Securing Your Tachiyomi Experience: A Comprehensive Guide to DNS over HTTPS

Tachiyomi, a popular manga reader app, relies on your device's DNS settings to connect to manga sources. However, standard DNS requests are susceptible to interception and manipulation, potentially exposing your browsing habits and making you vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. This is where DNS over HTTPS (DoH) comes in – a crucial security enhancement for anyone using Tachiyomi or any other internet-connected application.

What is DNS over HTTPS (DoH)?

DNS, or the Domain Name System, translates human-readable website addresses (like example.com) into the numerical IP addresses that computers use to connect to servers. Traditionally, these DNS queries are sent in plain text, making them easily intercepted and examined by your internet service provider (ISP), network administrators, or even malicious actors. DoH encrypts these DNS queries, sending them over HTTPS – the same secure protocol used for online banking and other sensitive transactions. This encryption prevents eavesdropping and tampering with your DNS requests.

Why Use DoH with Tachiyomi?

Using DoH with Tachiyomi offers several significant advantages:

• Increased Privacy: Your DNS queries are encrypted, hiding your browsing activity from your ISP and others on your network.
• Enhanced Security: DoH protects against DNS spoofing and other attacks that could redirect you to malicious websites or compromise your device.
• Improved Censorship Resistance: In regions with internet censorship, DoH can help bypass restrictions by encrypting your DNS requests and making it harder for censors to block access to specific websites or manga sources.
• Better Performance (potentially): Some DoH providers offer faster DNS resolution than your ISP's default DNS servers.

How to Enable DNS over HTTPS for Tachiyomi

Enabling DoH isn't directly configured within Tachiyomi itself. Instead, you need to configure DoH at the system or network level. The exact steps vary depending on your operating system and network configuration. Here's a general overview:

Android

Android's handling of DoH is inconsistent across device manufacturers and Android versions. Some devices may have built-in settings, while others might require using a third-party VPN or a custom DNS app. Check your device's settings for options related to "DNS" or "Private DNS". Popular options include setting a custom private DNS provider like Google Public DNS over HTTPS (dns.google) or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 (1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com).

iOS

iOS allows for configuring a custom DNS directly in the settings. Similar to Android, you can input a DoH provider like Google Public DNS or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1. Navigate to Settings > Wi-Fi > [Your Network] > Configure DNS > Manual and add the appropriate DoH addresses.

Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)

On desktop operating systems, the process is more involved and often relies on configuring your network settings or using a DNS client application. You can search for tutorials specific to your operating system and chosen DoH provider. The process may involve modifying your network adapter settings or utilizing a custom DNS client.

Choosing a DoH Provider

Several reputable providers offer DNS over HTTPS. Popular choices include:

• Google Public DNS over HTTPS (dns.google): A widely used and trusted option.
• Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 (1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com): Known for its speed and privacy features.
• Quad9 (dns.quad9.net): Focuses on security and blocking malicious domains.

Remember to research and choose a provider that aligns with your privacy preferences and security requirements. Read their privacy policies to understand how they handle your DNS data.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues after enabling DoH, such as connectivity problems, try the following:

• Verify your DoH provider's address: Double-check that you've entered the correct address.
• Restart your device: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
• Check your network connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
• Temporarily disable DoH: If problems persist, temporarily disable DoH to see if it resolves the issue. This helps identify whether DoH is the source of the problem.

By implementing DNS over HTTPS, you can significantly enhance the security and privacy of your Tachiyomi experience, protecting your online activity from unwanted scrutiny and potential threats.