How to Set Up AdGuard DNS for System-Wide Ad Blocking [2026 Guide]
Tired of invasive ads tracking your digital footprint and slowing down your browsing? Setting up system-wide ad blocking at the network or device level is the most efficient way to reclaim your digital sovereignty. By routeing your traffic through AdGuard DNS, you can block ads, trackers, and malicious websites across all your applications without installing individual browser extensions.
Here is your comprehensive, step-by-step guide to setting up AdGuard DNS on any platform in 2026. What is AdGuard DNS?
AdGuard DNS is an alternative domain name resolution service that filters your internet traffic. When a device requests a website, AdGuard checks its massive database of ad servers and tracking scripts, silently dropping connections to known bad actors while letting legitimate content load seamlessly. Key Benefits
System-Wide Filtering: Blocks ads in browsers, games, apps, and smart TVs.
Improved Performance: Saves bandwidth and speeds up page loading times.
Enhanced Privacy: Stops cross-site trackers and analytical scripts from monitoring you.
No Software Required: Works directly through standard operating system network protocols. Option 1: Quick Setup Using Public DNS Servers
The fastest way to get started is by changing your DNS settings to AdGuard’s free, public servers. You can choose between two main filtering profiles. Server IP Addresses Default Profile (Ad/Tracker Blocking): IPv4: 94.140.14.14 and 94.140.15.15 IPv6: 2a10:50c0::ad1:ff and 2a10:50c0::ad2:ff Family Protection Profile (Blocks Ads + Adult Content): IPv4: 94.140.14.15 and 94.140.15.16 IPv6: 2a10:50c0::bad1:ff and 2a10:50c0::bad2:ff Option 2: Platform-Specific Setup (Encrypted DNS)
For modern privacy, it is highly recommended to use encrypted DNS protocols like DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or DNS-over-TLS (DoT). This ensures your internet service provider (ISP) cannot peek at or manipulate your DNS queries. Windows 11 & Windows 10 Open Settings (Win + I) and navigate to Network & internet. Click on your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Locate DNS server assignment and click Edit. Change the dropdown menu from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual. Toggle IPv4 to On. Input 94.140.14.14 in the Preferred DNS field.
Change the DNS encryption dropdown to Encrypted only (DNS over HTTPS).
(Optional) Repeat the steps for IPv6 using the addresses provided above. Click Save. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings. Go to Network in the left sidebar.