How to Fix dns.adguard.com Not Working on Android? (Private DNS, DoT, Chrome & VPN Troubleshooting) 

AdGuard DNS has become the go-to solution for Android users seeking completely ad-free browsing, extended privacy, and protection from malware-all this without additional app installations or rooting of the device.  

To filter out unwanted content at the network level and block intrusive ads system-wide, set up the Private DNS setting of your Android to dns.adguard.com. 

However, some users are having the following problems: 

• “No internet after enabling Private DNS” 

• “AdGuard DNS not working in Chrome or apps” 

Some of these errors can be frustrating, especially when you would normally be depending on AdGuard DNS for cleaner and safer browsing.  

In this detailed guide, we go through each possible reason for that issue and then go ahead to show step-by-step solutions on how to fix them-whether the problem lies with your phone settings, VPN, Chrome browser, or from your internet provider. 

Common Reasons Why AdGuard DNS Is Not Working on Android? 

Knowing why it happens helps to repair the problem much faster before actually looking at the solutions. Several technical or configuration issues might make dns.adguard.com android malfunction. 

1. Incorrect Configuration of DNS 

The most common reason for this is a misconfigured Private DNS hostname. Even a single missing or extra letter/space – like typing dns.adguard.com or dns.adguard.co – may make your phone unable to reach the server. 

2. Network Restrictions  

Custom DNS or DNS-over-TLS connections are blocked on some Wi-Fi networks, be they at the office, school, or public hotspots, due to security or policy reasons. 

3. VPN or Proxy Conflicts 

VPN apps, especially those with DNS or ad-blocking features included, override Android’s Private DNS settings. This means the AdGuard DNS queries never reach the AdGuard servers. 

4. Limitations by Carrier or ISP 

Some mobile carriers limit DoT connections or redirect DNS queries to their own resolvers. In this case, dns.adguard.com may fail to work on mobile data. 

5. DoH setting of Chrome browser 

Google Chrome has its own DNS-over-HTTPS system that overrides the Android-wide DNS configuration. If the “Use secure DNS” option in Chrome is enabled, it interferes with AdGuard DNS. 

6. Android Operating System is outdated 

Old versions of Android, particularly those at Android 8 and below, do not support Private DNS and DoT well; therefore, it results in frequent connection drops. 

7. Cache and Network Glitches 

DNS cache corruption, stale network leases, or temporary bugs in the Android network stack can block the device from resolving DNS queries properly. 

8. Temporary AdGuard Server Issues 

While this is rare, occasionally AdGuard’s DNS servers do go down or have regional routing problems that cause issues for some users. 

How to Fix AdGuard DNS Not Working on Android? 

Let’s go through the most effective fixes in order, starting with simple resets and moving to advanced troubleshooting. 

1. Check and Configure Private DNS Settings 

First, make sure that AdGuard DNS is properly configured in the network settings of your Android.  

Steps to Verify or Configure: 

1. Open the Settings app. 

2. Tap Network & Internet → Private DNS. 

3. Then select Private DNS provider hostname. 

4. Type the hostname EXACTLY as: 

Back 

dns.adguard.com 
BEGIN 
5. Tap Save.

Once saved, your device will try to connect to AdGuard DNS via DNS-over-TLS (DoT). 
To test if it’s working, open your browser and visit:  https://adguard.com/test.html 
 
If this page confirms that AdGuard DNS is activated, then you’re good to go. If it doesn’t, proceed with the steps below. 

Pro Tip:

1. AdGuard has alternative hostnames
2. dns-family.adguard.com – Blocks adult content and explicit websites.
3. Unfiltered.adguard-dns.com – No content filtering, only privacy protection.

These can be useful should the default DNS be regionally blocked or inconsistent.

2. Restart your device and network connection

Reboots can fix temporary DNS and network stack problems. 
 
Steps: 
 
1. Switch off both Wi-Fi and Mobile Data. 
 
2. Restart your Android phone. 
 
3. Reconnect to the internet through Wi-Fi or mobile. 
 
4. Try browsing again. 
 
If you’re on Wi-Fi, restart your router too. You want to unplug it for about 30 seconds before you plug it back in. This will refresh your local DNS cache and IP lease, which oftentimes resolves the stubborn issue. 

3. Disable VPN or Proxy Services

If you are using a VPN, then this might override your Private DNS configuration. When a VPN is on, all your traffic, including DNS requests, goes through its own servers. This means your setting of dns.adguard.com android may not be used at all.

How to fix it: 
 
1. For now, disable your VPN. 
 
2. Under Wi-Fi → Advanced Settings → Proxy, disable any kind of proxy configuration. 
 
3. Check if AdGuard DNS is now working. 
 
If AdGuard DNS works after disabling VPN, check if your VPN application supports custom DNS configuration. You can manually add AdGuard addresses in your VPN settings: 
 
1. `94.140.14.14` 
 
2. `94.140.15.15` 
 
You can use both VPN and AdGuard together in this case.

4. Clear DNS and Network Cache

Incorrect or obsolete entries inside the DNS cache result in your phone failing to resolve the sites properly. DNS cache clear: Enable Airplane Mode for 30–60 seconds, then disable it.This refreshes DNS records on Android.

To clear Chrome’s internal DNS cache: 
 
1. Open Chrome and navigate to: 
 
chrome://net-internals/#dns 

2. Tap Clear host cache 

3. Restart the browser, then check for connectivity. 

With that, you can fully reset your network settings: 

Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. 

5. Try an Alternative AdGuard DNS 

Sometimes some hostnames or DNS-over-TLS endpoints are down or blocked in some regions. Here are alternative configurations from AdGuard: 

1. Primary (Default) AdGuard DNS 

• 94.140.14.14 

• 94.140.15.15 

2. Family Protection DNS (Blocks Adult Content) 

• 94.140.14.15 

• 94.140.15.16 

3. Unfiltered DNS (No Content Filtering) 

• 94.140.14.140 

• 94.140.14.141 

Steps to follow: 

1. Long-press on your connected Wi-Fi → Modify Network. 

2. Under the section Advanced options, change the IP settings to Static. 

3. Enter DNS addresses in the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields. 

4. Save and reconnect. 

6. Switch networks 

Try these steps: 

• Turn off Wi-Fi and switch to mobile data; then check if AdGuard DNS works. 

• Switch to another Wi-Fi network, such as at home or public hotspots. 

• If AdGuard DNS works somewhere else, then the problem is in the DNS restrictions of your current network. 

Such restrictions can be bypassed with: 

• A VPN with customized DNS settings. 

7. Update Your Android System 

Android updates often include networking and security updates that enhance DoT performance. 

Steps: 

1. Open Settings → System → System update. 

2. Tap Check for updates. 

3. Download and install any available updates. 

4. Reboot your device and then apply the Private DNS again. 

If, on the other hand, you are stuck with an older device that remains on Android 8 or 9, AdGuard DNS is still an option, albeit via IP settings or through AdGuard’s own app. 

8. Check Chrome’s Secure DNS Setting 

Chrome can override Android’s Private DNS when “Use secure DNS” is enabled. 

To fix: 

1. Open Chrome → Tap 3 dots → Settings. 

2. Go to Privacy and Security → Use secure DNS. 

3. Click on Choose another provider → Custom. 

4. Enter https://dns.adguard.com/dns-query, or just turn it off to use system DNS. 

Now Chrome will use either AdGuard’s DoH, or your Android’s Private DNS configuration. 

Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)  

Performing a full network reset might be required if none of the steps above work.  

Steps:  

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset options.  

2. Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.  

3. Confirm it, then reboot your device.  

4. Change Private DNS to dns.adguard.com.  

This will reset all saved networks, Bluetooth devices, and DNS settings so you’ll need to reconnect them afterwards.  

FAQ 

1. Why is dns.adguard.com android not working on my phone? 

It commonly happens due to improper DNS settings, interference with VPN/proxy services, or because your ISP blocks DNS-over-TLS traffic. First, recheck the hostname in Private DNS and temporarily disable VPNs. The first place is the best place.  

2. How do I know if AdGuard DNS is working?  

Go to https://adguard.com/test.html. If the page confirms “AdGuard DNS is working properly, you’re good. Alternatively, you can run a DNS leak test at https://dnsleaktest.com — you should see AdGuard’s IPs listed. 

3. Can a VPN affect AdGuard DNS on Android?  

Yes, VPNs route your internet traffic (including DNS queries) through their servers, overriding system DNS. Some VPNs offer custom DNS options; if you want both features to be active, enter AdGuard DNS IPs there.  

4. Is there an alternative to AdGuard DNS?  

Yes. Some of the privacy-friendly DNS providers include:  

• Cloudflare DNS: Fast and privacy-first 

• Quad9: Focuses on security and malware protection.  

• NextDNS: Fully customized with options for logging, analytics, and ad-blocking  

• Google Public DNS: Stable but less privacy-oriented  

5. Does AdGuard DNS work on mobile data?  

Yes. Private DNS is system-wide on Android, both when on Wi-Fi and mobile data. But some carriers block encrypted DNS traffic. If so, switch to AdGuard’s IP-based DNS setup.  

6. What should I do if none of these fixes work?  

If AdGuard DNS is still not working:  

• Try using a different DNS service provider to troubleshoot the problem.  

• Contact AdGuard Support: support@adguard.com.  

• Check the current status and related troubleshooting guide at https://adguard-dns.io.  

How to fix dns.adguard.com android? 

AdGuard DNS is a powerful, privacy-enhancing tool that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites at the DNS level.  

In the event that dns.adguard.com stops working on Android, usually this could be a consequence of misconfiguration, interference from a VPN, or network restrictions.  

To fix this problem, follow these steps: check your Private DNS settings, clear cache, disable conflicting services, and try alternative DNS options. You can have full functionality in no time.  

If for some reason this doesn’t work, using AdGuard’s DoH endpoints or their official AdGuard Android app is a reliable fallback that offers even better customization and protection.  

With a proper configuration, you are assured of faster, cleaner, and safer browsing on your Android device—without intrusive ads or unwanted tracking.