Encrypted DNS (Domain Name System) refers to modern protocols that secure DNS queries by encrypting them between a user’s device and the DNS resolver. Instead of sending DNS requests in plain text—where internet service providers, hackers, or third parties can monitor or manipulate them—encrypted DNS hides this information using encryption methods such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT). This ensures greater privacy, security, and protection against surveillance or tampering when browsing the internet.

Table of Contents

• The role of DNS in your digital life
• Traditional DNS vs Encrypted DNS
• Why Use Encrypted DNS
• Types of Encrypted DNS Protocols
  • DNS over HTTPS (DoH)
  • DNS over TLS (DoT)
  • DNSCrypt
  • DNS over QUIC (DoQ)
• Popular Encrypted DNS Providers
  • NextDNS
  • AdGuard DNS
  • Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1)
• Potential Drawbacks & Limitations
• Conclusion

The role of DNS in your digital life

Every time you visit a website, your device needs to know the exact IP address (like a street address) of the server where that website lives. But since people remember names like example.com better than numbers like 192.0.2.1, the Domain Name System (DNS) acts as the internet’s phonebook.

• When you type a web address into your browser, DNS translates that human-friendly name into the machine-friendly IP address.
• This process happens in the background, millions of times a day, on every device you use.
• Without DNS, you would have to memorize long strings of numbers for every website you visit.

In simple terms: DNS quietly connects you to every site, app, or online service you use — making it a critical part of your digital life.

Traditional DNS vs Encrypted DNS

Traditional DNS (Unencrypted DNS):

• Works like the internet’s phonebook, but sends requests in plain text.
• Example: When you type example.com, your device asks the DNS server for its IP address.
• The problem: These requests are not encrypted, so:

• • Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can see every website you visit.
  • Hackers on the same Wi-Fi can intercept and modify your traffic.
  • Governments or organizations can censor or block certain websites.

Think of it like sending a postcard—anyone who handles it can read the message.

Encrypted DNS:

• Works the same way (still finds website addresses), but the requests are wrapped in encryption.
• Uses protocols like DNS over HTTPS (DoH), DNS over TLS (DoT), or DNSCrypt.
• Benefits:

• • Prevents ISPs, hackers, or snoopers from spying on your browsing.
  • Stops tampering with DNS responses (protects against fake/malicious sites).
  • Helps bypass censorship in some cases.

Think of it like sending your request inside a sealed envelope—only the sender and receiver can read it.

In short:

• Traditional DNS = Fast but exposed (no privacy, easy to spy on).
• Encrypted DNS = Private and secure (protects your online activity).

Why Use Encrypted DNS

Encrypted DNS preserves the privacy of your online activities, guards against manipulation of web requests, and supports consistent access to internet services. The following points highlight its key benefits:

1. Avoids Regional Restrictions
   Some websites are blocked depending on where you are. Encrypted DNS helps you access these sites safely, without revealing what you’re doing online.
2. Reduces Targeted Advertisements
   Marketers often track your activity to show personalized ads. By hiding your requests, encrypted DNS limits this tracking and reduces unwanted promotions.
3. Supports Secure Remote Work
   When you connect to company networks or cloud services, encrypted DNS keeps your data private, helping organizations maintain secure remote operations.
4. Improves Connection Integrity
   Faulty or compromised DNS servers can misdirect your requests. Encrypted DNS prevents this, ensuring that you reach the correct websites reliably.
5. Simplifies Privacy Compliance
   For individuals or organizations following rules like GDPR, encrypted DNS helps maintain safer browsing and supports compliance with privacy regulations.

Types of Encrypted DNS Protocols

Encrypted DNS is not a single technology; it includes several protocols that secure your DNS queries in different ways. Understanding them helps you choose the right option for privacy, security, and performance.

• DNS over HTTPS (DoH)
  Sends DNS requests through HTTPS, just like visiting a secure website. This keeps your browsing private and blends DNS traffic with normal web traffic.
• DNS over TLS (DoT)
  Encrypts DNS queries over a secure tunnel, making sure no one can intercept or tamper with your requests.
• DNSCrypt
  Hides and signs DNS requests to prevent them from being altered, protecting your online activity from attacks.
• DNS over QUIC (DoQ)
  A newer method that encrypts DNS queries while making them faster and more reliable, even on unstable or busy networks.

Encrypted DNS protocols safeguard your online queries and ensure data confidentiality. Each method varies in performance, consistency, and traffic management, allowing you to select the option that aligns with your requirements

Popular Encrypted DNS Providers

Many trusted services provide encrypted DNS, allowing users to browse the internet safely while maintaining confidentiality. Below are some of the most popular choices:

NextDNS

NextDNS is a customizable encrypted DNS service supporting DoH, DoT, and DNSCrypt. It blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites, offers parental controls, and allows custom rules for specific domains. With low-latency performance, optional analytics, and strong privacy policies (no data selling, configurable no-logs), it provides both security and full user control for personal, family, or small business use.

https://nextdns.io/

The homepage of NextDNS

Firstly, you can sign in using email credentials or create an account to get started.

The image portrays that this device is not yet using NextDNS. It will be set up for Browsers, but you can also configure it on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, and even routers.

Now, you can configure NextDNS on various browsers; in my case, I’m using Brave, and here are the setup steps.

 In Brave, navigate to the Security section.

Then, in the “Select DNS Provider” option, click the dropdown, choose “Add Custom DNS Service Provider,” and paste the link in the URL field.

 Once the link is configured, it displays an “All Good” message indicating: This device is using NextDNS with this profile.

Moreover, we can enable the following options to Protect our devices from malware, phishing, cryptojacking, and unsafe websites. Includes AI-driven threat detection, Google Safe Browsing, DNS protections, and blocks for risky or illegal domains.

Then, you can see the Parental Control section in NextDNS, where you can manage internet access for kids or other users. It allows you to block specific websites, apps, or games, restrict entire content categories, set allowed usage times, and enforce SafeSearch and YouTube Restricted Mode to filter unsafe or mature content.

Note:

This panel in NextDNS Parental Control lets you block popular apps, websites, and games like TikTok, YouTube, or Discord. Add blocks a service, Remove unblocks it. Works with category filters, SafeSearch, YouTube Restricted Mode, and Recreation Time schedules for complete control.

This profile restricts access to Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

As you can see, YouTube is blocked for this profile via NextDNS Parental Control.

Moreover, categories picker lets you block entire content types—like Social Networks, Online Gaming, Video Streaming, Porn, and Gambling—for a profile. Add enables the block, Remove disables it, working across all devices and alongside per-site rules and schedules.

The Privacy tab lets you Block ads, Trackers, and OS telemetry at the DNS level while managing affiliate links and CNAME trackers for a profile.

Then, Add curated DNS blocklists per profile via “Add a Blocklist”; start with the built‑in NextDNS Ads & Trackers, optionally add OISD or AdGuard DNS, then fine‑tune with Denylist/Allowlist.

The Allowlist feature enables temporary access to selected websites.

 As shown below, Facebook is allowed while Instagram remains blocked.

Moreover, the Analytics dashboard shows total and blocked queries, top allowed and blocked domains, and trends over time. It highlights which devices and features caused blocks and helps you fine-tune settings using Logs, Allowlist, and Denylist for optimal privacy and control.

 The Logs view shows DNS queries per device/profile. Hover for block reasons, use the search/filter bar to focus on specific clients or domains, and quickly Allowlist or Denylist entries to troubleshoot and fine-tune settings.

 Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1)

Cloudflare DNS provides fast, privacy-focused DNS with DoH and DoT support. It ensures that DNS queries remain confidential, does not log personal data, and offers protection against spoofing or interception. Known for its high speed and reliability, it’s ideal for users who want secure, low-latency browsing without compromising privacy.

https://one.one.one.one/

Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 homepage lets you download WARP to encrypt DNS or all traffic, with optional Families mode for safer browsing.

Connected to Cloudflare WARP: encrypted traffic, mode and DNS options available in Preferences.

Then, go to Settings → Connection, choose DNS mode and enable Families filtering to block malware or adult content without changing system DNS

Using Brave Browser’s security feature, I’ve selected Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) as the DNS provider.

 AdGuard DNS

AdGuard DNS is an encrypted DNS service that supports DoH and DoT, focusing on ad and tracker blocking. It enhances privacy by preventing tracking, blocks access to malicious websites, and offers family protection filters. With reliable performance and no logging of personal data, it’s suitable for users seeking simple yet effective online privacy and security.

https://adguard-dns.io/en/welcome.html

This is AdGuard for Windows, showing that protection is enabled with multiple filter lists active. The dashboard displays the number of blocked ads, trackers, and threats since activation.

Firstly, go to Settings → Enable DNS Protection to use encrypted DNS, custom servers, and advanced filtering system-wide.

This screen displays the Parental Control module. Here, you can enforce Safe Search, control site access via Manage Blocklist/Allowlist, block executable downloads, and protect changes with a password for selected Windows users.

Then, in Parental Control’s Blocklist, Facebook has been added. You can add more websites to block as needed.

After blocking Facebook, this screen appears, indicating that the website is not safe for kids.

Restricted site detected—AdGuard blocks it, but authorized users can bypass with a password.

Potential Drawbacks & Limitations

Encrypted DNS greatly enhances online safety, but being aware of its boundaries helps you use it effectively:

• Slight Delay in Queries
  • Example: On some slower networks, loading a website may take a fraction of a second longer than usual. This is usually unnoticeable, but heavy web users might notice a tiny lag.
• Device Support
  • Example: Older routers or smartphones may not support DNS over HTTPS or DNS over TLS. Upgrading firmware or using a modern device can unlock full protection.
• Scope of Coverage
  • Example: Encrypted DNS hides the websites you visit, but it doesn’t encrypt your messages in email apps or social media platforms. Using a VPN alongside it can secure the rest of your internet activity.
• Network Limitations
  • Example: Some public Wi-Fi networks or workplace systems may block certain encrypted DNS providers, temporarily preventing access. Switching to a trusted alternative resolver can resolve the issue.
• Provider Reliability
  • Example: If a DNS service experiences downtime, websites may fail to load until the service is restored. Choosing a reputable provider like Cloudflare or NextDNS reduces this risk.
• Optional Customization
  • Example: Features like tracker blocking, parental filters, or custom domain rules may require setup. Investing a few minutes to configure these options can give you stronger privacy and control.

Takeaway:
Encrypted DNS is a valuable step toward a safer and more private internet experience. By selecting a trusted provider and exploring available features, you gain enhanced control and confidence while navigating the web.

Conclusion

Encrypted DNS is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your online privacy and security. It keeps your browsing activity confidential, prevents tampering with requests, and provides more reliable access to websites. While it may have minor limitations—like slight delays, device compatibility, or the need for occasional setup—these are easily managed with trusted providers and thoughtful configuration.

By understanding the types of encrypted DNS protocols, choosing a reputable provider, and being aware of potential drawbacks, anyone—from beginners to experts—can enjoy a safer, more private, and controlled internet experience.

Encrypted DNS is not just a technical feature; it is a key step toward taking control of your digital life and browsing with confidence.

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Author: Muskan Sen is a Researcher and Technical Writer specializing in Information Security. Follow her – Linkedin