How to Set Up FirewallDNS on Brave
By [FILL IN], [FILL IN] · Last updated
Brave is based on Chromium and offers the same secure DNS setting as Chrome. Brave's built-in ad blocking works alongside DNS filtering.
Requirements
- A FirewallDNS account with your public IP address registered in the dashboard
- Your FirewallDNS addresses, shown under [VERIFY: dashboard menu name where these values are shown]
- Brave on Windows, macOS, Linux or Android
- Your DoH URL: [VERIFY: your personal DoH URL from the dashboard]
No account yet? See pricing.
Step by step
1.Open Brave, select the menu (three lines) and choose Settings.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 1 on Brave [VERIFY] 2.Select Privacy and security, then Security.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 2 on Brave [VERIFY] 3.Find Use secure DNS and turn it on.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 3 on Brave [VERIFY] 4.Choose Add custom DNS service provider (or Custom).
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 4 on Brave [VERIFY] 5.Enter [VERIFY: your personal DoH URL from the dashboard].
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 5 on Brave [VERIFY] 6.Restart Brave.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 6 on Brave [VERIFY]
How to verify it works
- Restart the browser so the new setting is used for every tab.
- Visit a few well-known websites.
- Open the query log in your FirewallDNS dashboard and confirm that new lookups from your network appear within a few seconds.
- Try a domain you have added to your own blocklist; the page should fail to load.
How to revert
- Open Settings > Privacy and security > Security > Use secure DNS again.
- Switch the secure DNS option back to the default (use current service provider) or turn it off.
- Restart the browser.
Troubleshooting
- A site works in Brave but not elsewhere
- Brave Shields and DNS filtering are separate. Check both the query log and Shields.
- Setting greyed out
- A policy manages Brave. Ask your administrator.
- Brave VPN bypasses DNS
- When Brave VPN or another VPN is on, it may use its own DNS.
FAQ
Do I need DNS filtering if Brave blocks ads?
They complement each other: DNS filtering also blocks malware and phishing and covers other apps when set on the router.
Does this cover the whole device?
No, only Brave.
Which takes priority, Shields or DNS?
A domain blocked by DNS never resolves, regardless of Shields.
Is a FirewallDNS DoH URL available?
[VERIFY: DoH availability in the dashboard]
Does Brave on iOS support custom DoH?
iOS browsers use the system resolver; use an iOS profile instead.