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Why is Using Non-Encrypted DNS a Risk?

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Imagine you’re connected to a public network, like in a coffee shop, and browsing on your Android phone. Perhaps you’re accessing a sensitive work tool or typing in a private web address. If another user on the same network has the necessary skills, they could potentially intercept your non-encrypted DNS queries or URLs and see exactly what you’re accessing.

This is where Private DNS Mode becomes invaluable. By enabling this feature, your DNS queries are encrypted, making it nearly impossible for malicious actors to spy on your online activities, even if they manage to capture the data packets. For anyone concerned about privacy and security, using Private DNS Mode is essential.

How to Enable Private DNS Mode on Android

Prerequisite:

To activate Private DNS Mode, you need an Android device running version 9 or newer (released in 2018). Most modern Android phones meet this requirement.

Steps to Enable:

  1. Open Network & Internet Settings:
    Go to your phone’s Settings app (accessible from the App Drawer or Notification Panel). Select Network & Internet. For Samsung Galaxy users, navigate to Settings > More Connection Settings instead.
  2. Locate Private DNS Option:
    Scroll to the bottom of the Network & Internet settings to find Private DNS. On Galaxy devices, it’s in the More Connection Settings section. If it’s not immediately visible, use the search bar in your Settings to locate it.
  3. Choose a Secure DNS Provider:
    To enable Private DNS, you’ll need the hostname of a provider offering encrypted DNS services. Here are some popular options:
    • Cloudflare DNS: 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com
    • Google DNS: dns.google
    • Quad9: dns.quad9.net
    • Cleanbrowsing DNS: security-filter-dns.cleanbrowsing.org
    • Open DNS: 208.67.222.222
    • NextDNS: 45.90.28.0
    • Comodo Secure DNS: 8.26.56.26
    • OpenNIC: 192.95.54.3
    While all of these are reliable, Cloudflare is often considered the best due to its speed, security, and additional DNS filtering features.
  4. Configure Private DNS:
    Select Private DNS, then choose Private DNS Provider Hostname. Enter the hostname of your chosen provider and tap Save. If you prefer a simpler setup, you can select Automatic, which defaults to Google’s Private DNS when available.

By enabling Private DNS Mode on your Android device, you significantly enhance your online privacy and security. Your DNS queries will now be encrypted, preventing unauthorized access to your browsing activity. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with secure connectivity.

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