Control aeroplane mode, private DNS and other network settings

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

Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 9 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

The Pixel battery continuously learns your behaviours and optimises itself based on your most recent app usage. When you set up a new device or after a factory reset, optimisation may take up to a few weeks to take full effect. For best results keep Adaptive Battery and Battery Optimisation on.

It's normal for your Pixel battery to drain a little more than usual after a software update. This is because the phone is working hard to download and optimise the new software and get everything up and running.

If you still experience unusual battery drain after a few days, please let us know and we'll be happy to help.

Change a network or Internet setting

1. Open your device's Settings app.
2. Tap Network and Internet.
3. Tap the setting that you want to change.

Available network and 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 operator about fees and other details.

Hotspot and 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 travelling, 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.

Aeroplane mode

To turn aeroplane mode on or off:

1. Open your device's Settings app.
2. Tap Network and Internet.
3. Turn Aeroplane mode on or off.

Tips: 

• You can connect to Wi-Fi while in aeroplane mode. Learn how to connect to Wi-Fi networks.
• You can also turn aeroplane 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 aeroplane mode, your device remembers your choice. The next time that you turn aeroplane 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 and 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) and later)

Important: In the United States, some operators may limit Adaptive Connectivity. Contact your operator 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 and 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 and more
• Make calls over Wi-Fi
• Quickly change common settings