Setup CleanBrowsing on Android

Step 1: Download the CleanBrowsing App

Open the Google Play Store and search for "CleanBrowsing". Download and install the official CleanBrowsing app.

If prompted with a security warning about installing apps from the browser, tap Allow to proceed with the installation.

Step 2: Grant Accessibility Permissions

After installing, the app will request accessibility permissions to function properly:

1. Open your device Settings
2. Navigate to Accessibility
3. Find CleanBrowsing under "Installed Apps" (may also appear as "Downloaded apps" or "Installed services" depending on your device)
4. Toggle the permission on
5. Tap Allow when prompted to confirm
6. Press the Back button to return to CleanBrowsing

The app will detect the permission was granted and advance to the next step.

Step 3: Select Your Filter

Choose between the free or paid filtering options:

• Free Filters: The app will automatically configure Android's native Private DNS feature with CleanBrowsing's free filters (Family, Adult, or Security).
• Paid Filters: If you have a paid CleanBrowsing plan, select "Paid" and enter the configuration code from your CleanBrowsing dashboard.

The app will attempt to configure DNS automatically. On some devices, you may need to complete the Private DNS setup manually.

Step 4: Enable Device Admin Privileges

To prevent the app from being accidentally or intentionally removed, grant it device administrator privileges when prompted.

The app will open the Device Admin settings. Toggle CleanBrowsing on, then press the Back button to return to the app. Android does not automatically navigate back after enabling Device Admin — you must press Back manually.

This ensures the CleanBrowsing filtering remains active and cannot be easily bypassed by uninstalling the app.

Step 5: Set an App Passcode

Create a separate passcode for the CleanBrowsing app. This passcode should be different from your device unlock code.

The app passcode prevents unauthorized changes to your filter settings or disabling of the DNS filtering.

Step 6: Verify Filtering is Working

Follow our DNS verification guide to confirm that CleanBrowsing is active on your device.

You should see a confirmation message indicating that your DNS requests are being filtered by CleanBrowsing.

Note: If you are running Android 9 or later, you can also configure Private DNS directly without the app. See our Private DNS guide for details.