Domain Name Resolution (DNS, for short) plays a key role in the way the modern internet works. When you type a domain name in your browser, like makeuseof.com, a DNS resolver is the one responsible for translating that human-friendly name into an IP address, which allows the browser to figure out where that website actually lives on the internet. While it might sound too technical, the benefits of using a good DNS resolver service can be felt while browsing the internet.
That’s why a simple DNS trick can speed up your internet. You probably use your internet as-is without any complicated setup, and that’s fine in most cases for most people. However, instead of relying on your internet service provider’s (ISP) DNS, you should switch things up a bit and give ReThink DNS a try. This Android app will give your network a near-instantaneous upgrade with minimal effort.
What is ReThink DNS?
The tiny DNS app that surprised me
ReThink DNS is a free and open-source private encrypted DNS resolver app that looks up IP addresses of a domain name. You can think of it as a phone book of the internet. Unlike your ISP, ReThink DNS gives you total control over your network. The app supports custom rules and blacklists, and it comes with over 190 blacklists predefined for you.
With this, you can choose what to block, including ads, ubiquitous internet trackers, spyware, and even internet threats. The app has DNS servers in over 300 locations across the world to ensure speedy name resolution, thus faster page load when browsing the internet.
For reference, using a DNS that has more servers closer to you can help speed up your internet connection. Because of this, just changing your DNS can help address network issues if your internet is slower than it should be or what you pay for.
What ReThink DNS actually does
ReThink DNS packs a ton of features
By default, the app is set to use ReThink’s own DNS, but it lets you choose other options, such as DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS. However, by using the app’s default DNS, you get to enjoy a ton of capabilities. For instance, it automatically blocks phishing, malvertising, malware, spyware, ransomware, cryptojacking, and other threats.
You can also select other options like RDNS Social Media, which blocks popular social media platforms (like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram), and there’s also RDNS Plus, which is configurable, and you get to choose what to block, including ads and piracy sites. ReThink DNS might seem like yet another app that joins the existing list of encrypted DNS resolvers, but it isn’t.
Unlike most DNS services whose main focus is either privacy, fast name resolution, or both, ReThink DNS goes a mile further by offering a wide array of extra features. One of its handy features is a built-in firewall. Since it runs system-wide on your Android phone, you can use ReThink DNS to monitor and control internet access to apps installed on your device.
Using the firewall feature, you can even block certain apps from accessing the internet on your device without any complicated setup. ReThink DNS gives you a simple interface from which you can disable certain apps from accessing the internet via cellular data, Wi-Fi, or both.
It also has so-called Universal firewall rules that allow you to apply certain filters based on device events—for example, blocking apps not in use, blocking when DNS is bypassed, blocking newly installed apps by default, blocking on cellular data, blocking insecure HTTP traffic, and more. You can use the app in three modes: DNS and Firewall, Firewall, and DNS only.
Another handy built-in feature is VPN support. Although it doesn’t have VPN functionality built in, it allows you to configure and use any VPN that supports the free and open-source WireGuard protocol, such as ProtonVPN, Mullvad, NordVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark.
Why ReThink’s DNS app is a massive network upgrade
It’s not your regular DNS resolver app
Most DNS resolvers typically promise faster lookups and privacy. Some include built-in filters to block some types of threats, such as Control D. However, none go above and beyond like Rethink DNS, especially when it comes to customization and built-in features. In ReThink, you can customize what you want to be blocked across the system.
While you can add your custom domains to be blocked, the app has robust lists of common domains across different categories, so you won’t need to curate your own list. Besides, it gives you an interface from which you can monitor your network. If you enable the monitoring feature, the app logs all the network activity and generates automated reports that will flag any suspicious activity.
The app’s support for VPN connectivity is another plus, which ensures you don’t miss out on traffic encryption just because you’ve switched to a different DNS service.
If You Use a VPN, You Still Need a Firewall: This Is the Difference
Your firewall is doing a quiet yet vital job of keeping you secure.
It’s time you gave your Android phone a network upgrade
ReThink DNS is a simple yet powerful DNS app that you should start using on your Android phone. It not only enhances your privacy, but it also gives you total control over your network. It almost makes you a network admin on your Android device, deciding what to block and what you let through. What’s even cool about ReThink DNS is that the app is totally free—while there’s a plan to add a paid option later, the free functionality is more than enough to make your network on Android better.