AdGuard DNS: Setup, Reddit Reviews, And Why It Matters

by Jhon Lennon 55 views

Let's dive into the world of AdGuard DNS, exploring what it is, how to set it up, and what the Reddit community has to say about it. If you're looking to enhance your online privacy and security, you've come to the right place. We’ll break down the technical stuff into easy-to-understand terms, so stick around!

What is AdGuard DNS?

AdGuard DNS is a free, privacy-focused DNS (Domain Name System) service provided by AdGuard, a well-known company specializing in ad-blocking and privacy protection software. Think of DNS as the internet's phonebook. When you type a website address like google.com, your computer needs to find the IP address associated with that name. This is where DNS comes in, translating the human-readable domain name into an IP address that computers can understand. Traditional DNS servers, like those provided by your internet service provider (ISP), are often unencrypted and can be monitored. This means your ISP can see every website you visit. AdGuard DNS steps in to offer a more secure and private alternative.

AdGuard DNS works by filtering DNS requests, blocking requests to known ad-serving domains, tracking servers, and malicious websites. This not only speeds up your browsing experience by preventing ads from loading but also protects you from online threats. There are three main versions of AdGuard DNS:

  1. Default AdGuard DNS: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
  2. AdGuard DNS Family Protection: Includes all the features of the default version, plus it blocks adult content and enforces safe search.
  3. Unfiltered AdGuard DNS: Provides a clean, unfiltered DNS resolution, suitable for those who don't need ad-blocking or content filtering but still want a reliable DNS service.

The beauty of AdGuard DNS lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. You don't need to install any software or browser extensions. By simply changing your device's DNS settings, you can start enjoying a cleaner, safer, and faster internet experience. This makes it an excellent option for users of all technical levels.

How to Set Up AdGuard DNS

Setting up AdGuard DNS is a straightforward process that can be done on various devices, including computers, smartphones, and routers. Here’s a step-by-step guide for different platforms:

On Windows:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Click on your active network connection (usually Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
  3. Click Properties.
  4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  5. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses.
  6. Enter the AdGuard DNS server addresses:
    • Preferred DNS server: 94.244.147.1
    • Alternate DNS server: 94.244.147.2
  7. Click OK to save the changes.

For AdGuard DNS Family Protection, use these addresses:

  • Preferred DNS server: 94.244.147.3
  • Alternate DNS server: 94.244.147.4

On macOS:

  1. Go to System Preferences > Network.
  2. Select your active network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click Advanced.
  3. Go to the DNS tab.
  4. Click the + button to add new DNS servers.
  5. Enter the AdGuard DNS server addresses:
    • 94.244.147.1
    • 94.244.147.2
  6. Click OK and then Apply to save the changes.

For AdGuard DNS Family Protection, use these addresses:

  • 94.244.147.3
  • 94.244.147.4

On Android:

  1. Go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap and hold your connected Wi-Fi network and select Manage network settings.
  3. Check Show advanced options.
  4. Change IP settings to Static.
  5. Enter the AdGuard DNS server addresses in the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields:
    • DNS 1: 94.244.147.1
    • DNS 2: 94.244.147.2
  6. Save the changes.

Note: For Android 9 and above, you can use Private DNS mode for a more secure connection. Go to Settings > Connections > More connection settings > Private DNS and select Private DNS provider hostname. Enter dns.adguard.com.

For AdGuard DNS Family Protection, you can't directly configure it via Private DNS. You'll need to manually set the DNS servers as described above.

On iOS (iPhone/iPad):

  1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap on your connected Wi-Fi network.
  3. Scroll down to Configure DNS and tap on it.
  4. Change from Automatic to Manual.
  5. Tap Add Server and enter the AdGuard DNS server addresses:
    • 94.244.147.1
    • 94.244.147.2
  6. Save the changes.

For AdGuard DNS Family Protection, use these addresses:

  • 94.244.147.3
  • 94.244.147.4

On Your Router:

Configuring AdGuard DNS on your router will protect all devices connected to your network. The steps vary depending on your router's manufacturer, but here's a general guideline:

  1. Access your router's settings page by typing its IP address into your web browser (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
  2. Log in with your router's username and password (check your router's manual if you don't know them).
  3. Look for DNS settings. This might be under Advanced Settings, WAN Settings, or similar.
  4. Enter the AdGuard DNS server addresses:
    • Primary DNS: 94.244.147.1
    • Secondary DNS: 94.244.147.2
  5. Save the changes and restart your router.

For AdGuard DNS Family Protection, use these addresses:

  • Primary DNS: 94.244.147.3
  • Secondary DNS: 94.244.147.4

By following these steps, you can easily set up AdGuard DNS on your devices and enjoy a safer and cleaner internet experience.

Reddit Reviews and Community Feedback

Now, let's see what the Reddit community has to say about AdGuard DNS. Reddit is a treasure trove of information, with users sharing their experiences and opinions on various topics. When it comes to AdGuard DNS, the feedback is generally positive.

Many Reddit users praise AdGuard DNS for its effectiveness in blocking ads and trackers. Users report a noticeable improvement in browsing speed and a reduction in annoying pop-ups and banners. Some users have even compared it to other popular DNS services like Cloudflare and Google DNS, noting that AdGuard DNS provides a better balance between privacy and performance.

One common sentiment among Reddit users is the ease of setup. As we discussed earlier, setting up AdGuard DNS is relatively simple, and many users appreciate that they don't need to install any additional software or browser extensions. This makes it an accessible solution for users who may not be tech-savvy.

However, some users have reported occasional issues with website compatibility. In rare cases, AdGuard DNS's filtering may interfere with certain websites or online services, causing them to load incorrectly or not at all. This is usually due to overly aggressive blocking of certain domains or scripts. Fortunately, AdGuard DNS allows users to whitelist specific domains or disable filtering altogether if necessary.

Another point raised by Reddit users is the importance of using AdGuard DNS in conjunction with other privacy tools, such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network). While AdGuard DNS can block ads and trackers, it doesn't encrypt your internet traffic or hide your IP address. Using a VPN in addition to AdGuard DNS provides an extra layer of security and privacy, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.

Here’s a summary of common themes from Reddit reviews:

  • Pros:
    • Effective ad and tracker blocking.
    • Improved browsing speed.
    • Easy setup.
    • Enhanced privacy.
  • Cons:
    • Occasional website compatibility issues.
    • Doesn't encrypt internet traffic (requires a VPN for full protection).

Overall, the Reddit community seems to have a positive view of AdGuard DNS, considering it a valuable tool for enhancing online privacy and security.

Why AdGuard DNS Matters

In today's digital age, online privacy and security are more important than ever. With the increasing amount of data being collected about our online activities, it's crucial to take steps to protect ourselves from tracking, profiling, and malicious threats. AdGuard DNS plays a significant role in this effort by providing a simple yet effective way to block ads, trackers, and malware.

One of the key benefits of using AdGuard DNS is that it enhances your browsing experience. By blocking ads and trackers, it reduces the amount of data that your device needs to download, resulting in faster page load times and a more responsive browsing experience. This can be especially noticeable on mobile devices with limited bandwidth or slower internet connections.

Moreover, AdGuard DNS helps protect you from online threats. By blocking access to known malware domains and phishing sites, it reduces the risk of falling victim to scams, viruses, and other malicious attacks. This is particularly important for users who may not be aware of the latest online threats or who may be more vulnerable to social engineering tactics.

Another important aspect of AdGuard DNS is its privacy-focused approach. Unlike traditional DNS servers that may log your browsing activity, AdGuard DNS is designed to minimize data collection and protect your privacy. This means that your ISP or other third parties are less likely to be able to track your online behavior.

In addition to these benefits, AdGuard DNS is also highly customizable. Users can choose between different filtering options, such as the default ad-blocking mode or the family protection mode, which blocks adult content and enforces safe search. This allows users to tailor the service to their specific needs and preferences.

Furthermore, the integration with other AdGuard products makes it a compelling choice for those already invested in the AdGuard ecosystem. It provides a seamless and consistent experience across all your devices, whether you're using the AdGuard browser extension, the AdGuard desktop app, or the AdGuard DNS service.

In conclusion, AdGuard DNS matters because it empowers users to take control of their online privacy and security. By blocking ads, trackers, and malware, it enhances your browsing experience, protects you from online threats, and minimizes data collection. Whether you're a tech-savvy user or a casual internet user, AdGuard DNS is a valuable tool for safeguarding your digital life.