Setup CleanBrowsing on Android (Older than 9)

Step 1: Install the CleanBrowsing App

Open the Google Play Store on your Android device and search for "CleanBrowsing". Download and install the app.

The Play Store app supports both Free and Paid filters. Since older Android versions do not have the built-in Private DNS feature, the app uses a local VPN tunnel to redirect DNS requests.

Step 2: Select Your Filter

Open the CleanBrowsing app and choose between the available filtering options:

• Family Filter - Blocks adult content, malware, and mixed content sites
• Adult Filter - Blocks adult content and malware
• Security Filter - Blocks malware and phishing only

Step 3: Enable VPN Protection

Tap the Play icon to start filtering. The system will ask if you approve the VPN connection.

Select OK to allow the VPN, and filtering will begin immediately. The app creates a local VPN tunnel to encrypt and redirect your DNS requests to CleanBrowsing servers.

Note: If you want filtering to remain active after a device reboot, enable the "Always On" VPN option in your Android settings. This requires granting the app administrator privileges.

Step 4: Configure Paid Filter (Optional)

If you have a paid CleanBrowsing plan, select the "Custom" option within the app.

Enter the access code found in the "Your Network" panel of your CleanBrowsing dashboard.

This will link your device to your paid account with your custom filtering rules and settings.

Step 5: Set a Security PIN

Open the app's settings panel and set a security PIN. This PIN prevents other users from updating or disabling the filter on the device.

Choose a PIN that is different from the device unlock code.

Note: If you forget the PIN, you will need to uninstall and reinstall the application to reset it.

Step 6: Manual DNS Configuration (Alternative)

If you prefer not to use the app, you can manually configure DNS on your Wi-Fi connection:

1. Open Settings on your device
2. Tap Wi-Fi
3. Long-press on your connected network and select Modify Network
4. Check the box for Show Advanced Options
5. Change IP Settings from DHCP to Static
6. Enter the following DNS addresses:
   • DNS 1: 185.228.168.168
   • DNS 2: 185.228.169.168
7. Tap Save

Note: Manual DNS settings only apply to the specific Wi-Fi network you configure. This method does not filter cellular data traffic. If you have a paid CleanBrowsing plan, use the DNS IPs provided in your dashboard instead.