How to Enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH) in Chrome: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you worried about your online privacy and security? Want to keep your browsing activity safe from prying eyes? Enabling DNS over HTTPS (DoH) in Chrome can help! This guide will walk you through setting up DoH in Chrome, step by step.

What is DNS over HTTPS (DoH)?

Before we dive into the setup, let's understand what DoH is:

• DoH encrypts your DNS requests
• It stops others from seeing which websites you visit
• It protects you from DNS-based attacks
• It keeps your internet service provider (ISP) from tracking your online activity

Now, let's get started with enabling DoH in Chrome!

Step 1: Update Chrome to the Latest Version

To use DoH, you need the newest version of Chrome. Here's how to check and update:

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner of Chrome
2. Go to "Help" > "About Google Chrome"
3. Chrome will automatically check for updates
4. If an update is available, click "Relaunch" to install it

Step 2: Access Chrome's DNS Settings

Now that you have the latest version, let's find the DNS settings:

1. Type chrome://settings/security in the address bar and press Enter
2. Scroll down to find "Use secure DNS"

Step 3: Enable DoH in Chrome

Time to turn on DoH:

1. Toggle the switch next to "Use secure DNS" to turn it on
2. Select "With" to choose a DNS provider

Step 4: Choose a DNS Provider

Chrome offers some pre-configured DNS providers:

1. Choose from the list of providers (e.g., Google, Cloudflare)
2. Or, select "Custom" to enter your preferred DoH server address

Popular DoH server addresses:

• Google: https://dns.google/dns-query
• Cloudflare: https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query
• Quad9: https://dns.quad9.net/dns-query

Step 5: Verify DoH is Working

To make sure DoH is active:

1. Visit https://1.1.1.1/help
2. Look for "Using DNS over HTTPS (DoH): Yes"

If you see this message, great job! You've successfully enabled DoH in Chrome.

Benefits of Using DoH in Chrome

By enabling DoH, you get several perks:

• Better privacy: Your DNS queries are encrypted
• Improved security: Protection against DNS spoofing attacks
• Faster performance: Quicker and more reliable DNS lookups
• Bypass censorship: Some countries block websites through DNS; DoH can help bypass this
• Reduce tracking: Makes it harder for your ISP to track your online activities

Common Questions About DoH in Chrome

Here are some questions you might have:

1. Will DoH slow down my browsing?
   Generally, no. In fact, it might make things faster by using more efficient DNS servers.

2. Can I use DoH with my VPN?
   Yes, but make sure your VPN supports DoH. Some VPNs might override Chrome's DNS settings.

3. Is DoH completely secure?
   While DoH greatly improves security, it's not perfect. Use it alongside other security measures for best protection.

4. Will DoH stop my ISP from seeing which sites I visit?
   It will hide your DNS queries, but your ISP can still see the IP addresses you connect to. For full privacy, consider using a VPN.

Troubleshooting DoH Issues

If you run into problems with DoH:

1. Double-check that you've followed all steps correctly
2. Try a different DNS provider
3. Temporarily disable DoH to see if it resolves the issue
4. Check for conflicting browser extensions
5. Clear your browser cache and cookies
6. Restart your computer and router

Advanced DoH Setup: Using a Custom DNS Provider

For those who want more control, you can set up a custom DoH provider:

1. In Chrome's "Use secure DNS" settings, select "Custom"
2. Enter the DoH server address of your chosen provider
3. Some popular custom options include:
   • AdGuard DNS: https://dns.adguard.com/dns-query
   • OpenDNS: https://doh.opendns.com/dns-query
   • NextDNS: https://dns.nextdns.io

Remember to choose a provider you trust, as they will be handling your DNS queries.

DoH and Privacy: What You Need to Know

While DoH improves privacy, it's important to understand its limitations:

• DoH encrypts DNS queries, but not all internet traffic
• Your chosen DoH provider can still see your DNS requests
• Websites can still track you through other means (e.g., cookies, fingerprinting)

For comprehensive privacy, consider using DoH alongside:

• A trusted VPN
• Privacy-focused browser extensions
• Regular cookie and cache clearing

DoH vs. Traditional DNS: A Comparison

To understand why DoH is beneficial, let's compare it to traditional DNS:

Conclusion

Enabling DNS over HTTPS in Chrome is a simple yet powerful way to boost your online privacy and security. By following this step-by-step guide, you've taken an important step towards protecting your browsing activity from potential threats.

Remember, staying safe online is an ongoing process. Keep your browser updated, use strong passwords, and consider using additional privacy tools like a VPN for comprehensive protection.

Happy browsing, and stay secure!