DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a privacy-enhancing protocol that encrypts your DNS queries, preventing your internet service provider (ISP) and potential eavesdroppers from seeing which websites you visit. This guide focuses on configuring DoH clients on various Linux distributions.
Traditional DNS queries are sent in plain text, making them vulnerable to interception and manipulation. DoH mitigates this risk by encrypting your DNS traffic over HTTPS, the same protocol used for secure web browsing. This offers several key advantages:
Selecting a reputable DoH provider is crucial. Consider factors like privacy policy, location of servers, and uptime. Popular choices include:
The method for configuring DoH varies depending on your Linux distribution and network manager. Here are some common approaches:
Many modern Linux distributions use systemd-resolved as their DNS resolver. This is often the easiest method to configure DoH:
Edit the /etc/systemd/resolved.conf file (requires root privileges):
sudo nano /etc/systemd/resolved.conf
Add or modify the following lines, replacing example.com with your chosen DoH provider's address:
[Resolve]
DNS=1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com
DNSOverHTTPS=yes
Domains=~.+local
Save the file and restart the service:
sudo systemctl restart systemd-resolved
If you're using NetworkManager, you might be able to configure DoH through your distribution's graphical settings. Look for options related to DNS settings within your network configuration.
Directly editing /etc/resolv.conf is generally discouraged, as it's often dynamically managed by your system's resolver. Changes made here might be overwritten.
Some browsers like Firefox and Chrome allow you to configure DoH directly within their settings. This will only affect DNS queries made by the browser itself.
If you encounter issues, check your network configuration, ensure the DoH provider's address is correct, and verify that systemd-resolved (or your resolver) is running correctly.
| Client | Ease of Use | System Requirements | Privacy Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| systemd-resolved | Easy (for supported distributions) | Systemd | Basic DoH support |
| NetworkManager (GUI) | Easy (if supported by your distribution) | NetworkManager | Depends on distribution implementation |
| Browser-Specific Settings | Easy | Browser installed | Limited to browser traffic |
This guide provides a starting point for configuring DoH on Linux. Always refer to your distribution's documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date instructions.