How to Set Up a DNS Firewall on Your Router
By [FILL IN], [FILL IN] · Last updated
Step-by-step instructions to point your home or office router at a DNS firewall and protect every connected device.
1. Register your IP address
Create a free FirewallDNS account and add the public IP address of your network in the dashboard. Only registered addresses are answered, which keeps the resolver closed to abuse.
2. Change the router DNS
Open your router admin page (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), find the WAN or DHCP DNS settings and replace the existing servers with the FirewallDNS addresses shown in your dashboard.
3. Renew device connections
Reconnect Wi-Fi or restart devices so they pick up the new DNS server. Then open your dashboard and watch the live log fill up.
Dynamic IP?
Many home connections change IP address. Update the address in the dashboard whenever it changes so filtering keeps working.
Troubleshooting
If a site will not load, check the log for a blocked entry and add the domain to your allowlist.
- Some routers also need IPv6 DNS changed
- Disable "DNS relay" if lookups bypass the router
- Turn off browser "secure DNS" if it overrides your network