Casual internet users don’t usually brood over online safety. Most know not to open fishy email links nor look for Nigerian princes and think that’s enough for a safe browsing. But internet safety is not that basic, which makes using private DNS essential.
Enhancing Online Safety by Easily Switching to Private DNS
Remember the classic telephone directory, the one that had your grandpa listed for, well, everything? Well, the Domain Name System (DNS) is super similar to the old white pages and is actually known as “the phonebook of the internet.” In other words, DNS translates domain names into IP addresses (like 172.88.239.40).
But although necessary, the DNS “knows” which sites you’re visiting, subtly compromising your privacy. Fortunately, there are also private DNS servers which rely on encryption to protect your anonymity.
What Is Private DNS?
A private DNS lets you customize the routing of your DNS queries. Unlike public DNS, it encrypts queries so that curious eyes and your internet service provider can’t know which websites you go to. It’s not your ISP’s default DNS but one that you can set up and manage yourself.
Although not many think of it as the go-to safety tool, private DNS grants you more privacy and control over your online journeys. Apart from using it for online anonymity, people also use it to bypass geo-blocking and avoid tampering attacks.
How Does Private DNS Work?
A private DNS sends encrypted queries to a private server that relies on zone files to match domain names with corresponding IPs. As such, it prevents horrors like tampering and data leaks and helps you bypass geo-restrictions so your mom doesn’t have to actually let you out of her basement. Here’s how private DNS works:
- You enter a domain name (for example, open.spotify.com) into a web browser.
- Your device then sends an encrypted DNS request to a DNS server, “asking” it to match the domain name with an IP address. The encryption is usually done using DoT or DoH protocols.
- Once the DNS server retrieves the IP, it uses the same encrypted channel to send it back to your device.
Setting up Private DNS on Different Devices
You can set up private DNS on devices with different operating systems. Below are step-by-step guides on how to easily switch to private DNS on Android, Windows, iOS, and Mac.
Activating Private DNS on Android Devices
Eager to switch to a private DNS provider on your Android phone or tablet? Follow these next steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap on Connections, More Connections, or Connectivity Options
- Open Private DNS
- Type the name of your preferred private DNS provider into the hostname bar
- Save the changes
Setting up Private DNS on Windows
Itching to click the private DNS switch on your Windows device? This is how to do it:
- Open Settings
- Go to Network & Internet
- Click on Wi-Fi
- Open your Wi-Fi properties
- Scroll down to edit the IP assignment
- From the dropdown menu, select Manual
- Turn on IPv4
- Type in the IP of the private DNS server of your choice
- Configure private DNS encryption by turning on DNS over HTTPS
Activating Private DNS on iOS Devices
Want to make sure no hacker takes a bite of your Apple? Here’s how to set up private DNS on your iOS device:
- Open Settings
- Go to Wi-Fi
- Choose the Wi-Fi you’re using
- Scroll down to the Configure DNS tab
- Tap on Manual
- Click on Add Server
- Enter the IP of the private DNS server you prefer
Setting up Private DNS on Mac
Need to cover the private parts of your browsing with a MacBook? Switch to private DNS with the next steps:
- Go to the top left corner, and click on the Apple logo
- Click on System Preferences
- Select Network
- Click on the Wi-Fi or Ethernet network you use
- Open the Advanced window
- Go to the DNS tab
- Select the + sign
- Write the IP of your chosen private DNS service provider, and save the changes
- Restart your device if necessary
Advantages of Using Private DNS
Upgrading to a private DNS has become a must in recent years. Here are the three main benefits of using one:
- Improved Privacy: Cybercriminals and your ISP can’t monitor your online activity because your requests are processed by a private DNS provider or network for an ultra-incognito experience.
- Enhanced Security: Since private DNS uses encryption, the chances of someone tampering with your DNS requests and responses are slimmer than the 2000s eyebrow.
- Faster Connection Speeds: Private DNS servers are usually faster in responding to DNS queries than public ones, meaning your internet is as fast as you’re curious.
Swing on the Web Like Spidey, Not Pete, With Private DNS!
The time to switch to a private DNS provider is now! Remember, Spidey wore a mask not out of fear but to protect his mission, girlfriend, and rizz. You, too, have a lot of activity to protect online, and a private DNS is perfect for it. Happy browsing!
