Control airplane mode, private DNS & other network settings

You can control airplane mode, tethering, VPN, private DNS, and other network settings for your phone.

Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 9.0 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

Change a network or internet setting

1. Open your device's Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet.
3. Tap the setting you want to change.

Available network & internet settings

Connections

Wi-Fi

To change how and when your device connects to Wi-Fi, learn how to: 

• Connect to Wi-Fi networks.
• Fix Wi-Fi network connection problems.

Mobile network

You can change how your phone uses mobile data, data roaming, and preferred networks. Learn how to connect to mobile networks.

Tip: Check with your mobile carrier about fees and other details.

Hotspot & tethering

You can share your phone's mobile data connection with other devices via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB tethering and hotspots. Learn how to share your phone’s data connection.

VPN

When you're traveling, you can connect to more secure networks with a VPN (virtual private network). Learn how to use virtual private networks.

Controls

Data usage

Data usage is how much data your phone uploads or downloads using mobile data. Learn how to reduce and manage mobile data usage.

Airplane mode

To turn Airplane mode on or off:

1. Open your device's Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet.
3. Turn Airplane mode on or off.

Tips: 

• You can connect to Wi-Fi while in Airplane mode. Learn how to connect to Wi-Fi networks.
• You can also turn airplane mode on or off by swiping down from the top of your screen. Learn how to quickly change common settings.
• If you enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in Airplane mode, your device remembers your choice. The next time you turn Airplane mode on, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will remain on.

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 & internet 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.

Adaptive connectivity (Pixel 4a (5G) & later)

Important: In the United States, some carriers may limit Adaptive connectivity. Contact your carrier for details.

Adaptive connectivity turns on 5G only when your app needs increased speed, like when you stream or download videos.

To turn Adaptive connectivity on or off:

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet Adaptive connectivity.
3. Turn Adaptive connectivity on or off.

Tip: To save battery power, turn on Adaptive connectivity.

Related resources

• Change how your phone connects to printers, accessories & more
• Make calls over Wi-Fi
• Quickly change common settings