How to Set Up FirewallDNS on Google Chrome
By [FILL IN], [FILL IN] · Last updated
Chrome can send DNS lookups over DNS-over-HTTPS to a provider you choose. Pointing it at FirewallDNS keeps filtering active in Chrome even on networks you do not control. Only Chrome traffic is covered; other apps are not.
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]
- Chrome on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS or Android
- Your DoH URL: [VERIFY: your personal DoH URL from the dashboard]
No account yet? See pricing.
Step by step
1.Open Chrome, select the three-dot menu and choose Settings.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 1 on Google Chrome [VERIFY] 2.Select Privacy and security, then Security.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 2 on Google Chrome [VERIFY] 3.Scroll to Advanced and find Use secure DNS.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 3 on Google Chrome [VERIFY] 4.Turn on Use secure DNS.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 4 on Google Chrome [VERIFY] 5.Next to Select DNS provider, choose Add custom DNS service provider (or Custom).
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 5 on Google Chrome [VERIFY] 6.Enter [VERIFY: your personal DoH URL from the dashboard].
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 6 on Google Chrome [VERIFY] 7.Close settings and restart Chrome.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 7 on Google Chrome [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
- The option is greyed out
- Your organisation manages Chrome, or parental controls are active. Ask the administrator.
- Pages fail to load after the change
- Check the DoH URL for typos; it must start with https://.
- Other apps are not filtered
- Browser DoH only covers Chrome. Setting DNS on your router instead protects every device on the network at once. See our router guides.
FAQ
Does this filter the whole computer?
No, only Chrome. Set DNS on the operating system or router to cover everything.
Can Chrome bypass my network DNS filter?
Yes, if secure DNS points at another provider. Administrators can control this with the DnsOverHttpsMode policy.
Does it work on Android Chrome?
Yes, under Settings > Privacy and security > Use secure DNS.
Is a FirewallDNS DoH URL available?
[VERIFY: DoH availability in the dashboard]
Will this slow down browsing?
DoH adds encryption overhead, but connections are reused and answers cached.