Business Community

Safer Internet with Cloudflare for Families

Known for its speed, security, and Privacy-first DNS resolution, Cloudflare adds two new flavors of DNS -- to block Malware, and Adult Content.

One of the ways by which we can achieve faster and safer internet access is by configuring our devices with third-party Domain Name Resolvers or DNS like Cloudflare.

Put plainly, we can equip our browsers/devices/computers with a custom DNS from Cloudflare to achieve safer and faster connections.

Cloudflare introduced us with their 1.1.1.1 DNS that offers not only a faster, safer DNS resolution, but also privacy-first. This means they do not sell user data or target advertising.

A DNS server basically translates addresses into machine-readable IP addresses. Speed is achieved with how fast it takes from the query to be resolved. And safety is with the integrity of the returned IP address.

Cloudflare introduces additional “flavors”

  • 1.1.1.1 – standard service
  • 1.1.1.2 – blocks Malware
  • 1.1.1.3 – blocks Malware AND Adult Content

Here are the settings to use:

Malware Blocking Only
Primary DNS: 1.1.1.2
Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.2

Malware and Adult Content
Primary DNS: 1.1.1.3
Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.3

For IPv6 use:

Malware Blocking Only
Primary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1112
Secondary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1002

Malware and Adult Content
Primary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1113
Secondary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1003

How do I install Cloudflare DNS?

Android and iOS users can download the “1.1.1.1” app too for easier setup and on-demand use.

For Android

Step 1: Open up Settings.

Step 2: Click on Wi-Fi.

Step 3: Press down and hold on the name of the network you are currently connected to.

Step 4: Click Modify Network.

Step 5: Click the check box called Show Advanced Options.

Step 6: Change the IP Settings to the option called Static.

Step 7: Remove any IP addresses that may be already listed and in their place add:

1.1.1.1
1.0.0.1
2606:4700:4700::1111
2606:4700:4700::1001

Step 8: Click Save. You may need to disconnect from the Wi-Fi and reconnect for the changes to take place.

For iPhone

Step 1: Go to Settings.

Step 2: Click on Wi-Fi.

Step 3: Click the information ‘i’ icon next to the Wi-Fi name you are connected to.

Step 4: Scroll down until you see the section called Configure DNS

Step 5: Change the configuration from Automatic to Manual.

Step 6: Click Add Server.

Step 7: Remove any IP addresses that may be already listed and in their place add:

1.1.1.1
1.0.0.1
2606:4700:4700::1111
2606:4700:4700::1001

Step 8: Click Save.

For Windows

Step 1: Click on the Start menu, then click on Control Panel.

Step 2: Click on Network and Internet.

Step 3: Click on Change Adapter Settings.

Step 4: Right click on the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.

Step 5: Click Properties.

Step 6: Select Internet Protocol Version 4.

Step 7: Click Properties.

Step 8: Click Use The Following DNS Server Addresses.

Step 9: Remove any IP addresses that may be already listed and in their place add:

1.1.1.1  
1.0.0.1

Step 10: Click OK.

Step 11: Go now to Internet Protocol Version 6.

Step 12: Click Properties

Step 13: Click Use The Following DNS Server Addresses.

Step 14: Remove any IP addresses that may be already listed and in their place add:

2606:4700:4700::1111
2606:4700:4700::1001

Step 15: Click Close.

For macOS

Step 1: Go to System Preferences. You can find it by pressing Command+Space on your Mac and typing System Preferences.

Step 2: Click on the icon called Network.

Step 3: Click Advanced.

Step 4: Select the DNS tab. Remove any IP addresses that may be already listed and in their place add:

1.1.1.1
1.0.0.1
2606:4700:4700::1111
2606:4700:4700::1001

Step 5: Click OK.

Step 6: Click Apply.

For Routers

Step 1: Go to the IP address used to access your router’s admin console in your browser.

Step 2: Enter the router password.

Step 3: Find the place in the admin console where DNS settings are set.

Step 4: Replace the existing addresses with:

1.1.1.1
1.0.0.1
2606:4700:4700::1111
2606:4700:4700::1001

Step 5: Save and exit.

More information on Cloudflare can be read here.

Leave a Comment