Enable Private DNS: Look for the “Private DNS” option near the bottom of the Network & internet settings. On Galaxy devices, it may be located in the middle of the “More connections settings” list. If you can’t find it, go back to the main Settings page and search for “Private DNS.”
3. Add a secure DNS provider: This step requires the address of a provider that offers Private DNS. One recommended provider is “1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com.” Alternatively, you can choose from other options like Google DNS, Quad9, Cleanbrowsing DNS, Open DNS, NextDNS, Comodo Secure, or OpenNIC. To add the provider, tap on “Private DNS,” then select “Private DNS Provider Hostname” and enter the hostname of your chosen DNS provider.

Note: While all the free DNS services listed above are worth trying, Cloudflare (1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com) is often considered the fastest and most secure. Cloudflare also incorporates DNS filtering, which helps prevent email from being sent from malicious IP addresses.

You can also choose the “Automatic” option, which switches to Google’s Private DNS when available.