Guide to Understanding and Setting Up a Private DNS

What is DNS?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is like the Internet’s phonebook. It translates human-readable website addresses (e.g., example.com) into IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1) that computers use to communicate.

However, traditional DNS queries are usually unencrypted, allowing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other entities to monitor, log, or even manipulate your web traffic.

Why Use a Private DNS?

A privacy-focused DNS encrypts your queries, preventing ISPs, governments, and hackers from tracking your browsing activity. This improves security, bypasses censorship, and can block ads and malware.

Recommended Privacy-Focused DNS Providers

NextDNS – Offers encrypted DNS with extensive tracking and ad-blocking options. Customizable settings for enhanced privacy.

Quad9 – Blocks known malicious domains and offers DNS over TLS (DoT) and DNS over HTTPS (DoH) for encryption.

Cloudflare DNS – Fast and privacy-focused DNS (1.1.1.1), does not log user data, supports DoH and DoT.

AdGuard DNS – Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains, making browsing faster and more private.

Control D – Customizable DNS filtering with multiple privacy and security-focused options.

Mullvad DNS – A privacy-centric DNS service designed by Mullvad VPN for enhanced anonymity.

OpenDNS – Owned by Cisco, it offers security features like phishing protection and parental controls.

How to Set Up a Private DNS

On Windows

Open Network Settings

Press Win + I → Click Network & Internet → Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet (depending on your connection).

Change DNS Settings

Click Properties → Scroll down to IP settings → Click Edit under “DNS settings.”

Choose Manual → Enable IPv4 and/or IPv6

Enter the preferred DNS provider’s addresses (e.g., Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1)

Click Save

On macOS

Go to System Preferences → Click Network

Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click Advanced

Go to the DNS tab → Click the + button to add a new DNS server

Enter the DNS provider’s addresses (e.g., Quad9 9.9.9.9)

Click OK and Apply

On Android (DNS over HTTPS/TLS)

Go to Settings → Select Network & Internet

Tap Private DNS

Choose Private DNS provider hostname

Enter the provider’s hostname (e.g., dns.nextdns.io)

Click Save

On iPhone/iPad

Go to Settings → Tap Wi-Fi

Tap the i icon next to your connected network

Scroll down to Configure DNS → Select Manual

Remove existing DNS servers and add a private DNS (e.g., 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare)

Tap Save

Router-Level Setup (for Whole Network Privacy)

Log into your router’s web interface (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, varies by brand).

Locate DNS settings (usually under WAN or Internet settings).

Replace existing DNS with a preferred private DNS (e.g., Quad9: 9.9.9.9, 149.112.112.112).

Save and restart your router for changes to take effect.

Extra Security Features to Consider

Use DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or DNS-over-TLS (DoT) for encrypted queries.

Enable ad-blocking DNS (like AdGuard or NextDNS) to reduce tracking and intrusive ads.

Consider a VPN if you need additional privacy beyond DNS encryption.

By configuring a privacy-focused DNS, you take control of your online security, reduce tracking, and protect your browsing data from prying eyes.