DNS over HTTPS (DoH) in Brave: A Comprehensive Guide to Privacy and Performance

Brave, the privacy-focused web browser, offers built-in support for DNS over HTTPS (DoH), a powerful technology that enhances your online privacy and can improve your browsing speed. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of DoH in Brave, explaining what it is, how it works, its benefits, and how to configure it.

What is DNS over HTTPS (DoH)?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is the internet's phonebook. When you type a website address (like google.com) into your browser, your computer first queries a DNS server to translate that human-readable name into a machine-readable IP address. This IP address is then used to connect to the website.

Traditionally, this DNS lookup happens over unencrypted channels (using DNS over UDP or TCP). This means your internet service provider (ISP), and potentially others, can see every website you visit. DoH solves this by encrypting the DNS queries using HTTPS, the same protocol used to secure your web browsing.

How DoH Works in Brave

Brave's implementation of DoH protects your DNS queries by sending them over a secure HTTPS connection to a chosen DoH provider. This prevents your ISP and other potential eavesdroppers from observing your browsing activity.

Brave allows you to choose your preferred DoH provider. The default provider might vary depending on your location and Brave's configuration, but you have the flexibility to select alternative providers, each with its own advantages and disadvantages concerning privacy and performance.

Benefits of Using DoH in Brave

• Enhanced Privacy: The most significant advantage is improved privacy. Your DNS queries are encrypted, preventing your ISP and others from tracking your browsing habits.
• Improved Security: DoH helps prevent DNS spoofing and cache poisoning attacks, which can redirect you to malicious websites.
• Potentially Faster Browsing: Some DoH providers offer faster lookup times than traditional DNS servers, resulting in quicker page loading.
• Censorship Resistance: DoH can help bypass some forms of internet censorship by making it more difficult for authorities to block access to specific websites.

Configuring DoH in Brave

Configuring DoH in Brave is generally straightforward. However, the exact steps might vary slightly depending on your Brave version. Generally, you can find the settings in the following areas:

1. Open Brave's settings (usually found by clicking the three vertical dots in the top right corner).
2. Search for "DNS" or "Privacy and Security".
3. Look for a section related to DNS settings or network settings.
4. You should find options to enable DoH and choose a DoH provider. You can usually select from a list of predefined providers or specify a custom DoH address.

Important: Always select a reputable DoH provider. Choosing an untrusted provider could compromise your privacy.

Choosing a DoH Provider

Brave might offer several pre-configured DoH providers. Consider factors like privacy policy, location of the server (for latency), and reputation when making your choice. Research different providers to find one that aligns with your privacy preferences.

Troubleshooting DoH in Brave

If you encounter problems after enabling DoH (such as websites not loading), try the following:

• Check your network connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
• Try a different DoH provider: The chosen provider might be experiencing issues or might be blocked by your network.
• Disable DoH temporarily: See if the issue persists without DoH enabled to isolate the problem.
• Check Brave's updates: Make sure you're using the latest version of Brave.
• Consult Brave's support documentation: They might have specific troubleshooting steps for your situation.

Conclusion

DNS over HTTPS is a valuable privacy feature available in Brave. By encrypting your DNS queries, you enhance your online security and protect your browsing activity from unwanted surveillance. By understanding how it works and making informed choices about your DoH provider, you can significantly improve your online privacy and potentially your browsing experience.