Private DNS: Secure, Fast, Easy on Android, iOS & Windows

What is Private DNS?

Think of your phone’s call directory: you type a name and the phone instantly pulls up the number. It turns the friendly name you type into the machine‑readable IP address. But what happens when the directory is open to anyone? That’s where private DNS steps in.

Private DNS is an encrypted version of the classic DNS. It uses DNS over TLS (DoT) or DNS over HTTPS (DoH) to wrap queries in a secure tunnel. This hides traffic from ISPs and public Wi‑Fi. Think of it as whispering the address to your phone instead of shouting it in a crowded room.

Enabling Private DNS on Android 9+

1. Open Settings → Network & internet → Advanced → Private DNS.
2. Tap “Private DNS provider hostname.”
3. Enter the hostname of your chosen provider (e.g., dns.quad9.net).
4. Tap “Save.”

Enabling Private DNS on iOS 14+

1. Go to Settings → Wi‑Fi, tap the info icon next to your network.
2. Scroll to “Configure DNS” and switch to “Manual.”
3. Tap “Add Server” and type the provider hostname.
4. Set the default to “Use this DNS” and exit.

Configuring Private DNS on Windows

1. Right‑click the network icon → Network & Internet settings → Change adapter options.
2. Right‑click your connection → Properties.
3. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” → Properties → Advanced.
4. Under “DNS server addresses” add the provider’s TLS hostname.
5. Enable “Use DNS over HTTPS” if available.

When should you revert to the default DNS? If you notice apps that rely on legacy DNS fail, or if you’re troubleshooting a network that blocks DoT/DoH. A quick check with dig example.com or nslookup example.com will confirm the active resolver.

Quick Checklist

• Entered correct hostname in the device settings.
  
• Verified encryption by checking the lock icon in the browser.
  
• Ran dig or nslookup to confirm the resolver.
  
• Tested a few sites to ensure no latency spike.
  

Forest VPN: Enhancing Your Private DNS Experience

Private DNS protects the query you send, but the connection you use can still be monitored. Forest VPN encrypts the entire data path, giving you end‑to‑end privacy. Users report:

“Switching to Forest VPN before connecting to public Wi‑Fi made my browsing feel instant and secure.” – Alex R.

“Forest VPN’s affordable plans let me keep my devices private without breaking the bank.” – Maya S.

Practical tips:

1. Enable Forest VPN first – start the VPN app before you open your browser or any other app that uses DNS.
2. Choose a server close to your location – reduces latency while keeping your traffic encrypted.
3. Use the “Smart Connect” feature – automatically switches to VPN when you join an untrusted network.

Call to Action

Ready to protect every request you send? Try Forest VPN today and pair it with your private DNS settings for maximum security and speed. Click the link below to start your free trial.

Get Forest VPN now