Quick Answer
- AdGuard DNS blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level on both Android and iOS without needing a VPN or browser extension.
- On Android, use Private DNS in Settings; on iOS, install an encrypted DNS profile.
- It’s free but routes your DNS through AdGuard’s servers, so they see your queries (though traffic can be encrypted).
What It Does
AdGuard DNS intercepts DNS lookups and blocks ad and tracker domains before they reach your phone. They offer three public servers: default (blocks ads and trackers), non-filtering, and family protection (also blocks adult content). It works system-wide across apps and browsers without installing anything extra on Android and iOS.
Android Setup
Go to Settings → Network → Private DNS and enter dns.adguard-dns.com for default filtering, or use their family protection hostname instead. Done. Your DNS is now encrypted and filtered.
iOS Setup
Visit AdGuard’s configuration page on your iPhone, choose your filtering level, download the profile, and install it in Settings → VPN & Device Management. iOS will then route all DNS through AdGuard’s encrypted servers.
The Tradeoff
You get system-wide ad blocking without a VPN, but AdGuard becomes your DNS provider and sees your queries (even if encrypted). If you want zero-knowledge DNS, a self-hosted resolver or true no-log DNS service costs more effort or money.
