Enabling secure DNS (Domain Name System) on Firefox can help enhance your online privacy and security by preventing third parties from intercepting or manipulating your DNS requests. As of my last update in September 2021, Firefox introduced a feature called “TRR” (Trusted Recursive Resolver) that allows you to configure a secure DNS resolver of your choice. Here’s how you can enable secure DNS on Firefox:
- Open Firefox: Launch the Firefox browser on your computer.
- Access Settings: Click on the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the dropdown menu, select “Options” or “Preferences.”
- Navigate to Network Settings: In the left sidebar of the options/preferences page, select “General” or “Privacy & Security,” depending on the version of Firefox you have. Scroll down until you find the “Network Settings” section.
- Enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH): Within the “Network Settings” section, look for the “Enable DNS over HTTPS” option. If it’s not already enabled, click on the checkbox to enable it.
- Choose a DoH Provider: After enabling DoH, a dropdown menu will appear, allowing you to select a DNS resolver. Firefox provides its own resolver by default, but you can choose a different one if you prefer. Some popular secure DNS providers include Cloudflare, Google, and NextDNS. Select your preferred provider from the list.
- Save Changes: Once you’ve selected a DNS resolver, click the “Save Changes” button to apply the settings.
- Verify DoH: To confirm that DNS over HTTPS is working, you can visit the following website using Firefox: https://www.cloudflare.com/ssl/encrypted-sni/ This site will display a message indicating whether your browser is using DNS over HTTPS.
Please note that Firefox’s interface and options may have changed since my last update, and newer versions of the browser might have introduced different settings or options related to secure DNS. Make sure to refer to the official Firefox documentation or resources for the most up-to-date instructions.
Keep in mind that enabling secure DNS helps protect your privacy and security, but it won’t prevent all forms of online tracking or security risks. It’s just one aspect of a comprehensive approach to online safety.
