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Xiaomi: Set Up a Private DNS Server in MIUI

If your Xiaomi phone still resolves domains through whatever DNS your carrier or Wi-Fi router assigns, you get no ad blocking, no tracking protection, and inconsistent speeds between networks. On some models the Private DNS option is missing entirely or resets to Automatic after a reboot, which silently stops a custom provider like Cloudflare or Google DNS from taking effect.

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Android 11 · MIUI
Set Up a Private DNS Server – MIUI: step 1 – Tap on Settings
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Xiaomi

Set Up a Private DNS Server auf Xiaomi

On Xiaomi phones running MIUI, DNS resolution defaults to whatever your mobile network or Wi-Fi router provides. This setting is called Private DNS, and it ships set to Automatic on most devices.

Automatic mode simply uses the DNS server broadcast by your current network. That works for basic browsing but gives you no filtering, no encryption, and no consistency when you switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Setting a private DNS provider hostname forces every app to resolve domains through that one server instead, which matters for ad blocking, malware filtering, or avoiding a provider that logs your queries.

To change it, open SettingsConnection & sharingPrivate DNS. Pick Automatic to stay with the network default, or choose Private DNS provider hostname, type in the hostname of your chosen DNS provider, and tap Save.

Not every Xiaomi model exposes this menu. Older MIUI builds or certain regional firmware can hide the option or lock it permanently to Automatic. If Private DNS is missing on your device, a firmware update sometimes adds it later; otherwise a VPN-based DNS app is the only workaround.

Entering an invalid or unreachable hostname blocks all internet access until you switch back to Automatic or Off, so verify the address before saving.

Frequently asked questions

Some MIUI builds revert Private DNS to Automatic after a network change or reboot, especially when the entered hostname is unreachable for a moment. Re-enter the hostname under SettingsConnection & sharingPrivate DNS and confirm it responds before locking your phone screen.