Disabling DNS over HTTPS (DoH): A Comprehensive Guide

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a protocol that encrypts DNS queries, improving privacy and security. However, it can also introduce complications, such as bypassing parental controls or network restrictions. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of disabling DoH across various platforms and browsers.

Why Disable DoH?

While DoH offers benefits, there are several reasons why you might want to disable it:

Network Management and Security: In corporate or educational settings, DoH can circumvent network security policies and parental controls, making it difficult to monitor and manage internet access. Administrators often need to disable DoH to maintain control over network traffic.
Troubleshooting: If you experience network connectivity issues, disabling DoH can help isolate the problem. It simplifies troubleshooting by removing an extra layer of encryption from the DNS resolution process.
Compatibility Issues: Some older network devices or software may not be fully compatible with DoH, leading to connectivity problems. Disabling it can resolve these compatibility issues.
Performance Concerns: In some cases, DoH might introduce a slight performance overhead, particularly on networks with limited bandwidth. Disabling it can improve speed in these scenarios.
Privacy Concerns (Ironically): While DoH aims to improve privacy, the encrypted nature of the traffic can make it harder for some security tools to detect and block malicious domains.

Disabling DoH in Different Browsers

The process of disabling DoH varies slightly depending on the web browser you're using:

Chrome

Chrome doesn't offer a direct setting to globally disable DoH. However, you can achieve a similar effect by using a custom DNS server through the browser's settings. This will override any DoH configuration. You can specify the DNS server provided by your internet service provider or a public DNS like Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).

Firefox

Firefox also lacks a global DoH disable switch. Similar to Chrome, configuring a custom DNS server in the network settings will typically override DoH.

Edge

Microsoft Edge's approach is similar to Chrome and Firefox. You'll generally need to manage your DNS settings to prevent DoH usage.

Safari

Safari's handling of DoH is tied to the system's DNS settings. Modifying the system-level DNS configuration will affect Safari and other applications.

Disabling DoH at the System Level

Disabling DoH at the operating system level will affect all applications, not just web browsers. The method differs significantly across operating systems:

Windows

Windows typically uses the network adapter's DNS settings. You can modify these settings through the Network and Sharing Center. Selecting your network adapter and choosing properties allows you to set custom DNS servers, effectively overriding DoH.

macOS

On macOS, you can change the DNS settings in System Preferences under Network. Similar to Windows, setting a custom DNS server will supersede DoH.

Linux

The method for disabling DoH on Linux varies based on the distribution and the network manager being used (e.g., NetworkManager, systemd-resolved). You'll typically need to edit network configuration files or use command-line tools to set your preferred DNS server.

Important Note:

Incorrectly configuring DNS settings can disrupt your internet connectivity. Always ensure you have backup DNS servers configured to prevent complete network outage. If you're unsure about making these changes, consult your network administrator or seek assistance from a technical professional.

Using a DNS Server that Doesn't Support DoH

Another option is choosing a DNS provider that explicitly does not support DoH. This ensures that you won't accidentally use the protocol. However, this approach depends on the availability of such providers and may limit your choice of features.

Conclusion

Disabling DoH can be necessary for various reasons, from network management to troubleshooting. This guide provides a general overview. The specific steps may slightly vary depending on your operating system, browser, and network configuration. Remember to exercise caution when modifying DNS settings to avoid disrupting your internet connectivity.