How To Change DNS on iPhone, Android and Chromebook

Open your phone or Chromebook settings, enter your current Wi‑Fi network, and switch the DNS to 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google). The change takes effect immediately and costs nothing.

What You Need Before Changing DNS

You need write access to your device’s network settings. That means the owner account — no special admin privileges required. On a Chromebook managed by a school or employer, the option may be grayed out. You also need one of these two free DNS providers:

• Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 — primary: 1.1.1.1, secondary: 1.0.0.1
• Google Public DNS — primary: 8.8.8.8, secondary: 8.8.4.4

Both are fast and respect your privacy. Cloudflare logs almost nothing. Google stores data for 24 hours then anonymizes it. Choose whichever you trust more.

How to Change DNS on iPhone and iPad (iOS 17 and newer)

Apple limits DNS changes to individual Wi‑Fi networks. Cellular data always uses the carrier’s DNS unless you install an app.

Step 1: Open Settings.

Tap the gear icon on your home screen.

Step 2: Tap Wi‑Fi.

Your current network has a blue checkmark.

Step 3: Tap the info (i) icon next to the network name.

Step 4: Scroll down to Configure DNS.

It defaults to Automatic.

Step 5: Tap Manual.

iOS removes the existing DNS servers. Tap Add Server and enter the primary address (1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8). Then add the secondary address (1.0.0.1 or 8.8.4.4).

Step 6: Tap Save in the top‑right corner.

If you want DNS protection everywhere on your iPhone, install the free Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 app from the App Store. It creates a VPN‑like tunnel that encrypts DNS on Wi‑Fi and cellular. That costs $0.

Note for iPad users: The same steps work on iPadOS 17 and newer. The menu looks identical.

How to Change DNS on Android 14 (Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus)

Android 14 lets you set a DNS provider system‑wide using the Private DNS feature. This applies to both Wi‑Fi and mobile data.

Step 1: Open Settings.

Swipe down twice and tap the gear icon, or find it in the app drawer.

Step 2: Tap Network & internet.

On Samsung, this may be Connections instead.

Step 3: Tap Private DNS.

On Pixel, it’s under Network & internet > Private DNS. On OnePlus, look under Wi‑Fi & network or Advanced.

Step 4: Select Private DNS provider hostname.

Android defaults to Automatic. Tap Private DNS provider hostname.

Step 5: Type one.one.one.one for Cloudflare or dns.google for Google.

Step 6: Tap Save.

That’s it. The change applies to every network your phone connects to. You don’t need to retype it at public Wi‑Fi or switch between home and office.

If you prefer per‑network control, use the Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 app from Google Play. It offers a simple on/off toggle and a kill switch. Same price: free.

How to Change DNS on Chromebook (ChromeOS 119 and newer)

ChromeOS ties DNS settings to each Wi‑Fi network, similar to iPhone. You have to change it individually for saved networks.

Step 1: Open Settings.

Click the clock in the bottom‑right corner, then the gear icon.

Step 2: Click Network.

It’s in the left sidebar.

Step 3: Click Wi‑Fi.

Your active network shows Connected. Click on it.

Step 4: Click Network (the sub‑menu under the Wi‑Fi name).

Step 5: Find Name servers.

It defaults to Automatic. Select Custom nameservers.

Step 6: Enter 1.1.1.1 in the first box and 1.0.0.1 in the second. Or use Google: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

Step 7: Click outside the box to save. ChromeOS applies the change immediately.

For other saved networks, repeat the process. Chromebooks do not have a system‑wide DNS toggle.

Tip: If your Chromebook is managed, look for a padlock icon next to the network name. That means the setting is locked by your admin. You cannot change it.

How to Verify Your DNS Change Is Working

Do not guess. Confirm it with a quick test.

On iPhone and Android: Open a browser and go to 1.1.1.1/help or dnsleaktest.com. The page shows which DNS server you are using. If it reads 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8, you succeeded.

On Chromebook: Visit the same URL. ChromeOS respects the custom DNS you entered, so the test will match your chosen provider.

On Android Private DNS: The 1.1.1.1/help page also confirms if your connection is encrypted. Look for “Connected to 1.1.1.1” and “DNS over HTTPS: Yes.”

If the test shows your old ISP’s DNS, something went wrong. Move to the next section.

What to Do If Your DNS Change Doesn’t Stick

Three things cause a failed change. Check them in order.

1. You missed saving the setting.

On iPhone, you must tap Save, not just close the menu. On Android, if you typed the hostname but exit before tapping Save, it reverts to Automatic. On Chromebook, click away from the text field to commit the entry.

2. The Wi‑Fi network reverted to automatic.

Some public Wi‑Fi portals (airports, hotels) override your DNS to force you to a login page. After you log in, check your DNS again. If it changed, reapply your custom entries.

3. You are on a corporate or school network.

Managed networks can push DNS policies that override manual settings. If your Wi‑Fi network has a padlock icon (Chromebook) or says “Managed” (iPhone under Wi‑Fi settings), your organization controls it. You cannot override that manually. Use the Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 app instead — it creates a local tunnel that bypasses the network DNS.

For Android: If Private DNS keeps showing “Not connected,” your carrier may block outgoing port 853 (DNS over TLS). Try switching to the Cloudflare app or change your hostname to dns.google — some ISPs block one provider but not the other.

If nothing works after trying both providers and a reboot, the device itself may have a firmware restriction. Older Android phones (pre‑Android 9) lack the Private DNS feature. For those, install the Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 app from the Play Store. It works on Android 5 and up.

Part of our guide to How Network Blocks Work, and How To Get Around Them.