How to Set Up FirewallDNS on Xbox
By [FILL IN], [FILL IN] · Last updated
Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles let you set IPv4 DNS servers manually in the advanced network settings. Encrypted DNS is not supported.
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]
- An Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One
No account yet? See pricing.
Step by step
1.Press the Xbox button to open the guide, then go to Profile & system > Settings.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 1 on Xbox [VERIFY] 2.Select General, then Network settings.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 2 on Xbox [VERIFY] 3.Select Advanced settings.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 3 on Xbox [VERIFY] 4.Select DNS settings, then Manual.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 4 on Xbox [VERIFY] 5.Enter [VERIFY: FirewallDNS primary DNS address] as Primary IPv4 DNS and press Enter.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 5 on Xbox [VERIFY] 6.Enter [VERIFY: FirewallDNS secondary DNS address] as Secondary IPv4 DNS and press Enter.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 6 on Xbox [VERIFY] 7.Return to Network settings and select Test network connection.
Image placeholder: screenshot of step 7 on Xbox [VERIFY]
How to verify it works
- Run Test network connection.
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Open the query log in your FirewallDNS dashboard and confirm that new lookups from your network appear within a few seconds.
How to revert
- Settings > General > Network settings > Advanced settings > DNS settings > Automatic.
Troubleshooting
- Xbox Live sign-in fails
- Look for blocked Microsoft or Xbox domains in the query log and allowlist them.
- IPv6 lookups bypass the filter
- Xbox only offers IPv4 DNS manually. Set IPv6 DNS on the router or disable IPv6 DNS there.
- Settings revert
- Check whether the console was reset to factory settings.
FAQ
Does this affect gaming latency?
No. Game traffic is not filtered, only DNS lookups.
Does Xbox support DNS-over-HTTPS?
No.
Can I protect children with this?
Yes, with category filters, combined with Xbox Family Settings.
Router or console?
Router-level DNS covers every device and is easier to manage.
What about Xbox Cloud Gaming?
It works normally unless required domains are blocked; check the log if problems occur.