DNS or Domain Name System forms an essential part of the internet as we know it today. A DNS maps the URL you type into your browser to a server that hosts the website you’re looking to visit. The entire process is called a DNS transaction.

Now, these transactions are unencrypted, meaning there aren’t any privacy mechanisms in place to protect these transactions from snooping. Besides, it leaves you exposed to cybersecurity threats like man-in-the-middle attacks.

In this article, we’re talking about Private DNSs, what they are and how you can enable them on your device.

Also read: How to fix the ‘DNS probe finished no internet’ issue?

What is a Private DNS?

Two protocols that encrypt outgoing DNS queries are DoH (DNS over HTTPS) and DoT (DNS over TLS). Most private DNSs use either or both of these protocols to protect and encrypt your outgoing DNS transactions and keep you safe while keeping third parties from intercepting your data.

Several companies offer Private DNSs for free, including Cloudflare, Google, OpenDNS and 1.1.1.1 with Warp.

Enabling Private DNS

Different devices have different methods for enabling Private DNS. Here’s how you can do it on a Windows, Android, macOS or iOS device.

Keep in mind that we’re using Google’s DNS in these examples but feel free to use your preferred DNS provider.

Enabling Private DNS on Windows

Here’s how to change your DNS on a Windows PC

Step 1: Press Windows key + I to open the Windows settings and click on Network & Internet.

How to fix the 'WiFi connected but no internet access' issue?

Step 2: Click on Change adaptor options.

Step 3: Right-click on your active network (WiFi or LAN) and click Properties.

Step 4: Find Internet Protocol Version 4 in the list, click on it, and click Properties.

Step 5: Check the Use the following DNS server addresses radio button and type in 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 in the preferred and alternative DNS addresses, respectively.