Enabling and Troubleshooting DNS over HTTPS (DoH) in Safari on iOS

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) enhances your privacy and security by encrypting your DNS queries. This means your internet service provider (ISP) can't see which websites you're visiting. While iOS doesn't natively support a global DoH setting like some desktop operating systems, you can achieve similar results through several methods. This guide will walk you through those methods and common troubleshooting steps.

Method 1: Using a DoH-enabled VPN

The most reliable way to enable DoH on your iOS device, especially for Safari, is using a VPN provider that supports DNS over HTTPS. Many VPN services now offer this feature as part of their privacy-focused approach. When you connect to a VPN, all your internet traffic, including DNS queries, is routed through their servers, which often use DoH.

• Choose a reputable VPN provider: Research and select a VPN service known for its strong security practices and transparent privacy policy. Look for explicit mention of DoH support in their features list.
• Install and configure the VPN app: Download the VPN app from the App Store, create an account, and follow the instructions to connect to a server. Ensure the VPN's settings are configured to use DoH if the option is available (it's often found in the app's settings under 'DNS' or 'Privacy').
• Verify DoH is working: You can use online tools to check if your DNS queries are being encrypted via DoH. Search for 'DNS leak test' to find suitable websites.

Method 2: Configuring DNS settings within a specific app (Limited Scope)

Some apps allow you to specify custom DNS settings. This won't affect your entire system, but it can protect your DNS queries for that particular app. This method offers limited protection as it only applies to a single application, not your entire browsing experience in Safari.

• Check the app's settings: Look for options related to network settings, proxy settings, or DNS configuration within the specific app's settings.
• Enter DoH server address: If the app allows custom DNS server addresses, you can try entering a DoH server address like https://dns.google/dns-query (Google Public DNS over HTTPS). However, this may not be compatible with all apps.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems, here are some common issues and solutions:

• No internet connection: Double-check your VPN connection or Wi-Fi/cellular data settings. Ensure your VPN is correctly configured and connected.
• Websites not loading: Verify the DoH server address is correct. Incorrectly configured DNS settings can prevent websites from loading.
• Slow internet speeds: DoH itself shouldn't significantly impact speed. However, if using a VPN, a slow connection might be due to server location or network congestion. Try connecting to a different VPN server.
• App incompatibility: Some apps may not support custom DNS settings. If you're experiencing issues with a particular app, try disabling custom DNS within that app's settings.

Important Considerations

• VPN Reliability: While VPNs offer the most comprehensive DoH solution, ensure the VPN provider is trustworthy and doesn't compromise your privacy in other ways.
• Performance Implications: Using a VPN can introduce slight latency, depending on the server location and network conditions.
• Limited Native Support: Apple doesn't currently offer a system-wide DoH toggle in iOS settings, unlike some other operating systems. The options provided here offer workarounds for achieving better privacy.

By following these steps and troubleshooting common issues, you can improve your online privacy by implementing DNS over HTTPS in your Safari browsing experience on your iOS device.