1.1.1.1 for Android: Faster, More Private DNS

1.1.1.1 6.38.9 is Cloudflare's app for Android, named after its public DNS resolver. It encrypts the DNS lookups your phone makes, and with WARP turned on it can also encrypt the rest of your traffic between the phone and Cloudflare's network. The app is free to use, and you can download 1.1.1.1 for Android from Google Play.

What is DNS and why encrypt it?

Every time you open a website or an app contacts a server, the phone first asks a DNS resolver to translate a name like example.com into an address. By default, those questions often go unencrypted to your mobile operator's or Wi-Fi provider's resolver, which can see and log every site you look up. The 1.1.1.1 app sends them encrypted to Cloudflare's resolver instead, which hides them from the local network and can speed up lookups.

What does WARP add?

WARP extends the encryption to all app traffic between your phone and Cloudflare, similar to a VPN tunnel. That protects you on public Wi-Fi. Unlike a classic VPN, WARP is not designed to change your country or hide your location from websites; it focuses on privacy and performance of the connection. Cloudflare may offer paid options on top of the free service.

Is it a VPN?

Technically Android shows it as a VPN, because that is how apps route traffic. In practice it is best seen as encrypted DNS plus a secure tunnel to Cloudflare, not as a tool for choosing server locations.

How do I set it up?

1. Install the app from the 1.1.1.1 page on Google Play.
2. Open it, accept the terms and switch it on.
3. Approve Android's VPN request.
4. Choose between DNS only (1.1.1.1) and WARP mode in the settings.

Cloudflare's setup documentation explains other ways to use its resolver, and changes are listed in the 1.1.1.1 changelog. The app is about 55.62 MB according to catalogue data.

Does Cloudflare see my traffic?

With the app on, Cloudflare handles your DNS lookups and, with WARP, your traffic routing, in place of your operator. Read its privacy policy to decide whether you are comfortable with that. Accounts you log in to still know who you are.

Why do some apps or networks misbehave?

Company Wi-Fi, captive portals in hotels and some banking apps can conflict with a VPN-style connection. Pause the app to log in to a hotel network, then switch it back on.

Pros and cons

• Pro: encrypted DNS with one switch.
• Pro: optional WARP tunnel for public Wi-Fi.
• Pro: free, from a major network company.
• Con: not designed for changing location.
• Con: can clash with captive portals and some corporate networks.

What are the alternatives?

For a classic VPN with location choice, our listings include ProtonVPN, Hotspot Shield VPN and Turbo VPN. Outline VPN connects to servers run by you or someone you trust.