Private DNS

Using a Private DNS on Android and Windows

Android

Setting up AdGuard DNS on Android is straightforward and can be done either through your phone's native settings (Android 9+) or by using a dedicated app for older versions. 

Method 1: Using Private DNS (Android 9 and newer)

This is the easiest method and requires no extra apps. It works system-wide for both Wi-Fi and mobile data. 

1. Open Settings: Launch the Settings app on your device.

2. Find DNS Settings: Go to Network & internet (or Connections) → Advanced (or More connection settings) → Private DNS.

3. Enter Hostname: Select Private DNS provider hostname and type in one of the following based on your needs:

• Standard (Ads & Trackers): dns.adguard-dns.com

• Family Protection (Ads + Adult Content): family.adguard-dns.com

• Non-filtering (No Blocking): unfiltered.adguard-dns.com

4. Save: Tap Save to apply the changes. 

Method 2: Using the AdGuard DNS App

If your device is older or you prefer a simple toggle, you can use the official app. 

1. Download: Get the AdGuard DNS app from the Google Play Store.

2. Set Up: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to create a local VPN profile.

3. Enable: Tap the Enable button on the home screen to start protection. 

Method 3: Static IP (Android 8 and older)

Older versions of Android do not support Private DNS (DoT), so you must configure it manually for each Wi-Fi network. 

1. Wi-Fi Settings: Go to Settings → Wi-Fi, long-press your connected network, and select Modify network.

2. Switch to Static: Tap Advanced options and change IP settings from DHCP to Static.

3. Enter IP Addresses: Scroll down to the DNS fields and enter:

DNS 1: 94.140.14.14

DNS 2: 94.140.15.15

4. Save: Tap Save to confirm. 

Note: You can verify if your setup is working correctly by visiting the AdGuard DNS Test Page. 

Windows

AdGuard DNS for Windows blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites by routing DNS queries through their servers, enhancing privacy without installing software. It is set up via Windows Network Settings (IPv4: 94.140.14.14 / 94.140.15.15) or via the dedicated AdGuard app for encrypted protocols. 

Methods to Set Up AdGuard DNS on Windows

1. Manual Setup (Easiest) 

Default Servers (Ad & Tracker Blocking): 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15.

Family Protection Servers (Ads + Parental Control): 94.140.14.15 and 94.140.15.16.

Steps:

1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.

2. Right-click your network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) > Properties.

3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties.

4. Select "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter the IPs above.

5. Select Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and enter: 2a00:5a60::ad1:0ff and 2a00:5a60::ad2:0ff.

6. Click OK and restart your browser. 

2. AdGuard Windows App

Using the desktop application allows for DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH), which encrypts your DNS traffic for higher security.

1. Download and install the app, then in the settings under DNS upstreams, select or enter AdGuard DNS to enable it, according to the AdGuard DNS Knowledge Base. 

Verification: Once configured, you can test if AdGuard DNS is working by visiting AdGuard's site or ensuring ads are no longer appearing. To ensure changes are applied, run ipconfig /flushdns in the command prompt.