Jason Hiner
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A private DNS for your iPhone can offer extra security against unwanted tracking, phishing, and malware. If you're at a hotel or using airport Wi-Fi, you don't want the network owner seeing the sites your iPhone requests, which is where a private DNS comes in.
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While your internet provider protects most of your browsing with its own DNS, some private options can be faster than your ISP's and protect you outside the home.
What is a private DNS?
A private Domain Name System (DNS) essentially translates website names into IP addresses when you browse the internet. Turning website addresses into IP addresses hides your browsing activity from your internet provider.
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How to set up a DNS on iPhone
1. Go to your Wi-Fi settings
Access your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings either by swiping down on the top right of your screen to access your Control Panel or by going directly into your iPhone's Settings.
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Show more2. Tap the blue "i" by your network
Tap the blue "i" icon by the name of your network within the Wi-Fi settings.
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Show more3. Select Configure DNS and change to Manual
Choose Configure DNS within the new menu. Select Manual.
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Show more4. Remove existing servers and add new address
Remove the existing servers, tap Add Server, and then enter your new address. This is where you'll add your preferred DNS server address, depending on the DNS provider you chose. For example, this could be 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare, 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4 for Google, or 9.9.9.9 for Quad9.
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Show moreFAQs
How to install a configuration profile on iPhone
If you'd like to expand your privacy system-wide, you can install configuration profiles on your iPhone to control DNS, VPN, Wi-Fi, and more. These can be removed at any time, and you should only install profiles from trusted sources. Here's how to install a configuration profile on an iPhone:
- Open Safari and download a profile (a .mobileconfig file).
- Go to your iPhone settings, then General, and VPN & Device Management.
- Tap the profile name and install it; you'll be prompted to enter your iPhone passcode.
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To ensure the profile was properly installed, go back to your settings, then General, and navigate to VPN & Device Management. You should see the profile listed under Configuration Profiles.
Why should I install a private DNS on iPhone?
Most users add a private DNS service on their iPhones to increase protection against tracking. Some services can log and monetize your browsing, but most popular private DNS providers don't. While your internet provider has a built-in DNS, you're left unprotected when you use public Wi-Fi networks, like at a hotel, short-term rental, or airport.
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Beyond that, a private DNS service can also stop your iPhone from accidentally connecting to dangerous domains and can even block ads. A private DNS can also be faster than your ISP's DNS, ensuring pages load more quickly and respond faster.
What are some private DNS options for iPhone?
Ensuring you have a trustworthy DNS service is vital to its functionality. Some of the best private DNS options on iPhone include Cloudflare, NextDNS, Quad9, AdGuard DNS, CleanBrowsing, and Google Cloud DNS.
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What's the difference between DNS and VPN?
DNS and VPN services both enhance privacy, but each solves different problems. Put plainly, DNS hides your browsing data, blocks unsafe sites before they load, and can be more private and faster than your ISP's default DNS. A VPN encrypts all your internet traffic, hides your real IP address, makes it look like you're browsing from another location, and hides your data from the Wi-Fi owner.
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For example, imagine you're using a public Wi-Fi network at a hotel. A DNS server hides your browsing info from your ISP, but won't hide your IP address or change your location. A VPN, in turn, encrypts all your internet traffic and makes it appear you're in a different location, but doesn't automatically block ads or guarantee faster speeds.
Does iCloud Private Relay feature DNS?
iCloud Private Relay is a newer iCloud+ feature that offers extra protection for your iPhone. While iCloud Private Relay is not inherently a DNS service, it does include DNS protection and some extra privacy for your connection to the site. Apple's iCloud Private Relay uses DNS encryption and hides your IP address.
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This service is included with an iCloud+ subscription and offers protection within Safari, not across all your apps like a DNS service can. Unlike a VPN, iCloud Private Relay doesn't change your location.
Is DNS different on iPhone and Android?
Yes, but not entirely. iPhones and Android phones handle DNS encryption differently, but the function is the same on both. iPhones use both DoH and DoT for encrypted DNS, while Android usually uses DoT. Android offers a built-in Private DNS toggle for DoT only at the system level, while iOS lets you enable encrypted DNS support, DoH, and DoT at the system level.
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