How to Set Up Quad9 DNS on Windows, macOS, Linux, or Router? Print

Overview
Quad9 is a free, non-profit DNS service that prioritizes security and privacy. It blocks access to malicious domains using real-time threat intelligence feeds while protecting user data (no personal data logging).

Switching your DNS to Quad9 can:

• Protect against phishing, malware, and malicious sites

• Improve browsing speed and reliability

• Enhance privacy

Quad9 DNS Addresses

• IPv4

  • Primary: 9.9.9.9

  • Secondary: 149.112.112.112

• IPv6

  • Primary: 2620:fe::fe

  • Secondary: 2620:fe::9

(Note: Quad9 also offers DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS for encrypted DNS — advanced users can configure those separately.)

Windows 10 / 11

1. Right-click the network/Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar → Open Network & Internet Settings.

2. Select Change adapter options.

3. Right-click your active network connection → Properties.

4. Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties.

5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses:

   • Preferred DNS: 9.9.9.9

   • Alternate DNS: 149.112.112.112

6. (Optional) For IPv6, configure:

   • Preferred DNS: 2620:fe::fe

   • Alternate DNS: 2620:fe::9

7. Click OK, then reconnect to your network.

macOS (Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, older)

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions).

2. Select Network.

3. Choose your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) → Details/Advanced.

4. Go to the DNS tab.

5. Remove existing DNS entries and add:

   • 9.9.9.9

   • 149.112.112.112
     (Optional: add IPv6 addresses)

6. Click OK → Apply.

Linux (Ubuntu/Debian – Network Manager GUI)

1. Click the network icon → Settings.

2. Select your active connection → Settings.

3. Under IPv4 → DNS, enter:

   • 9.9.9.9, 149.112.112.112

4. For IPv6, enter:

   • 2620:fe::fe, 2620:fe::9

5. Save and reconnect.

Linux (Command Line – resolv.conf)

1. Open a terminal:

    

   sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf

2. Add:

    

   nameserver 9.9.9.9 nameserver 149.112.112.112

3. Save (CTRL+O) and exit (CTRL+X).

4. Restart networking:

    

   sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

(Note: Some Linux distributions overwrite resolv.conf — use NetworkManager or systemd-resolved for persistent changes.)

Router Setup (Recommended for Offices)

Applying Quad9 at the router level ensures all connected devices use it:

1. Log into your router/modem admin panel (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

2. Locate DNS settings (under Internet, WAN, or DHCP).

3. Replace existing DNS entries with:

   • Primary: 9.9.9.9

   • Secondary: 149.112.112.112

4. Save and restart the router.

Verify Setup

To confirm you’re using Quad9:

• Visit https://www.quad9.net

• Or run in Command Prompt/Terminal:

   

  nslookup example.com

  You should see 9.9.9.9 or 149.112.112.112 listed as the server.

✅ Tip: For maximum security, consider using Quad9 with DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or DNS-over-TLS (DoT), supported by modern operating systems and browsers.