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Information and Digital Group (IDG)

How to configure DNS and DHCP settings correctly for university network access (Android)

Introduction

For optimum access to university networks, users are advised to connect via the university's DNS servers.

University-owned and managed devices already have the recommended DNS and DHCP server configurations set up.

Who is this article for?

This article is helpful for all University of Warwick staff and students.

Need more help?

You can find out more about IDG's services and support by using Itika, our new virtual assistantLink opens in a new window, to access IDG's Knowledge Base.

If you need help or support with this or any other change, please contact us by visiting IDG’s Service PortalLink opens in a new window, or by phoning +44 (0) 2476 573737 or ext. 73737 (internally).

The ServiceDesk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Last revised: 13/08/25

Using the university's DNS servers improves the security of our university networks by –

  • Enhancing threat protection– our DNS helps block harmful websites, keeping you and your data safer online
  • Ensuring consistent security– using one trusted DNS service allows us to protect everyone on the network
  • Improving overall visibility– helps us respond to cyber threats more quickly and effectively

If you are using university-owned, unmanaged or self-managed devices, or a personal device to connect to the university network, please follow these instructions to check your settings and ensure your devices are set up to obtain DNS and DHCP settings automatically, to ensure your Windows device has the recommended configuration.

If you are using an alternative, third-party DNS and DHCP server, you may experience a loss of connectivity to the internet, to university networks and network services. You will need to reset your Android device to obtain its DNS and DHCP settings automatically, to ensure it has the recommended configuration.

How to check your DHCP and DNS settings on your Android device

To configure DNS settings to automatic on Android devices, please follow these steps. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your device manufacturer and Android version, but this is the general process:

These steps apply to personally owned or self-managed Android devices. University-managed devices should already be correctly configured.

Open Settings

  • Tap the Settings app on your device

  • Settings might be named or in a different location than what is stated below, depending on what Android device you are using.

Go to Network & Internet Settings

  • Tap the Settings app on your device. Settings might be named or in a different location than what is stated below, depending on what Android device you are using
  • Tap Network & Internet (or Connections, depending on your device)
Android settings selecting network and internet
  • Select the Wi-Fi section
  • Select Wi-Fi, then tap the gear icon ⚙️ or the network name you're connected to.

Android settings selecting eduroam

 

Advanced Settings

  • Scroll down and tap Advanced or IP settings

Change IP Settings to DHCP

  • Under IP settings, ensure it is set to DHCP
  • If it's set to Static, tap it and change to DHCP

Check DNS Settings

  • If your device allows DNS configuration
  • Look for Private DNS under Network & Internet
  • Ensure it is set to Off or Automatic to use the DNS provided by the network
  • Avoid setting custom DNS servers unless explicitly required.


Note

On some versions of Android, this setting may appear in a different section of the network settings or be labelled as Private DNS. Regardless of its location or label, it’s important to ensure that it remains set to Automatic.

Android settings selecting automatic DNS

⚠️ Using alternative DHCP or DNS settings may result in loss of connectivity to the internet, university network, or services.