How to change Private DNS on a OnePlus (OxygenOS 16)

Device

Android

Shown on

OnePlus Nord 5 (CPH2709), OxygenOS 16.0.5.1201, Android 16

App

Settings

Path

Settings › Search: Private DNS

Real screenshots

4 of 4 steps

What we did

Looked at each screen; changed nothing

Checked

October 2026

Sources

2 official, linked below

Step by step

1. 

   Search Settings

   Open Settings, tap the search box at the top and type Private DNS.

   Done

2. 

   Tap the Private DNS result

   Ours found it under Mobile network, with the path Mobile network > More settings > Private DNS. Tap it.

   Done

3. 

   Read the note

   The page says encryption makes your network more secure, but it may cause slowdowns or crashes. If you specify a DNS server, pay attention to your device's network status.

   Done

4. 

   Choose Off, Auto or Specified DNS

   Tap a choice. Auto, selected on ours, says: Encrypt transmissions automatically if supported by the server. We did not open Specified DNS.

   Done

If you do not see this option

• Using a provider such as Google? Google's Public DNS page says to choose Private DNS provider hostname, enter dns.google and save, on Android 9 or higher. On ours the matching choice looks like Specified DNS, but we did not open it. Source: Get started (Android)
• Under Mobile network? That is where our search result pointed: Mobile network, More settings, Private DNS. Google's general Android help says Network & internet, Private DNS instead. Source: Manage advanced network settings on your Android phone

If this does not work

• Websites slow or failing? The page warns that Private DNS may cause slowdowns or crashes, and to watch the network status if you specify a server. Go back to Auto.
• Not sure which to pick? Google recommends keeping Private DNS on. Auto was already selected on ours. Source: Manage advanced network settings on your Android phone
• Can't find it? Google says to search Settings for Private DNS, and to get help from your device maker if it still isn't there. Source: Manage advanced network settings on your Android phone

About this guide

The Private DNS page says it uses encryption when transmitting DNS requests. Google says your phone uses Private DNS by default on every network that can use it, and recommends keeping it on.

The screenshots are from our OnePlus Nord 5 with OxygenOS 16.0.5.1201 and Android 16, in Dark mode. Ours was set to Auto. We only looked and changed nothing.

Good to know

Google says Private DNS helps secure only DNS questions and answers and can't protect anything else.

On other phones: Private DNS on a Google Pixel or on a Xiaomi phone.

In short: Settings, search Private DNS, Private DNS. Pick Off, Auto or Specified DNS.