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Our software update is being released in phases. New features will gradually roll out across all regions. Stay tuned for updates.

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: 

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

Tips: 

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 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.
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 and then Adaptive connectivity.
  3. Turn Adaptive connectivity on or off.

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

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