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 12 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
• Some of these steps require you to touch the screen.

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 & internet Internet.
   • 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 Network usage 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 & internet Internet.
   • 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 .
5. Scroll down to "Randomized 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 & internet 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
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 & internet Internet.
   • 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 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).

Related resources

• Connect to Wi-Fi on your Android device
• Tether with Wi-Fi hotspot