DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is an essential technology that helps users protect their internet privacy and avoid restrictions placed by ISPs (Internet Service Providers) such as blocking certain websites. Many people enjoy streaming content online, and some streaming sites like Tamilyogi may be restricted by certain ISPs due to various reasons, such as copyright issues or local government regulations. DNS over HTTPS is an efficient tool to bypass these restrictions. This technology ensures that DNS queries, which translate website addresses into IP addresses, are encrypted, making it harder for ISPs to monitor or block your traffic. In this article, we will explore how to use DNS over HTTPS to bypass ISP blocks and enjoy unrestricted access to your favorite sites.
DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a protocol that allows DNS queries to be sent over an encrypted HTTPS connection, providing a secure and private method of translating domain names into IP addresses. Traditionally, DNS queries are sent in plaintext, making it possible for ISPs and other third parties to monitor, manipulate, or block specific websites. However, DoH ensures that these queries are encrypted, protecting user privacy and reducing the possibility of interference by ISPs or malicious actors.
Unlike traditional DNS, which relies on plain text, DoH uses HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) to send requests and responses between the user's device and the DNS resolver. This ensures that the data remains confidential and cannot be easily intercepted or blocked by third parties. By using DNS over HTTPS, users can bypass regional restrictions, avoid ISP throttling, and maintain privacy while browsing.
ISPs often block access to certain websites, including streaming platforms, due to a variety of reasons. This could be due to copyright enforcement, government regulations, or simply a policy decision made by the ISP itself. As a result, users are unable to access these websites unless they use specific workarounds. DNS over HTTPS is one such workaround that helps bypass these blocks.
1. Encryption of DNS Queries: The most crucial benefit of DNS over HTTPS is the encryption of DNS queries. Since DNS queries are encrypted, ISPs are unable to see which websites the user is attempting to access. This makes it difficult for ISPs to block websites based on DNS queries.
2. Bypassing DNS-based Blocking: ISPs typically block websites by manipulating DNS responses. When a user tries to access a blocked website, the ISP’s DNS resolver will return a “non-existent domain” or an incorrect IP address. With DoH, however, the DNS queries are sent through a secure, encrypted channel to a third-party DNS resolver. This means that the ISP is unable to interfere with the DNS responses, allowing the user to access blocked websites.
3. Preventing DNS Tampering: ISPs sometimes modify DNS records to redirect users to alternative websites or prevent them from accessing certain content. DoH prevents this by using secure DNS servers that are resistant to tampering. This ensures that the user is always directed to the correct website, even if the ISP tries to manipulate the DNS responses.
4. Improved Privacy: DNS over HTTPS ensures that the user’s browsing activity is kept private, even from the ISP. Since DNS queries are encrypted, the ISP is unable to monitor the websites the user visits, enhancing the overall privacy of the user’s online activities.
To use DNS over HTTPS and bypass ISP blocks, users need to configure their devices to use a DoH-compatible DNS resolver. This process varies slightly depending on the operating system or device being used. Below are the general steps for configuring DNS over HTTPS on different platforms.
1. On Windows:
- Open the “Settings” menu and go to “Network & Internet.”
- Click on “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi” (depending on your connection).
- Select “Change adapter options.”
- Right-click on your active network connection and choose “Properties.”
- Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.”
- Under the “General” tab, choose “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
- Enter the DNS resolver addresses that support DoH, such as Google DNS or Cloudflare.
- To enable DNS over HTTPS, go to the advanced settings for DNS in the "Network & Internet" settings.
2. On macOS:
- Open the “System Preferences” menu.
- Select “Network,” then choose the active network interface (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- Click on “Advanced” and go to the “DNS” tab.
- Add the DoH resolver addresses to the DNS list.
- To enable DoH, you may need to configure a third-party application, such as Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 app.
3. On Android:
- Open the “Settings” app and go to “Network & Internet.”
- Select “Wi-Fi” and choose your active network.
- Tap “Advanced” and enable “Private DNS.”
- Select “Custom” and enter the DoH provider’s hostname (e.g., “dns.google” or “1.1.1.1”).
- Save the settings to enable DNS over HTTPS.
4. On iOS:
- Go to “Settings” and tap on “Wi-Fi.”
- Choose the active Wi-Fi network and tap the “i” icon next to it.
- Scroll down and select “Configure DNS.”
- Choose “Manual” and add the DoH provider’s DNS addresses.
- Save the changes to enable DNS over HTTPS.
Not all DNS providers support DNS over HTTPS. To ensure privacy and bypass ISP blocks effectively, it is essential to choose a reliable DoH-compatible DNS resolver. Some of the popular options include:
- Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1: Cloudflare offers fast and secure DNS services with strong privacy policies. Their DNS over HTTPS service is easy to set up and widely supported.
- Google DNS: Google’s DNS service (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) also supports DNS over HTTPS, providing fast and reliable resolution with high availability.
- NextDNS: NextDNS is a customizable DNS service that offers advanced privacy features, including filtering and blocking unwanted content. It also supports DNS over HTTPS.
When selecting a DNS provider, it is crucial to consider factors such as speed, privacy policies, and support for DNS over HTTPS. Many of these providers also offer additional security features such as malware blocking and content filtering, enhancing your overall online experience.
DNS over HTTPS is an effective tool for bypassing ISP blocks and ensuring a secure, private browsing experience. By encrypting DNS queries and sending them through secure channels, DoH makes it harder for ISPs to monitor and block access to specific websites. Setting up DoH on your devices is straightforward and can be done with just a few simple steps. With the right DNS resolver, you can enjoy unrestricted access to your favorite websites, including streaming platforms, while maintaining your online privacy.