Manage advanced network settings on your Android phone

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

Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 10 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

Set up a proxy to connect phones

1. Open your device’s Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet Wi-Fi.
   • If you can't find it, search for "Proxy." If you still can't find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
3. Tap a network.
4. At the top, tap Edit Advanced options.
5. Under "Proxy," tap the Down arrow . Pick the configuration type.
6. If needed, enter the proxy settings.
7. Tap Save.

When to use a proxy

A proxy is like a gate or tunnel between phones. For example, you might need to connect through a proxy when you connect to your work network from your home.

Control data use with metered Wi-Fi

1. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi.
2. Open your phone's Settings app.
3. Tap Network & internet Wi-Fi.
   • If you can't find it, search for "Metered Wi-Fi." If you still can't find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
4. Tap the Wi-Fi network you're connected to.
5. Tap Advanced Metered 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 uses through downloads and other apps.

Find your phone's MAC address

1. Open your phone's Settings app.
2. Tap About phone.
3. Scroll down to "Wi-Fi MAC address."

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

1. Turn on Wi-Fi.
2. Open your phone's Settings app.
3. Tap Network & internet Wi-Fi.
   • If you can't find it, search for "MAC address." If you still can't find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
4. Next to your network, tap Settings Advanced.
5. Scroll down to "MAC address."

Tip: If you're setting up parental controls for your network, include both MAC addresses.

Private DNS

Important: By default, your phone 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 phone's Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet Advanced Private DNS.
   • If you can't find it, search for "Private DNS." If you still can't find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
3. Pick your option:
   • Off
   • Automatic
   • Private DNS provider hostname

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 & internet Wi-Fi.
   • If you can't find it, search for the setting you want to change. If you still can't find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
3. At the bottom, tap Wi-Fi 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.
   • Connect to open networks: Automatically connect to high-quality open networks. Learn how to connect automatically.
   • 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.
     • Network rating provider: See what service rates Wi-Fi networks for your phone.
     • 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).

Related resources

• Connect to Wi-Fi networks
• Tether with Wi-Fi hotspot