AdGuard DNS On Android 5: Setup Guide

by Jhon Lennon 38 views

Hey guys! Want to boost your privacy and ditch those annoying ads on your old Android 5 device? You've come to the right place! Setting up AdGuard DNS is a fantastic way to achieve system-wide ad blocking and enhanced security without needing to root your phone. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process step-by-step, making it super easy to get everything up and running. So, let's dive in and get your Android 5 device protected!

Why Use AdGuard DNS?

Before we jump into the how-to, let's quickly cover the why. AdGuard DNS acts as a filter between your device and the internet. When your phone tries to load a webpage or an app requests data, AdGuard DNS checks the request against a massive database of known ad-serving and tracking domains. If a request matches a known offender, AdGuard DNS blocks it, preventing the ad or tracker from loading. This not only makes your browsing experience cleaner and faster but also helps protect your privacy by preventing trackers from collecting your data.

Think of it like having a bouncer for your internet connection, only allowing the good stuff to come through. It's especially useful on older devices like those running Android 5, which might not have the latest security features or ad-blocking capabilities built-in. Plus, it's a simple and effective solution that doesn't require you to install a bunch of apps or mess with complicated settings. AdGuard DNS also reduces your data usage, as it prevents the downloading of unwanted ads. This can be especially beneficial if you are on a limited data plan or using a slower network connection. In addition to blocking ads, AdGuard DNS can also protect you from phishing and malware domains, adding an extra layer of security to your device. By using AdGuard DNS, you ensure that your online activities are more private and secure. Overall, AdGuard DNS provides a comprehensive solution for enhancing your browsing experience and protecting your device from various online threats, making it an essential tool for any Android 5 user.

Setting Up AdGuard DNS on Android 5

Okay, let's get to the fun part – setting up AdGuard DNS! Android 5 doesn't have a system-wide private DNS setting like newer versions, but don't worry; we have a workaround. We'll be configuring the DNS settings for your Wi-Fi network. Here’s how:

  1. Go to Settings: Find the Settings app on your Android 5 device and tap to open it.
  2. Find Wi-Fi: Look for the Wi-Fi option in the Settings menu. It's usually under "Wireless & Networks" or something similar.
  3. Long Press Your Wi-Fi Network: Find the Wi-Fi network you're currently connected to and long-press on it. A menu should pop up.
  4. Modify Network: In the pop-up menu, select "Modify network" or "Manage network settings." The exact wording might vary slightly depending on your device manufacturer.
  5. Show Advanced Options: In the network settings, look for a checkbox or a link that says "Show advanced options." Tap it to reveal more settings.
  6. IP Settings: You should now see an "IP settings" option. By default, it's probably set to "DHCP." Change it to "Static."
  7. DNS Settings: Now you'll see fields for DNS 1 and DNS 2. These are where you'll enter the AdGuard DNS addresses.
  8. Enter AdGuard DNS Addresses:
    • For the standard AdGuard DNS (which blocks ads and trackers), enter the following:
      • DNS 1: 94.140.14.14
      • DNS 2: 94.140.15.15
    • If you want to use AdGuard DNS Family Protection (which blocks ads, trackers, and adult content), enter these:
      • DNS 1: 94.140.14.15
      • DNS 2: 94.140.15.16
    • If you prefer AdGuard DNS Non-filtering (just a secure and reliable DNS server), use these:
      • DNS 1: 94.140.14.140
      • DNS 2: 94.140.15.141
  9. Save: Once you've entered the DNS addresses, tap the "Save" button. Your device will reconnect to the Wi-Fi network using the new DNS settings.
  10. Test: To make sure everything is working correctly, open a web browser and visit a website known for having ads, like www.forbes.com. If you don't see any ads, congrats! You've successfully set up AdGuard DNS.

Important Considerations: Remember that these settings are specific to the Wi-Fi network you configured. If you connect to a different Wi-Fi network, you'll need to repeat these steps. Also, this method only works for Wi-Fi connections; it won't affect your mobile data connection unless you configure the DNS settings in your mobile data settings (which is usually not possible on Android 5 without rooting).

By following these steps, you can significantly improve your browsing experience on your Android 5 device. Enjoy a cleaner, faster, and more private internet!

Alternative Methods for System-Wide Ad Blocking

While the Wi-Fi DNS setting is a great start, you might be wondering if there's a way to get system-wide ad blocking on your Android 5 device, including for mobile data. Here are a couple of alternative methods to consider:

  1. AdGuard App: The AdGuard app is a powerful ad blocker that works system-wide without requiring root access. However, on older Android versions like 5, it operates in local VPN mode. This means it creates a virtual private network (VPN) on your device to filter traffic. It's effective, but it does mean you can't use another VPN at the same time. The AdGuard app offers more customization options than just using AdGuard DNS. You can create custom filter lists, whitelist specific websites, and even block specific elements on a webpage. To use the AdGuard app, download it from the AdGuard website (since it's often not available on the Google Play Store due to Google's policies against system-wide ad blockers). Install the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up. The app will guide you through the process of creating the local VPN and configuring the ad filters. The AdGuard app also provides real-time protection against phishing and malware, adding an extra layer of security to your device. In addition, the app allows you to monitor your data usage and see which apps are sending the most traffic. This can help you identify and block apps that are consuming excessive data in the background. Overall, the AdGuard app is a comprehensive solution for ad blocking and privacy protection on Android 5 devices, offering a wide range of features and customization options.

  2. Blokada: Blokada is another excellent ad-blocking app that, like AdGuard, works system-wide using a local VPN. It's open-source and free to use. Blokada blocks ads by using filter lists that contain thousands of ad-serving domains. When your device tries to connect to one of these domains, Blokada blocks the connection, preventing the ad from loading. Blokada is designed to be lightweight and efficient, so it doesn't consume a lot of battery power or slow down your device. It also includes features such as DNS switching and logging, allowing you to customize your ad-blocking experience. Like AdGuard, you'll likely need to download Blokada from its official website rather than the Google Play Store. Once installed, Blokada is simple to set up and use. You can choose from various filter lists, customize your settings, and monitor Blokada's activity in real-time. It also allows you to whitelist specific apps or websites that you don't want to be filtered. Blokada also supports multiple DNS providers, allowing you to choose the DNS server that best suits your needs. Overall, Blokada is a reliable and user-friendly ad blocker that provides comprehensive protection against ads and trackers on Android 5 devices.

Choosing the Right Method: The best method for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you only want basic ad blocking on Wi-Fi and don't want to install an app, using AdGuard DNS is the simplest option. If you want system-wide ad blocking and don't mind using a local VPN, the AdGuard app or Blokada are excellent choices. Remember to only use one local VPN-based ad blocker at a time to avoid conflicts.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them:

  1. Internet Connection Problems: If you suddenly lose internet connectivity after changing the DNS settings, double-check that you entered the AdGuard DNS addresses correctly. A simple typo can prevent your device from resolving domain names. Also, make sure that your Wi-Fi connection is stable. If you're still having problems, try switching back to DHCP in your Wi-Fi settings to see if that resolves the issue. If it does, the problem is likely with the DNS settings you entered.

  2. Ads Still Showing: If you're still seeing ads after setting up AdGuard DNS, it could be due to a few reasons. First, make sure that the Wi-Fi network you're connected to is using the new DNS settings. You can verify this by checking your Wi-Fi settings again. Second, some apps and websites use aggressive ad-serving techniques that are difficult to block. In this case, you might want to try using the AdGuard app or Blokada, which offer more advanced ad-blocking capabilities. Finally, clear your browser's cache and cookies to ensure that you're not seeing cached ads from before you set up AdGuard DNS.

  3. App Compatibility Issues: In rare cases, some apps might not work correctly with custom DNS settings. If you notice that a particular app is not functioning as expected after setting up AdGuard DNS, try temporarily switching back to the default DNS settings to see if that resolves the issue. If it does, you can try whitelisting the app in AdGuard or Blokada, or contact the app developer for assistance.

  4. Battery Drain: While AdGuard DNS itself shouldn't cause significant battery drain, using the AdGuard app or Blokada (which create a local VPN) might have a small impact on battery life. If you notice that your battery is draining faster than usual after installing one of these apps, try optimizing its settings. For example, you can disable the app when you're not using it, or adjust the filter lists to block fewer domains. You can also try using a battery-saving mode on your device to extend your battery life.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can resolve most common issues and ensure that AdGuard DNS is working correctly on your Android 5 device. If you're still having problems, consult the AdGuard or Blokada support resources for further assistance.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Setting up AdGuard DNS on your Android 5 device is a straightforward way to improve your online privacy and eliminate annoying ads. Whether you choose to configure your Wi-Fi settings or use an app like AdGuard or Blokada, you'll enjoy a cleaner, faster, and more secure browsing experience. It's a win-win! Happy ad-free browsing, guys! And remember, staying secure online is an ongoing process, so keep your defenses up to date!