Manage advanced network settings on your Android phone

You can change network settings like automatic connections, metered access, proxy settings and more.

Important:

Control data use with metered Wi-Fi
  1. Connect your phone or tablet to Wi-Fi.
  2. Open your device's Settings app.
  3. Tap Network and Internet And then Internet.
  4. Tap the Wi-Fi network to which you're connected.
  5. Tap Network usage And then Treat as metered.

When to use metered Wi-Fi

If your network has a data limit, you can set your Wi-Fi as metered. When your network is metered, you have more control over how much data your phone or tablet uses through downloads and other apps.
Find your phone's MAC address
  1. Open your device's Settings app.
  2. Tap About phone .
  3. Scroll down to 'Wi-Fi MAC address'.

Devices that have Android 10 and above have another MAC address. To find it:

  1. Turn on Wi-Fi.
  2. Open your device's Settings app.
  3. Tap Network and Internet and then Internet.
  4. Next to your network, tap Settings Settings.
  5. Scroll down to 'Randomised MAC address'.
Tip: If you're setting up parental controls for your network, include both MAC addresses.
Private DNS

Important: By default, your device uses private DNS with all networks that can use private DNS. We recommend keeping private DNS turned on.

To turn private DNS on or off or change its settings:

  1. Open your device's Settings app.
  2. Tap Network and Internet And then Private DNS.
  3. Pick your option:
    • Off
    • Automatic
    • Private DNS provider hostname
  4. Tap Save.
Tip: Private DNS helps secure only DNS questions and answers. It can't protect anything else.
Change more Wi-Fi settings
  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Tap Network and Internet And then Internet.
  3. At the bottom, tap Network preferences.
  4. Tap an option. These vary by phone and Android version.
    • Turn on Wi-Fi automatically: Have Wi-Fi automatically turn on near saved networks. Learn about saved networks.
    • Open network notification: Get a notification when automatic connection to high-quality open networks isn't available.
    • Advanced
      • Install certificates: Digital certificates can identify your phone. Learn about certificates.
      • Wi-Fi Direct: Let your phone connect without a network with other devices that can use Wi-Fi Direct.
      • If you use an older version of Android, you can also choose from:

        • WPS push button: Turn on Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) for a WPS-capable network.
        • WPS pin entry: Enter the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) Personal Identification Number (PIN).

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