CloudFlare launched its 1.1.1.1 DNS resolver service back in April 2018, as a faster and safer alternative to the DNS resolvers from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), Google Public DNS, and even Cisco’s OpenDNS.
Using 1.1.1.1 as your default DNS server can be up to 28 percent faster than other services, and because the service is focused on privacy, your information is never logged, and it helps to fight against censorship.
Although setting up free service on computers was a straightforward process, it was difficult and almost impossible to configure 1.1.1.1 on Android and iOS. However, Cloudflare has made available an app for both platforms to make easier to configure your phone or tablet to use the 1.1.1.1 DNS address.
How to configure 1.1.1.1 DNS service on your phone
The process to switch your default DNS IP address to 1.1.1.1 from CloudFlare is very simple.
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Download the app from Google Play or iTunes.
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Open the 1.1.1.1 app.
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Tap the Install VPN profile button.
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Tap the OK button to allow the VPN connection setup.
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Tap the Done button in the bottom-right corner.
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Turn on the toggle switch.
CloudFlare 1.1.1.1 DNS setup on Android
Instead of changing the networking settings on your device, the mobile app leverages the VPN features on your device to encapsulate and route the traffic to the 1.1.1.1 service to protect your privacy and improve browsing speeds, which also helps to block your carrier from tracking your online activities.
Once you’ve completed the steps, you can start navigating the internet more privately and with faster address resolutions.
While in the mobile app, you can tap the menu bottom at the bottom of the page, and then tapping the Advanced option, you can monitor a lot of information about the service.
In the Status page, you can check if your Android or iPhone device is using the 1.1.1.1 DNS address, and you can see your IP and other information.
Also, the Logs page shows debug information, which can come in handy to troubleshoot and fix connection problems. (This information is automatically deleted every 24 hours.)
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].