How to Enhance Online Privacy with NextDNS
A Setup Guide To Installing NextDNS for Enhanced Online Security
Tired of ads, trackers, and creepy websites following you everywhere?
NextDNS is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to protect your privacy — and your family's — privacy on all devices.
It works like a smart shield for your internet: blocks ads, stops trackers, protects from malware, and even lets you set parental controls — all without installing browser extensions.
Best part? You can set it up in under 10 minutes.
Let’s go!
Why NextDNS is Awesome
Blocks ads everywhere (YouTube, apps, games — not just browser)
Stops Google/Facebook from tracking you
Protects against viruses and phishing sites
Works on phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, even IoT devices
Shows you exactly who is trying to track you (cool logs!)
Free tier is very generous (300,000 queries/month)
Ready? Let's set it up!
Step 1: Create Your Free NextDNS Account
Go to → https://nextdns.io
Click “Sign up for free” → use email or GitHub/Google
After signing up, you’ll see your unique ID (looks like abcd12)
Save this! You’ll need it in every step.
Step 2: Set Up NextDNS on Your Devices (Pick Yours)
🖥️ Windows (Easiest Way)
Go to: https://nextdns.io/apps
Download the NextDNS app for Windows
Install → Open → Enter your ID (
abcd12)Turn it ON 🟢
Done! All ads and trackers blocked system-wide.
💻 macOS
Same as Windows:
Download from https://nextdns.io/apps
Install → Enter your ID → Enable
📱 Android (No App Needed!)
Open Settings → Network & Internet → Private DNS
Choose “Private DNS provider hostname”
Type for Example: dns.nextdns.io/abcd12 (replace abcd12 with your real ID)
Save
Yeah! Encrypted + ad-free on your phone.
🍎 iPhone / iPad
Open Safari on your iPhone
Go to: https://apple.nextdns.io/abcd12
(replace abcd12 with your ID)Tap “Allow” → Go to Settings → “Profile Downloaded”
Tap Install → Install → Done
Now your entire iPhone uses NextDNS securely.
🏠 Router (Best Option — Protects Everything!)
Want to protect your smart TV, PlayStation, smart fridge, guests?
Set NextDNS once on your router → every device is protected automatically.
Simple method (works on most routers):
Log into your router (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
Find DNS settings (under WAN, Internet, or LAN/DHCP)
Change DNS servers to NextDNS ones (copy from your dashboard → Setup → IPv4 addresses)
Even better (if your router supports DoH): Use this link as DNS: https://dns.nextdns.io/abcd12 textPopular routers that support it: ASUS, GL.iNet, TP-Link (some models), OpenWrt, pfSense, etc.
Recommended Settings (Go to my.nextdns.io)
After setup, log in to https://my.nextdns.io and tweak these:
Privacy (Block Trackers & Ads)
Enable these blocklists:
OISD (Big)
AdGuard DNS filter
StevenBlack Hosts
Security
Turn on all these:
Threat Intelligence Feeds
Malware & Phishing Protection
Cryptojacking Protection
Parental Controls (Optional)
Block:
Adult content
Gambling
Social media (TikTok, Instagram, etc.)
Also enable:
Force SafeSearch (Google, YouTube, Bing)
YouTube Restricted Mode
Performance & Privacy Boost
Go to Settings tab:
Enable Cache Boost → faster loading
Disable ECS → better privacy
Enable Block IDN Homographs → stops fake domains like gοοgle.com
Troubleshooting (Common Fixes)
| Problem | Fix |
| Website not loading | Check Logs → allow the blocked domain |
| Some apps not working | Add their domains to Allowlist (e.g., banking apps) |
| Not sure if it's working | Visit https://test.nextdns.io — it will say “Using NextDNS → Yes! ✅ |
Final Tips
Start simple — use just OISD + AdGuard lists
Check your logs weekly — you’ll be shocked who’s tracking you
Put it on your router = set once, forget forever
Free plan is enough for most people (300k queries ≈ 5–10 devices)
That's it!
In less than 10 minutes, you now have:
No more ads in apps & YouTube
Full tracker blocking
Malware protection
Parental controls (if needed)
Full visibility into your internet
Welcome to a cleaner, faster, and private internet! 🌐
🔗 Your dashboard: https://my.nextdns.io
Drop a comment if you get stuck — happy to help! 😊
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with friends using my referral link: https://nextdns.io/?from=fq3gdq4h — it helps support the blog and you’ll get rewards too if they upgrade!
Drop a comment if you get stuck — happy to help!
