DNS Privacy Explained: How Your DNS Queries Expose You

DNS Privacy Explained

Every time you visit a website, your device makes a DNS (Domain Name System) query to translate the domain name into an IP address. These queries are typically unencrypted and visible to your internet provider, creating a complete record of every website you visit.

How DNS Exposes Your Browsing

• Traditional DNS queries are sent in plain text, visible to anyone monitoring the network
• Your ISP or mobile carrier can see and log every domain you query
• Public WiFi operators can see all DNS queries from connected devices
• DNS queries happen before you connect to a website, even if the site uses HTTPS
• Governments can require ISPs to log and share DNS data

DNS Privacy Solutions

• DNS over HTTPS (DoH): Encrypts DNS queries within HTTPS traffic. Supported by Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and most modern browsers
• DNS over TLS (DoT): Encrypts DNS queries using TLS. Supported at the operating system level on Android and other platforms
• DNSCrypt: An older protocol for encrypting DNS that is still used by some providers
• VPN: Most VPNs route DNS queries through their encrypted tunnel to their own DNS servers

Privacy-Focused DNS Providers

• Cloudflare (1.1.1.1): Fast, promises to delete logs within 24 hours
• Quad9 (9.9.9.9): Non-profit, privacy-focused, includes malware blocking
• Mullvad DNS: From the privacy-focused VPN provider, no logging
• NextDNS: Customizable, privacy-first DNS with ad blocking
• Avoid using your ISP's default DNS servers, which likely log all queries

Setting Up Private DNS

• iPhone: Install a DNS profile from your preferred provider (Cloudflare has an app)
• Android: Settings > Network > Private DNS. Enter the provider's hostname
• Browser: Enable DNS over HTTPS in your browser's privacy settings
• Router: Change DNS settings at the router level to protect all devices on your network

Encrypting your DNS queries is one of the simplest privacy improvements you can make. Combined with an anonymous eSIM and VPN, private DNS ensures that your browsing activity is hidden from your carrier and internet provider.