Using NextDNS to block ad on Android

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Here’s a full guide to understanding NextDNS — what it does, how to set it up on your Android device (and elsewhere), and tips to get the most out of it.

What is NextDNS?

NextDNS is a cloud-based DNS filtering and security service. According to its website, it:

  • Blocks ads, trackers, malicious domains, phishing, cryptojacking and more.
  • Works across all devices and networks (WiFi, mobile, public hotspots)
  • Supports modern DNS encryption protocols (DNS-over-TLS, DNS-over-HTTPS) for better privacy.
  • Provides customization: blocklists, allow-lists, content categories, parental controls, logging & analytics.

In short: it works like a “smart hosts file + firewall” but at the DNS level, meaning you don’t need root or filesystem hacks.

How to set up NextDNS on Android

STEP 1 — Create your NextDNS profile

Go to: https://my.nextdns.io

  1. Create an account (free)
  2. You will see a profile ID like:

abcd12.dns.nextdns.io

This is your private DNS hostname.

STEP 2 — Set NextDNS as your system Private DNS

On your phone:

  1. Settings → Connections
  2. More connection settings
  3. Private DNS
  4. Select “Private DNS provider hostname”
  5. Enter your profile hostname, example:

abcd12.dns.nextdns.io

  1. Save.

Done.
Now your whole phone uses NextDNS without any VPN.

STEP 3 — Recommended NextDNS settings

Go to my.nextdns.io → your profile and enable these:

1. Privacy → Blocklists

Enable these:

Must-enable

  • AdGuard DNS Filter
  • StevenBlack Unified Hosts (Light)
  • 1Hosts (Lite)
  • AdAway 

(These are safe for all apps.)

Optional (stronger lists if you want more blocking):

  • 1Hosts (Pro)
  • Goodbye Ads (Mobile only)

2. Security

Turn ON:

✔ Threat Intelligence Feeds
✔ Google Safe Browsing
✔ Cryptojacking Protection
✔ Typosquatting
✔ Block Newly Registered Domains (NRD)

(NRD blocks some scam ads instantly.)

3. Privacy Options

✔ Block trackers
✔ Block native tracking
✔ Enable ECS (improves local routing, faster in Malaysia)
✔ Hide IP (optional)

4. Parental Controls (optional)

You can block:

  • Porn
  • Gambling
  • Social media
  • TikTok
  • Facebook

(Not required unless you want it.)

STEP 4 — Verify it's working

On your phone, go to:

https://test.nextdns.io

It should show:

Connected: Yes

Status: OK

DNS: Custom (your profile)

What NextDNS blocks well

  • Web ads
  • In-app ads (many)
  • Trackers
  • Scam ads
  • Popup ads
  • Redirect malware

What no DNS can block

  • YouTube ads (use ReVanced instead)
  • Instagram/TikTok ads (these load from same domains as content)

 

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