Disabling DNS over HTTPS (DoH): A Comprehensive Guide to Reclaiming DNS Control

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a privacy-enhancing protocol that encrypts your DNS queries, shielding them from eavesdroppers. While offering improved privacy, it also introduces potential drawbacks, especially for users who prefer granular control over their network settings or who rely on specific DNS features not fully supported by all DoH providers. This guide details how to disable DoH on various operating systems and browsers, providing a clear understanding of the implications.

Why Disable DoH?

• Network Management Challenges: DoH can bypass network-level security measures like parental controls or content filtering implemented by your ISP or organization.
• Limited Control over DNS Settings: Disabling DoH allows you to revert to your preferred DNS server, giving you more control over DNS caching, custom DNS configurations, and advanced features.
• Compatibility Issues: Certain network configurations and applications may not work seamlessly with DoH. Disabling it can resolve these compatibility problems.
• Performance Concerns: While generally fast, DoH can introduce latency in some cases, particularly for users with slower internet connections or higher network latency.
• Privacy Concerns (Ironically): While intended to enhance privacy, some argue that DoH centralizes DNS traffic to a single provider, potentially increasing the risk of data collection and analysis by that provider.

How to Disable DoH

The method for disabling DoH varies depending on your operating system and browser. Here's a breakdown of common scenarios:

Disabling DoH in Chrome and Chromium-based Browsers

Chrome doesn't offer a direct setting to disable DoH globally. However, you can use the following method to disable it on a per-network basis. This typically requires advanced network configurations. The best approach is to change your DNS settings at the operating system level (see below).

Disabling DoH in Firefox

Firefox provides a more straightforward approach. Open about:config in your address bar. Search for network.trr.mode. Change the value to 0 (disabled) or 1 (system default, where system settings will prevail). You may need to restart your browser.

Disabling DoH at the Operating System Level

Windows

In Windows, you can disable DoH by manually configuring your DNS settings. Open Network Connections, select your active network adapter, and choose Properties. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), then click Properties. Choose to use a specified DNS server address. Enter your preferred DNS server addresses (e.g., 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google Public DNS).

macOS

On macOS, navigate to System Preferences > Network. Select your network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), then click Advanced. Go to the DNS tab and manually enter your desired DNS server addresses, removing any automatically configured DoH entries.

Linux

The method for disabling DoH on Linux varies depending on your distribution and network manager. Typically, you'll need to modify your network configuration files (often found in /etc/netplan or /etc/systemd/network) to specify your preferred DNS servers using the `dns=` directive.

Understanding the Implications

Disabling DoH trades the privacy benefits of encrypted DNS queries for more direct control over your DNS settings. If privacy is your primary concern, ensure your chosen DNS provider has strong privacy policies and practices. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of DoH, you can make an informed decision that best aligns with your individual needs and priorities. Remember to always prioritize using secure and trustworthy DNS providers, regardless of whether you use DoH.