Ultimate Private DNS Server List 2026: Block Ads, Malware & Trackers on Android

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Tired of ads interrupting your YouTube videos? Want to block trackers from following you across the web? Your Android phone has a built-in secret weapon: Private DNS. This feature, available since Android 9, lets you encrypt all DNS queries and route them through servers that can block ads, malware, and tracking at the network level.

No apps needed. No battery drain. Just pure, system-level ad blocking that works in ALL apps.

Table of Contents

  1. What is Private DNS & Why You Need It
  2. How to Enable Private DNS on Android
  3. The Ultimate DNS Server List
  4. DNS Comparison Table
  5. Specialty DNS Servers
  6. Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

What is Private DNS & Why You Need It

DNS (Domain Name System) is like the phonebook of the internet. When you type "google.com," DNS translates it to an IP address. By default, your ISP handles this—and they can see (and sell) your browsing data.

Private DNS changes everything:

  • ✅ Encrypts all DNS queries (ISP can't snoop)
  • ✅ Blocks ads at the DNS level (no battery drain)
  • ✅ Prevents malware domains from resolving
  • ✅ Blocks trackers across ALL apps
  • ✅ Works system-wide (even in other browsers and apps)
  • ✅ No root required

The catch? It won't block ads embedded in the same domain (like YouTube's video ads), but it obliterates banner ads, tracking pixels, and malware.

How to Enable Private DNS on Android

Standard Method (Android 9+)

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to Network & Internet (or Connections)
  3. Tap Private DNS (or More connection settings → Private DNS)
  4. Select Private DNS provider hostname
  5. Enter your chosen DNS hostname (see list below)
  6. Tap Save

Samsung One UI

Settings → Connections → More connection settings → Private DNS

Via ADB (for automation)

adb shell settings put global private_dns_specifier dns.adguard.com
adb shell settings put global private_dns_mode hostname

The Ultimate DNS Server List

🏆 Top Tier: Best Overall

1. AdGuard DNS (Ad Blocking Focus)

dns.adguard.com
  • Best for: Maximum ad blocking
  • Blocks: Ads, trackers, known malware domains
  • Privacy: No logging policy
  • Speed: Excellent (global servers)

2. NextDNS (Customizable)

xxxxxx.dns.nextdns.io

(Replace xxxxxx with your profile ID from nextdns.io)

  • Best for: Power users who want custom block lists
  • Blocks: Customizable (you choose what to block)
  • Privacy: Configurable logging
  • Special: Free tier with 300k queries/month

3. Cloudflare Families (Malware + Adult Content)

family.cloudflare-dns.com
  • Best for: Families with kids
  • Blocks: Malware + adult content
  • Privacy: 24-hour log deletion
  • Speed: Fastest in most regions

🛡️ Security Focused

4. Quad9 (Threat Intelligence)

dns.quad9.net
  • Best for: Security-first users
  • Blocks: Malicious domains using threat intelligence
  • Privacy: No personal data logging
  • Backed by: IBM + Global Cyber Alliance

5. Cloudflare Malware Blocking

security.cloudflare-dns.com
  • Best for: Malware protection only (no ad blocking)
  • Blocks: Known malware domains
  • Privacy: Minimal logging
  • Speed: Extremely fast

6. CleanBrowsing Security

security-filter-dns.cleanbrowsing.org
  • Best for: Phishing protection
  • Blocks: Phishing, malware, spam
  • Privacy: No logging

🚫 Maximum Ad Blocking

7. AdGuard DNS Family

family.adguard.com
  • Blocks: Ads + trackers + adult content
  • Best for: Families wanting ad-free + safe browsing

8. Mullvad DNS (Ad Blocking)

adblock.dns.mullvad.net
  • Best for: Privacy enthusiasts
  • Blocks: Ads and trackers
  • Bonus: Run by VPN company with strong privacy stance

9. Control D (Customizable)

freedns.controld.com/p2
  • Best for: Customizable blocking without signup
  • Preset Options:
    • p0 – No blocking (just encrypted DNS)
    • p1 – Block malware
    • p2 – Block malware + ads
    • p3 – Block malware + ads + social

🔒 Maximum Privacy

10. Mullvad DNS (Standard)

dns.mullvad.net
  • Best for: Pure privacy, no blocking
  • Logging: Zero logs
  • Run by: Mullvad VPN (trusted privacy company)

11. Cloudflare Standard

one.one.one.one

or

cloudflare-dns.com
  • Best for: Speed + privacy balance
  • Logging: 24-hour logs, then deleted
  • Speed: Usually fastest

12. LibreDNS

doh.libredns.gr
  • Best for: European users
  • Privacy: No logging
  • Run by: Non-profit organization

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Friendly

13. CleanBrowsing Family

family-filter-dns.cleanbrowsing.org
  • Blocks: Adult content, mixed content, malware
  • Best for: Strict family filtering

14. OpenDNS FamilyShield

doh.familyshield.opendns.com
  • Blocks: Adult content, proxies
  • Run by: Cisco (established provider)

15. DNS0.eu Family

kids.dns0.eu
  • Best for: European families
  • Blocks: Adult, gambling, piracy, dating, social media
  • Privacy: GDPR compliant

DNS Comparison Table

DNS Provider Hostname Ads Trackers Malware Adult Speed Privacy
AdGuard dns.adguard.com ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
AdGuard Family family.adguard.com ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cloudflare one.one.one.one ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cloudflare Families family.cloudflare-dns.com ❌ ❌ ✅ ✅ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Quad9 dns.quad9.net ❌ ❌ ✅ ❌ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
NextDNS [custom].dns.nextdns.io 🔧 🔧 🔧 🔧 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mullvad Ad-block adblock.dns.mullvad.net ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CleanBrowsing Family family-filter-dns.cleanbrowsing.org ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔧 = Customizable

Specialty DNS Servers

For Gaming (Lowest Latency)

one.one.one.one

Cloudflare is consistently fastest for gaming.

For Privacy + Speed in Europe

dns.dns0.eu

European non-profit with GDPR compliance.

For OISD Block List (Maximum Ad Blocking)

Use NextDNS with OISD blocklist enabled – blocks the most domains.

For Bypassing ISP Restrictions

dns.quad9.net

Quad9 doesn't filter content beyond malware.

For Parental Controls with Logging

[your-id].dns.nextdns.io

NextDNS shows you exactly what's being blocked.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

🔥 Pro Tips

1. Test before committing:
Some DNS servers might block things you actually need. Test for a day before relying on it.

2. Layer with VPN:
Private DNS + VPN = maximum privacy. The VPN sees encrypted DNS, the DNS sees nothing.

3. NextDNS trick:
Create multiple NextDNS profiles – one for strict blocking, one for when things break.

4. Check if it's working:
Visit one.one.one.one/help or adguard.com/test.html to verify your DNS.

5. Speed test:
Use the DNS Benchmark app or ping command to find fastest DNS for your location.

⚠️ Troubleshooting

"Private DNS couldn't be accessed"

  • Check hostname spelling
  • Try a different DNS server
  • Restart WiFi/mobile data
  • Some networks block DoT (port 853)

Apps not loading:

  • DNS might be blocking required domains
  • Try less aggressive DNS (like Cloudflare)
  • Check NextDNS logs if using it

Captive portals not working (hotel/coffee shop WiFi):

  • Temporarily set Private DNS to "Off"
  • Connect and authenticate
  • Re-enable Private DNS

Banking apps failing:

  • Some banks flag DNS encryption as suspicious
  • Use standard Cloudflare (no blocking)
  • Or whitelist in NextDNS

My Personal Recommendation

For most users: AdGuard DNS (dns.adguard.com)

  • Great ad blocking
  • Trusted company
  • Zero configuration needed

For power users: NextDNS with custom configuration

  • Full control
  • Detailed logs
  • Worth the setup time

For families: Cloudflare Families (family.cloudflare-dns.com)

  • Fast and reliable
  • Backed by major company
  • No adult content + malware blocking

Conclusion

Switching to a Private DNS is one of the simplest yet most powerful tweaks you can make to your Android. No apps hogging battery, no subscriptions, just system-level protection.

Pick one from the list, set it up in 30 seconds, and enjoy a cleaner, safer browsing experience.

Which DNS server do you use? Let us know in the comments!

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