Disable VPN DNS server and take over with dnsmasq

Have you ever wondered how to disable VPN DNS server and take over with dnsmasq? In this article, we will guide you through the process step by step. Don't worry if you're new to this, we will explain everything in a simple and easy-to-understand manner.

But before we dive into the details, let's briefly explain what VPN and DNS are.

What is VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It is a technology that allows you to create a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet. When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a server located in a different location, which helps protect your privacy and security online.

What is DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is like the phonebook of the internet, translating human-friendly domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1) that computers can understand. DNS servers are responsible for this translation process.

Why disable VPN DNS server and use dnsmasq?

By default, when you connect to a VPN, your device uses the DNS server provided by the VPN service. However, there may be situations where you want to use a different DNS server, such as dnsmasq. Dnsmasq is a lightweight and easy-to-configure DNS forwarder and DHCP server. It offers features like ad-blocking, local domain name resolution, and caching.

Step 1: Install dnsmasq

The first step is to install dnsmasq on your device. The installation process may vary depending on your operating system. Here are the general steps:

1. Open a terminal or command prompt.
2. Enter the appropriate command to install dnsmasq:

Follow the prompts and wait for the installation to complete.

Step 2: Configure dnsmasq

Once dnsmasq is installed, you need to configure it to act as your DNS server. Here's how:

1. Open the dnsmasq configuration file. The location of this file may vary, but it is commonly found at /etc/dnsmasq.conf.
2. Find the line that starts with #server=8.8.8.8 (which is the default Google DNS server).
3. Remove the # character at the beginning of the line to uncomment it.
4. Replace 8.8.8.8 with the IP address of the DNS server you want to use. For example, you can use 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare DNS or 9.9.9.9 for Quad9 DNS.
5. Save the changes and exit the text editor.

Now, dnsmasq is configured to use your desired DNS server.

Step 3: Restart dnsmasq

After making changes to the dnsmasq configuration, you need to restart the dnsmasq service for the changes to take effect. Here's how:

1. Open a terminal or command prompt.
2. Enter the appropriate command to restart dnsmasq:

Wait for the service to restart.

Step 4: Disable VPN DNS server

Now that dnsmasq is up and running, you need to disable the DNS server provided by your VPN. The exact steps may vary depending on the VPN client you are using, but here's a general guide:

1. Open your VPN client settings.
2. Look for the DNS settings or DNS leak protection options.
3. Disable the option that automatically uses the VPN DNS server.
4. Save the changes and exit the settings.

By disabling the VPN DNS server, your device will now use the dnsmasq DNS server instead.

That's it! You have successfully disabled the VPN DNS server and taken over with dnsmasq. Now your device will use the dnsmasq DNS server for all DNS resolution.

Remember to keep dnsmasq configured and running whenever you want to use it as your DNS server. You can always revert back to the VPN DNS server by enabling it in your VPN client settings.

Conclusion

Using dnsmasq as your DNS server instead of the VPN DNS server can provide you with additional features and control over your DNS resolution. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily disable the VPN DNS server and take over with dnsmasq. Enjoy a more customizable and secure DNS experience!

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