Searching for "DNS over HTTPS 8.8.8.8" indicates you're interested in enhancing your online privacy and security. This article will explore what DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is, why it's important, how Google's Public DNS (8.8.8.8) fits into the picture, and how to configure it on various devices and operating systems.
The Domain Name System (DNS) is the internet's phonebook. When you type a website address (like www.example.com) into your browser, your computer uses DNS to translate that human-readable name into a machine-readable IP address (like 192.0.2.1), allowing your browser to connect to the server hosting that website. Traditionally, this DNS resolution happens over UDP or TCP, which are inherently vulnerable to eavesdropping and manipulation.
A malicious actor could intercept your DNS requests, redirecting you to fake websites (phishing) or injecting malicious content into your browsing experience. This is particularly concerning on public Wi-Fi networks, where security measures are often weaker.
DNS over HTTPS (DoH) solves this problem by encrypting your DNS queries using the HTTPS protocol, the same protocol used to secure web browsing. This means that your internet service provider (ISP), public Wi-Fi providers, or any other intermediary cannot see which websites you're visiting. Your DNS queries are private and protected.
Google offers a free and public DNS service with the IP address 8.8.8.8 (and its secondary 8.8.4.4). This service is widely considered fast and reliable. Importantly, Google also supports DoH, allowing you to utilize their service while benefiting from the added privacy and security of encrypted DNS queries. Using https://dns.google/resolve as your DoH endpoint ensures your DNS lookups are encrypted.
Windows 10 and 11 allow you to set a custom DNS server in the network settings. However, native DoH support isn't built-in. You may need to use third-party applications or modify your registry for DoH functionality.
macOS offers built-in support for setting a custom DNS server. While not directly specifying DoH, choosing 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 will often work through the system's DNS settings. More modern macOS versions might have specific settings for DoH.
Many Android devices allow you to change the DNS settings within the Wi-Fi settings. You can manually enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Some Android versions offer more explicit DoH configuration options.
Similar to Android, iOS allows you to set custom DNS servers. Manually inputting 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 is possible, though explicit DoH settings might require a VPN or third-party app.
Many modern routers support DoH. Consult your router's manual to check for options to configure DoH using Google Public DNS or another provider supporting DoH. Configuring it at the router level will protect all devices connected to that router.
While DoH offers substantial benefits, it's crucial to be aware of potential considerations:
Choosing to use DoH with Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) is a significant step towards improving your online privacy and security. Remember to consult your device's documentation for the most accurate configuration instructions and weigh the benefits against any potential downsides based on your specific needs and concerns.