Completely Disable DNS over HTTPS (DoH) on macOS: A Comprehensive Guide

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) enhances your privacy by encrypting DNS queries, preventing your ISP from seeing which websites you visit. However, some users prefer to disable DoH for various reasons, such as troubleshooting network issues, compatibility problems with certain applications, or using custom DNS settings. This guide provides a comprehensive approach to disabling DoH on macOS, covering various scenarios and troubleshooting steps.

Understanding DNS over HTTPS (DoH) on macOS

Before diving into disabling DoH, let's briefly understand how it works on macOS. Many modern browsers (like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari) and even macOS itself can use DoH by default. This means your DNS requests are sent over HTTPS, usually to a provider specified by your browser or system settings. This offers privacy benefits but can complicate network management and potentially interfere with certain network configurations or corporate firewalls.

Methods to Disable DNS over HTTPS on macOS

Disabling DoH on macOS can be approached in several ways, depending on where it's being used:

1. Disabling DoH in Individual Browsers:

Chrome: Open Chrome settings (three vertical dots), go to 'Privacy and security' -> 'Security' -> 'Use secure DNS'. Select 'None' or disable the setting entirely. You may need to restart the browser.
Firefox: Open Firefox settings (three horizontal lines), go to 'Privacy & Security'. In the 'Network Settings' section, you'll find 'Settings...' under 'DNS over HTTPS'. Here, you can disable DoH or select a different provider or use the system's settings.
Safari: Safari's DoH settings are more integrated with the system's DNS settings. Disabling system-wide DoH (explained below) will typically also disable it in Safari.

2. Disabling System-Wide DoH in macOS (Recommended):

This approach disables DoH for all applications using the system's DNS settings, offering the most comprehensive solution. This is generally the preferred method for complete DoH disablement.

Important Note: The method for disabling system-wide DoH can vary slightly depending on your macOS version. For macOS Monterey (12) and later, there isn't a built-in setting specifically for disabling DoH. However, setting a custom DNS server generally overrides any built-in DoH configuration. This is because the custom DNS server configuration takes precedence.

Steps for disabling System-Wide DoH (by using a custom DNS server):

Open System Settings.
Go to Network.
Select your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
Click Advanced...
Go to the DNS tab.
Click the + button to add a new DNS server.
Enter the IP addresses of your preferred DNS servers (e.g., 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google Public DNS). You can also use Cloudflare's DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
Remove any existing DNS servers that might be using DoH automatically.
Click OK to save the changes.

By specifying custom DNS servers, you effectively override any automatic DoH configuration.

3. Using a DNS-Only VPN:

Another option, although less directly related to disabling DoH specifically, is to use a DNS-only VPN service. These services route your DNS traffic through their secure servers, effectively bypassing any DoH configuration on your system and providing a more controlled DNS experience. This offers an additional layer of privacy and control beyond simply disabling DoH.

Troubleshooting

If you're still experiencing issues after disabling DoH, consider these troubleshooting steps:

Restart your Mac: A simple restart often resolves minor network glitches.
Check your network settings: Ensure your network connection is stable and correctly configured.
Flush your DNS cache: In the Terminal, enter sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter. This command clears your DNS cache, forcing a fresh DNS lookup.
Verify browser settings: Double-check that you've disabled DoH in all your browsers.

Warning:

Incorrectly configuring your DNS settings can disrupt your internet connectivity. If you're unsure about any of these steps, it's best to seek assistance from a technical expert.

By following these steps, you can effectively disable DNS over HTTPS on your macOS system and regain control over your DNS settings. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and technical expertise.