In today's digital age, safeguarding your online privacy is more crucial than ever. Encrypting DNS traffic is one way to ensure that your internet activities remain private and secure. In this article, we'll guide you on how to configure DNS over HTTPS (DoH) on your PC and browser to protect your DNS queries from prying eyes.
Traditionally, DNS queries and replies are performed over plaintext. They are sent over the internet without any kind of encryption or protection, even when you are accessing a secured website. This has a significant impact on security and privacy, as these queries might be subject to surveillance, spoofing, and tracking by malicious actors, advertisers, ISPs, and others.
To prevent this and secure your connections, some public DNS providers support DNS over TLS (DoT) and DNS over HTTPS (DoH), two standards developed for encrypting plaintext DNS traffic. This prevents untrustworthy entities from interpreting and manipulating your queries.
Configure DoH in Windows 11
- Right-click the Start menu and click on Settings, then select Network & Internet.
- On the Network & Internet page, select Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
- On the Ethernet screen, scroll down to DNS Server Assignment and select the Edit button.
- On the Wi-Fi screen, select Hardware Properties, then scroll down to DNS Server Assignment and select the Edit button.
- In the Edit DNS Settings, toggle the IPv4 switch on. Use Cloudflare’s public DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) or your preferred DNS. In the DNS over HTTPS, select ‘On (Automatic Template)’ or ‘On (Manual Template)’ and enter the DNS over HTTPS template.
- Select Save to apply the DoH settings to the DNS client. Now, you should see the word ‘Encrypted’ beside the DNS address.
Configure DoH on Your Browser
Several browsers are compatible with DNS over HTTPS, allowing you to encrypt your connection to protect your DNS queries from privacy intrusions and tampering. Here's how to configure it on some popular browsers:
Google Chrome
- Select the three-dot menu in your browser then click on Settings.
- Select Privacy and Security then click on Security.
- Scroll down and enable Use Secure DNS.
- Select the Select DNS provider option, and from the drop-down menu choose Cloudflare.
Microsoft Edge
- Select the three-dot menu in your browser then click on Settings.
- Select Privacy, Search, and Services, and scroll down to Security.
- Enable Use Secure DNS.
- Select Use current service provider or Choose a Service Provider. Select the Enter Custom Provider drop-down menu and choose Cloudflare.
Mozilla Firefox
- Select the menu button then click on Settings.
- In the Privacy & Security menu, scroll down to the DNS over HTTPS section.
- Select Increased Protection or Max Protection.
- By default, it will use the Cloudflare provider. If not, select Cloudflare in the Choose Provider dropdown.
Visit the 1.1.1.1 help page and check if Using DNS over HTTPS (DoH) shows Yes.
Encrypting your DNS traffic is an effective way to enhance your online privacy and security. By configuring DNS over HTTPS on both your PC and browser, you can protect your DNS queries from potential threats and ensure a safer browsing experience. Stay secure and enjoy your private internet journey!
Cloudflare
IPv4
- Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
- Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1
- DNS Over HTTPS Template: https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query
IPv4
- Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
- DNS Over HTTPS Template: https://dns.google/dns-query – RFC 8484 (GET and POST)
- DNS Over HTTPS Template: https://dns.google/resolve? – JSON API (GET)
Quad 9
IPv4
- Preferred DNS: 9.9.9.9
- Alternate DNS: 149.112.112.112
- DNS Over HTTPS Template: https://dns.quad9.net/dns-query
Use 1.1.1.1 resolver
- Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
- Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1
- DNS Over HTTPS Template: https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query
Block malware with 1.1.1.1 for Families
- Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.2
- Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.2
- DNS Over HTTPS Template: https://security.cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query
Block malware and adult content with 1.1.1.1 for Families
- Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.3
- Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.3
- DNS Over HTTPS Template: https://family.cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query