[](https://github.com/yokoffing/NextDNS-Config/issues)
[](https://github.com/yokoffing/NextDNS-Config/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aclosed)
[](https://hits.seeyoufarm.com)
***
# Guidelines :bookmark:
1) Prevent overblocking by utilizing the [law of diminishing returns](https://pmctraining.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Law-of-Diminishing-Returns-CHART.png) (e.g., using [sane](https://www.privacyguides.org/basics/threat-modeling/), quality [blocklists](https://github.com/yokoffing/NextDNS-Config#blocklists-1); allowing most [TLDs](https://github.com/yokoffing/NextDNS-Config#block-top-level-domains-tlds-1-2-3-4-5); etc.).
2) Pass the [girlfriend test](https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Grandma%20Test) with few exceptions. These deviations are documented throughout the guide.
***
## Create your account
Sign up for NextDNS [here](https://nextdns.io/?from=xujj63g5)!
***
# Security :policeman:
Security settings protect your data from harm, theft, and unauthorized use.*^[why does this matter?](https://thenewoil.org/why.html)*
### Threat Intelligence Feeds [1](https://github.com/nextdns/metadata/blob/master/security/threat-intelligence-feeds.json)
 Use Threat Intelligence Feeds
### AI-Driven Threat Detection [1](https://unofficialbird.com/nextdns/status/1440291577713233925?lang=en)
:warning: This feature is still in beta and may cause [false positives](https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/false_positive).
 Enable AI-Driven Threat Detection
### Google Safe Browsing [1](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/11689349/107696360-d8dde800-6c7f-11eb-9882-cccc8d2065c5.jpg) [2](https://safebrowsing.google.com/safebrowsing/report_general/) [3](https://blog.cryptographyengineering.com/2019/10/13/dear-apple-safe-browsing-might-not-be-that-safe/) [4](https://the8-bit.com/apple-proxies-google-safe-browsing-privacy/) [5](https://github.com/brave/brave-browser/wiki/Deviations-from-Chromium-(features-we-disable-or-remove)#services-we-proxy-through-brave-servers)
 Enable Google Safe Browsing
### Cryptojacking Protection [1](https://github.com/nextdns/metadata/blob/master/security/cryptojacking.json)
 Enable Cryptojacking Protection
### DNS Rebinding Protection [1](https://help.nextdns.io/t/35hmval/what-is-dns-rebinding-protection) [2](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/t0ne8r/does_dns_rebinding_protection_block_remote_access/?context=3)
 Enable DNS Rebinding Protection
### IDN Homograph Attacks Protection [1](https://blog.riotsecurityteam.com/idn-homograph-attacksprevention) [2](https://www.akamai.com/blog/security/watch-your-step-the-prevalence-of-idn-homograph-attacks)
 Enable Homograph Attacks Protection
### Typosquatting Protection [1](https://github.com/nextdns/metadata/blob/master/security/typosquatting/protected-domains)
 Enable Typosquatting Protection
### Domain Generation Algorithms (DGAs) Protection
 Enable DGA Protection
### Block Newly Registered Domains (NRDs) [1](https://www.boldgrid.com/instagram-influencer-accounts-are-being-hacked-phishing-attacks/)
:warning: Blocking NRDs may cause [false positives](https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/false_positive) [occasionally](https://old.reddit.com/r/InternetIsBeautiful/comments/w2wdro/comment/iguvg8y/?context=3). Be selective when adding NRDs to your allowlist; and, if you do, **NEVER** give [sensitive information](https://www.egnyte.com/guides/governance/sensitive-information) to a NRD. *If you plan to [set-and-forget](https://glosbe.com/en/en/set-and-forget) your configuration, disable this setting.*
 Block Newly Registered Domains (NRDs)
### Block Dynamic DNS Hostnames [1](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/11689349/204171461-5bf9fb5b-a567-4692-8992-37108c8e7f1d.png) [2](https://github.com/nextdns/metadata/blob/master/security/ddns/suffixes) [3](https://twitter.com/NextDNS/status/1541740963760144386?cxt=HHwWhIC8iZ7PruUqAAAA)
 Enable Block Dynamic DNS Hostnames
### Block Parked Domains [1](https://github.com/nextdns/metadata/blob/master/security/parked-domains-cname)
 Block Parked Domains
### Block Top-Level Domains (TLDs) [1](https://webtribunal.net/blog/tld-statistics/) [2](https://www.spamhaus.org/statistics/tlds/) [3](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/verified-twitter-accounts-hacked-to-send-fake-suspension-notices/) [4](https://github.com/DandelionSprout/adfilt/blob/master/Dandelion%20Sprout's%20Anti-Malware%20List.txt) [5](https://github.com/DandelionSprout/adfilt/issues/659#issuecomment-1284845803)
:warning: Blocking [TLDs](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/components-of-a-url/) may cause [false positives](https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/false_positive) since this feature blocks both site nagviations and subrequests. However, the entries below should allow for everyday browsing while offering protection against commonly abused TLDs since they have no known legitimate uses.
```
.bid
.cfd
.discount
.gdn
.loan
.loans
.ooo
.sbs
```
:stop_sign: Below are additional TLDs you may block, but you may need to [allowlist](https://github.com/yokoffing/NextDNS-Config#allowlist-white_check_mark) sites on occasion. *If you plan to [set-and-forget](https://glosbe.com/en/en/set-and-forget) your configuration, skip this setting.*
```
.fit
.surf
.cn
.monster
---
.agency
.buzz
.cf
.ga
.gq
.ml
.pw
.ru
.tk
.top
.zone
```
:memo: If you would rather block TLDs with an adblocker (e.g., easier to troubleshoot breakage), add the first two filterlists [here](https://github.com/yokoffing/filterlists#security).
### Block Child Sexual Abuse Material
 Block Child Sexual Abuse Material
***
# Privacy :lock:
Privacy features limit the amount of data that companies can collect about you. Privacy is a [spectrum](https://blog.thenewoil.org/the-privacy-myth-binary-vs-spectrum). What you need varies on your [threat model](https://thenewoil.org/threatmodel.html), interest, and skillset.^[*why should I care? I have nothing to hide*](https://aeon.co/essays/privacy-matters-because-it-empowers-us-all)
### Blocklists [1](https://github.com/nextdns/metadata/tree/master/privacy/blocklists)
Blocklists are community generated lists that block ads and [trackers](https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/what-you-should-know-about-web-tracking-and-how-it-affects-your-online-privacy-42935355525/). Filters can be categorized into five tiers of coverage:
1) **None**: no breakage; NextDNS still protects against malicious threats (à la [security settings](https://github.com/yokoffing/NextDNS-Config#security-cop)) but will allow ads and trackers
2) **Basic**: rare breakage; prioritizes functionality over blocking; *very* forgiving
3) **Balanced**: minimal breakage; largely [set-and-forget](https://glosbe.com/en/en/set-and-forget) but you may need to allowlist occasionally to [unsubscribe from junk email](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/y3zmhb/new_on_nextdns_and_im_loving_it_any_advices_about/ish8dla/?context=1)
4) **Strict**: moderate breakage; prioritizes privacy over user experience; must [manage your allowlist](https://github.com/yokoffing/NextDNS-Config#allowlist-white_check_mark) regularly
5) **Aggressive**: excessive breakage; use on a separate profile to [lockdown single-purpose devices](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/uqap3n/comment/i8q8alf/?context=3)
We recommend you select the minimum number of useful lists. Here are the suggested blocklists for each category:
| Basic | Balanced | Strict | Aggressive |
|:-------------:|:-------------:|:------------:|:------------------:|
| 1Hosts (mini) | 1Hosts (Lite) | 1Hosts (Pro) | 1Hosts (Xtra) |
| | oisd | oisd | Goodbye Ads |
:bulb: The **Balanced** tier is recommended for everyday browsing, based on my testing and user feedback.[1](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/s2gzc5/oisd_vs_1hostsminiliteproxtra/hsgmp5n/) [2](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/xoyyw2/nextdns_as_a_set_it_and_forget_it_solution/iq1k6tx/) [3](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/vuon2a/comment/iffd682/) [4](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/vn8olr/please_could_someone_recommend_me_a_good/ie5meel/?context=2) [5](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/yryq3c/comment/ivwr8tp/?context=3)
:question: You may wonder why other lists are not utilized. This is because many list maintainers:
* do not remove [false positives](https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/false_positive) and/or are no longer active [1](https://github.com/lightswitch05/hosts/issues/356) [2](https://github.com/EnergizedProtection/block/issues/916) [3](https://github.com/notracking/hosts-blocklists/issues/815#issuecomment-1317556798)
* already aggregate common blocklists into their own list (Easylist/Fanboy, AdGuard, Steven Black, etc.) [1](https://github.com/badmojr/1Hosts/blob/master/-data/lists/assets.txt) [2](https://oisd.nl/includedlists/full/0) [3](https://github.com/jerryn70/GoodbyeAds/blob/master/Docs/Sources.md)
* offer no meaningful additional coverage when compared with the chart combinations above [1](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/ys3s1s/comment/ivxdcd2/?context=3)
### Native Tracking Protection [1](https://github.com/nextdns/metadata/tree/master/privacy/native)
Add all the device brands that you use. There's no advantage in adding brands you don't have; however, there’s no disadvantage in adding unused brands, either.
Xiaomi
Huawei
Samsung
Amazon Alexa
Windows
Apple
Roku
Sonos
### Block Disguised Third-Party Trackers [1](https://github.com/nextdns/cname-cloaking-blocklist/blob/master/domains) [2](https://medium.com/nextdns/cname-cloaking-the-dangerous-disguise-of-third-party-trackers-195205dc522a) [3](https://arxiv.org/pdf/2102.09301.pdf) [4](https://tma.ifip.org/2020/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/06/tma2020-camera-paper66.pdf)
 Block Disguised Third-Party Trackers
### Allow Affiliate & Tracking Links [1](https://github.com/nextdns/metadata/blob/master/privacy/affiliate-tracking-domains) [2](https://twitter.com/NextDNS/status/1539229377560461312)
:bulb: Your IP address will automatically be hidden (via [TCP](https://www.educba.com/what-is-tcp-ip/) [proxying](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proxy_server#/media/File:Proxy_concept_en.svg)) to preserve your privacy.
:warning: Disabling may cause [false positives](https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/false_positive) when opening some emails.
 Allow Affiliate & Tracking Links
***
# Parental Control :family_man_woman_boy:
### YouTube Restricted Mode
 Enforce YouTube Restricted Mode
### Block Bypass Methods [1](https://github.com/nextdns/metadata/tree/master/parentalcontrol)
:warning: Enabling may cause unintended breakage.
 Block Bypass Methods
***
# Denylist :no_entry:
Denylist entries block any requests from that source. The entries below may further harden `Balanced` [blocklist](https://github.com/yokoffing/NextDNS-Config#blocklists-1) profiles while not interfering with everyday browsing.
### Apple tracking domains [1](https://twitter.com/mysk_co/status/1588308341780262912) [2](https://github.com/nextdns/metadata/pull/1132) [3](https://github.com/badmojr/1Hosts/issues/536) [4](https://gizmodo.com/apple-iphone-analytics-tracking-even-when-off-app-store-1849757558)
Not currently in NextDNS's [Native Tracking Protection](https://github.com/yokoffing/NextDNS-Config#native-tracking-protection-1) [list](https://github.com/nextdns/metadata/blob/master/privacy/native/apple): [1](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/hagezi/dns-blocklists/main/wildcard/native.apple.txt)
xp.apple.com (unblock for device updates!)
acfeedbackws.icloud.com
api-adservices.apple.com
feedbackws.fe.apple-dns.net
feedbackws.icloud.com
iadsdk.apple.com
notes-analytics-events.apple.com
notes-analytics-events.news.apple-dns.net
stocks-analytics-events.news.apple-dns.net
weather-analytics-events.apple.com
weather-analytics-events.news.apple-dns.net
### Twitter tracker
syndication.twitter.com
### NVIDIA Gefore Experience [1](https://github.com/badmojr/1Hosts/issues/650)
events.gfe.nvidia.com
### Junk surveillance software
spappmonitoring.com
a-spy.com
alltracker.org
aispyer.com
***
# Allowlist :white_check_mark:
Allowlist entries override any blocks. These entries may be needed for `Strict` and `Aggressive` [blocklist](https://github.com/yokoffing/NextDNS-Config#blocklists-1) profiles.
### Facebook / Instagram [1](https://github.com/jerryn70/GoodbyeAds/issues/309)
graph.facebook.com
graph.instagram.com
i.instagram.com
### Apple device updates [1](https://github.com/badmojr/1Hosts/issues/536) [2](https://github.com/badmojr/1Hosts/issues/562) [3](https://github.com/nextdns/metadata/pull/1132#issuecomment-1331733770) [4](https://gizmodo.com/apple-iphone-analytics-tracking-even-when-off-app-store-1849757558)
A [known tracking domain](https://gizmodo.com/apple-iphone-analytics-tracking-even-when-off-app-store-1849757558), but it's needed for device updates
xp.apple.com
### Apple iMessage GIFs [1](https://github.com/badmojr/1Hosts/issues/560) / Spotlight Search [2](https://github.com/badmojr/1Hosts/issues/562)
smoot.apple.com
### Apple Store [1](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/xx4cwn/solutionapple_store_connection_issues/)
amp-api-edge.apps.apple.com
amp-api-search-edge.apps.apple.com
### Xiaomi device updates [1](https://blocklist-tools.developerdan.com/entries/search?q=update.intl.miui.com)
update.intl.miui.com
### Google Nest usage metrics [1](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/yzvnuw/nest_usage_metrics_being_blocked/)
logsink.devices.nest.com
### [Spectrum](https://www.spectrum.net) login [1](https://github.com/badmojr/1Hosts/issues/640)
pov.spectrum.net
### Zoom [1](https://oisd.nl/excludes.php?w=log.zoom.us) [2](https://oisd.nl/excludes.php?w=us04logfiles.zoom.us)
logfiles.zoom.us
us04logfiles.zoom.us
us04zpns.zoom.us
### YouTube history [1](https://blocklist-tools.developerdan.com/entries/search?q=s.youtube.com)
s.youtube.com
### Hulu [1](https://github.com/badmojr/1Hosts/issues/762)
ads-fa-darwin.hulustream.com
### Epic Games Launcher [1](https://github.com/badmojr/1Hosts/issues/643)
eulatracking-public-service-prod06.ol.epicgames.com
### NVIDIA Gefore Experience [1](https://github.com/badmojr/1Hosts/issues/650)
gfe.nvidia.com
nvgs.nvidia.cn
### Chick-Fil-A App [1](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/zaqio0/comment/iz7v9di/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
tmetrix.my.chick-fil-a.com
### [imgur](https://imgur.com/) [1](https://github.com/lightswitch05/hosts/issues/358) [2](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/t3jmvk/imgur_loads_then_goes_blank_no_matter_which/)
js.media-lab.ai
### [CBS](https://www.cbsnews.com/live/#x) News livestream [1](https://github.com/nextdns/metadata/issues/1030)
production-cmp.isgprivacy.cbsi.com
### [FiveThirtyEight](https://fivethirtyeight.com/) videos / [National Geographic](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/) website [1](https://github.com/notracking/hosts-blocklists/issues/788)
dcf.espn.com
### [Men's Health](https://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/a40868905/chris-hemsworth-chicken-pasta-bake-recipe-centr/) videos [1](https://github.com/badmojr/1Hosts/issues/651)
glimmer.hearstapps.com
### NextDNS
Just in case a [filterlist goes haywire](https://github.com/yokoffing/NextDNS-Config/issues/10#issuecomment-1327956655) and blocks your access
nextdns.io
***
# Settings :gear:
### Logs
**Storage location** → Switzerland
### Block Page
:warning: Enabling may cause breakage if the [NextDNS Root CA](https://help.nextdns.io/t/g9hmv0a/how-to-install-and-trust-nextdns-root-ca) is not on your devices. This setting also breaks [iCloud Private Relay](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212614).[1](https://help.nextdns.io/t/g9hdska)
 Enable Block Page
### Anonymized EDNS Client Subnet [1](https://help.nextdns.io/t/m1hmv04/what-is-edns-client-subnet-ecs)
 Enable Anonymized EDNS Client Subnet
### Cache Boost [1](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/girmcf/new_setting_cache_boost/)
 Enable Cache Boost
### CNAME Flattening [1](https://medium.com/nextdns/nextdns-added-cname-uncloaking-support-becomes-the-first-cross-platform-solution-to-the-problem-e3f437f84342) [2](https://developers.cloudflare.com/dns/additional-options/cname-flattening) [3](https://advancedweb.hu/what-is-cname-flattening-and-how-it-helps-redirecting-the-apex-domain/)
 Enable CNAME Flattening
### Web3 [1](https://twitter.com/NextDNS/status/1491034351391305731) [2](https://gabygoldberg.notion.site/f7050e62461143d49345e7b46eb5576b)
 Enable Web3 → (optional)
***
# FAQ :question:
### How do I signup for NextDNS?
Click [here](https://nextdns.io/?from=xujj63g5)!
### "I'm thinking about having as less as possible activated so that NextDNS doesn't get slow, or does it not affect the speed of NextDNS?"[1](https://github.com/yokoffing/NextDNS-Config/issues/12)
The amount of settings your enable/disable does not affect your DNS latency.
### Is it redundant to set DoH at browser-level if I'm already using it at system-level?
Unless you use a separate profile for the browser, it is not neccessary.[1](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/yfjvqy/is_it_redundant_to_set_at_doh_at_browserlevel_if/iu3vjzt/?context=3) However, I recommend [setting it in your web browser](https://www.itechtics.com/dns-over-https/#how-to-enable-or-disable-dns-over-https-in-your-browsers) anyway.
### If I have a profile for my router and another profile for my device, which one will my device use?
The device will use the profile set by the NextDNS app or the installed [root CA](https://help.nextdns.io/t/g9hmv0a/how-to-install-and-trust-nextdns-root-ca). However, if the device has not been configured to use a separate profile, then it will use the wifi/router configuration.[1](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/yf4hnv/question_about_home_router_and_app_running_in/)
### Can I block YouTube ads with NextDNS only?
[No, you cannot](https://discourse.pi-hole.net/t/how-do-i-block-ads-on-youtube/253/2) block first-party ads using only DNS-level blocking. You will need an adblocker.
### What browser should I use that has adblocking?
* [Brave](https://brave.com) is a great choice [if you prefer Chrome](https://youtu.be/VHwIyR6ca4o?t=249), want uninstrusive [fingerprint protection](https://brave.com/privacy-updates/4-fingerprinting-defenses-2.0/), and don't enjoy doing a lot of tweaking.[1](https://github.com/brave/brave-browser/wiki/Deviations-from-Chromium-(features-we-disable-or-remove)#what-chromium-features-are-removed-for-privacysecurity-reasons)
* [Firefox](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/) with [uBlock Origin](https://addons.mozilla.org/blog/ublock-origin-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-ad-blocker/)[1](https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock/wiki/About-%22Why-uBlock-Origin-works-so-much-better-than-Pi%E2%80%91hole-does%3F%22) and configured using [Betterfox](https://github.com/yokoffing/Betterfox).
* [Safari](https://www.apple.com/safari/) with [AdGuard](https://adguard.com/en/adguard-ios/overview.html) (specifically iOS).
* [Orion](https://browser.kagi.com/) is a promising, [up-and-coming](https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/up-and-coming) browser for Apple devices with native adblocking.
Here are the suggested browsers for each operating system:
| Browser | Windows | macOS | Linux | iOS | Android |
|:-------:|:-------:|:-----:|:-----:|:---:|:-------:|
| Brave | x | x | x | x | x |
| Firefox | x | x | x | | |
| Safari | | x | | x | |
| Orion | | x | | x | |
### What is the difference between security, privacy, and anonymity?
See [article](https://thenewoil.org/secprivanon.html) | [video](https://youtu.be/Wpkh-hfULgE)
### Does NextDNS hide activity from my Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
[No](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/tavcgm/comment/i039u1r/?context=3). NextDNS is only concerned about DNS traffic. You would need a [quality](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK4MQv-OwyM) [VPN](https://www.ivpn.net/blog/why-you-dont-need-a-vpn/) to hide all activity from your ISP.
***
# Mentions :books:
User Comments:
[1](https://old.reddit.com/r/moddedandroidapps/comments/wbud1e/aerowitter_twifucker_non_root_twitter_mod/iiloq0p/?context=2)
[2](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/xoyyw2/nextdns_as_a_set_it_and_forget_it_solution/?context=3)
[3](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/vxh4pt/comment/ifykqyh/?context=1)
[4](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/y3zmhb/comment/isc2o4q/?context=3)
[5](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/yp6o09/comment/ivhwook/?context=3)
[6](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/ys3s1s/comment/ivxdcd2/?context=3)
[7](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/yzvnuw/nest_usage_metrics_being_blocked/)
#### Guides
* [FMHY: DNS Adblocking](https://github.com/nbats/FMHYedit/blob/main/AdblockVPNGuide.md#-dns-adblocking) → NextDNS → Guide
* [hagezi/dns-blocklists](https://github.com/hagezi/dns-blocklists#nextdns---limited-freepaid-) → Online DNS services
#### Contributions
* [1Hosts](https://github.com/badmojr/1Hosts/issues?q=is%3Aissue+author%3Ayokoffing+)
* [Easylist](https://github.com/easylist/easylist/issues?q=is%3Aissue+author%3Ayokoffing+)
* [AdGuard](https://github.com/AdguardTeam/AdguardFilters/issues?q=is%3Aissue+author%3Ayokoffing+)
* [uBlock Origin](https://github.com/uBlockOrigin/uAssets/issues?q=is%3Aissue+author%3Ayokoffing+)
***
# Support :heart:
I’m a one-person operation, working in mental health and running this page as a passion project in my time off. If you enjoy my work, please leave a tip! Your support is incredibly appreciated and allows me to dedicate time to this project :blush:
Bitcoin: 334gaiEjn6wY1VksQvYe5L668JjtPEPyiM
PayPal: [paypal.me](about:blank) (forthcoming)
***
23 July 2022