[](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.
***
# 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
 Enable AI-Driven Threat Detection
### Google Safe Browsing [1](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/11689349/107696360-d8dde800-6c7f-11eb-9882-cccc8d2065c5.jpg) [2](https://the8-bit.com/apple-proxies-google-safe-browsing-privacy/) [3](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://www.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/t0ne8r/does_dns_rebinding_protection_block_remote_access/?context=3)
 Enable DNS Rebinding Protection
### IDN Homograph Attacks Protection
 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.malwarebytes.com/glossary/phishing) [2](https://old.reddit.com/r/uBlockOrigin/comments/w64sqt/comment/ihboutk/?context=3) [3](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://github.com/nextdns/metadata/blob/master/security/ddns/suffixes) [2](https://twitter.com/NextDNS/status/1541740963760144386?cxt=HHwWhIC8iZ7PruUqAAAA) [3](https://www.phishing.org/what-is-phishing)
 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/iam-py-test/my_filters_001/blob/main/enhanced_protection.txt) [5](https://github.com/DandelionSprout/adfilt/blob/master/Dandelion%20Sprout's%20Anti-Malware%20List.txt) [6](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. *If you plan to [set-and-forget](https://glosbe.com/en/en/set-and-forget) your configuration, skip this setting.*
```
.buzz
.cricket
.discount
.gdn
.live
.loan
.loans
.ooo
.sbs
.wang
```
: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.
```
.work
.fit
.surf
.asia
.tokyo
---
.agency
.associates
.bid
.cam
.casa
.cf
.ci
.fit
.fun
.ga
.gq
.link
.monster
.ml
.icu
.rest
.shop
.webcam
.win
```
: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)
Here's the suggested blocklists for each category:
| Basic | Balanced | Strict | Aggressive |
|:------------: |:---------------: |:----------------: |:--------------------: |
| 1Hosts (mini) | 1Hosts (Lite) | 1Hosts (Pro) | 1Hosts (Xtra) |
| | oisd | oisd | Goodbye Ads |
| | notracking | | Energized Ultimate |
: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/one_profile_for_lan_devices_another_profile_for/iffegc5/?context=2) [4](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/vn8olr/please_could_someone_recommend_me_a_good/ie5meel/?context=2)
: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)
* already aggregate common blocklists into their own list (Easylist/Fanboy, uBlock, AdGuard, etc.) [1](https://github.com/badmojr/1Hosts/blob/master/-data/lists/assets.txt) [2](https://oisd.nl/includedlists/full/0) [3](https://github.com/notracking/hosts-blocklists/blob/master/SOURCES.md) [4](https://github.com/StevenBlack/hosts#sources-of-hosts-data-unified-in-this-variant) [5](https://github.com/EnergizedProtection/block#packs-2)
* offer no meaningful additional coverage when compared with the chart combinations above
### 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.
 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)
 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.
### Google crap
device-provisioning.googleapis.com
firebaseinstallations.googleapis.com* (may cause breakage)
firebaselogging-pa.googleapis.com
googletagmanager.com
### 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) / Apple Music [2](https://old.reddit.com/r/nextdns/comments/vz9kla/at_last_nextdns_added_the_1host_xtra/ig8zsnn/)
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://www.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
### [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
### [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
***
# Settings :gear:
### Logs
**Storage location** → Switzerland
### Block Page
 Enable 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*
### 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)!
### If I have a profile for my router and another for my device running at the same time, which one will my device use?
The device will use the profile set by the NextDNS app or installed [root CA](https://help.nextdns.io/t/g9hmv0a/how-to-install-and-trust-nextdns-root-ca) on the device. Your device will use your wifi/router configuration if the device has not been configured to use a separate profile.[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 can't](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, [especially 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).
* [Orion](https://browser.kagi.com/) is a promising, [up-and-coming](https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/up-and-coming) browser for Apple devices.
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 | | |
| 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://www.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)
#### Guides
* [FMHY: DNS Adblocking](https://github.com/nbats/FMHYedit/blob/main/AdblockVPNGuide.md#-dns-adblocking) → NextDNS → Guide
#### 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+)
***
23 July 2022