Setup: DNSCloak for iOS

DNSCloak is an iOS app that uses the DNSCrypt protocol to authenticate communication between your iOS device and Quad9.

In addition to using the DNSCrypt protocol, DNSCloak also gives you the added convenience of setting your DNS provider for all the networks you connect to. When setting your DNS provider in the iOS settings, you must manually enter 9.9.9.9 on every network you use to take advantage of Quad9's services. Using an app such as DNSCloak allows you to set your DNS preferences once and continue to use Quad9 across multiple networks.

Please follow the steps below to set Quad9 as your iOS DNS provider using DNSCloak.

Step 1 - Install

Install the latest version of DNSCloak from the Apple App store: DNSCloak • Secure DNS client

Step 2 - Quad9 Server Search and Selection

On your iOS device, launch the DNSCloak app and search for Quad9. Select the correct server for your needs and then select "Use this server."

For more information on which server is right for you, please visit our Quad9 IPs and Other Settings page.

Step 3 - iOS Prompt

You will receive a prompt from iOS asking for your permission to add a new VPN configuration, select "Allow." You are now using Quad9 on your iOS device.

Step 4 (Optional) - Enable Logging

To enable logging, select the collapsed menu icon, expand "Logs" and then toggle "Enable service log", "Log DNS queries", and "Log NX queries."

We highly recommend enabling logging as it can give you lots of useful information for troubleshooting any problems you may encounter.

The service logs will show you your connection to the Quad9 server of your choice and your round trip time.

The DNS query logs show you detailed information about your DNS queries.

The NX queries logs will show you domains that could not be resolved on your device. These logs are a mix of non-existent domains as well as domains that are blocked by the Quad9 block list.