If you’ve recently connected to Wi-Fi and seen a message like this on your iPhone:
“This network is blocking encrypted DNS traffic.”
You’re not alone—and yes, there’s a solution.
This privacy warning is Apple’s way of telling you that your current Wi-Fi network is interfering with DNS encryption, a key privacy feature. But what does it mean for your data, and how can you fix it?
In this guide, we’ll break down what encrypted DNS is, why networks might block it, and most importantly—how to fix the issue. We’ll also show how BearVPN offers a one-click solution that keeps your DNS traffic secure on any network.
What Is Encrypted DNS?
Every time you visit a website, your device makes a DNS (Domain Name System) request to find the site’s IP address—basically, its exact location on the internet.
Normally, these DNS requests are unencrypted, meaning your ISP or anyone on the same network can see which websites you’re visiting. That’s a privacy problem.
Encrypted DNS solves this by hiding your DNS requests from third parties using encryption protocols like DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT). It’s like sealing your letters before sending them through the mail instead of writing on a postcard.
Apple started enforcing encrypted DNS standards in iOS 14, and other platforms like Android and Windows also support encrypted DNS.
What Does the “Network Is Blocking Encrypted DNS Traffic” Warning Mean?
When your iPhone shows this warning, it means your device attempted to use encrypted DNS, but the Wi-Fi network stopped it. As a result, your DNS traffic is falling back to being unencrypted.
Here’s what the warning means in more detail:
- Encrypted DNS was blocked: The Wi-Fi network interfered with or blocked protocols like DoH or DoT, preventing your device from keeping DNS requests private.
- You’re using traditional DNS instead: When encryption fails, your device continues to use regular DNS, which is not private or secure.
- Potential monitoring: Anyone managing the network can log, filter, or monitor your DNS queries. This means they can build a profile of your web activity, even if the websites themselves use HTTPS.
The message is most common on iPhones running iOS 14 and above, but the core issue applies across all devices and operating systems—your device is being forced to communicate over an insecure protocol.
Apple shows this warning as a proactive privacy feature. It’s essentially saying: “Hey, this network isn’t letting you stay private.”
If you’re concerned about privacy, this warning should not be ignored.
Why Do Networks Block Encrypted DNS?
There are a few common reasons:
- Content Filtering – Schools, offices, or libraries often block encrypted DNS to enforce content filters or parental controls.
- ISP Monitoring – Some internet providers want visibility into your traffic for logging or marketing.
- Outdated Routers – Older routers might not support DNS encryption protocols, triggering the warning unintentionally.
Regardless of intent, blocking encrypted DNS is a privacy red flag.
How to Fix “This Network Is Blocking Encrypted DNS Traffic” (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps in order—from quick fixes to more advanced solutions:
1. Restart Your Device and Router
This is the first thing to try. Restarting clears temporary network glitches.
iPhone: Press and hold the side and volume button until the slider appears. Slide to power off. Wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
Router: Unplug it from power, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for all lights to stabilize before reconnecting.
This simple reboot can refresh the network configuration and re-enable encrypted DNS on supported routers.
2. Forget and Reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network
Rejoining a network resets how your device negotiates security and DNS settings.
- Open Settings > Wi-Fi
- Tap the (i) icon next to your network
- Tap Forget This Network, then confirm
- Reconnect to the Wi-Fi and enter the password again
This often fixes misconfigured connections that block encrypted DNS.
3. Update iOS and Router Firmware
Outdated software can prevent proper support for encrypted DNS.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- Download and install any available update
Router firmware:
- Open a browser and go to your router’s admin IP (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
- Log in with credentials (check the label on your router)
- Look for Firmware Update, Advanced Settings, or similar
Updating ensures both your phone and router are using the latest encryption standards.
4. Reset Network Settings (iPhone Only)
This removes all saved networks and resets DNS, VPN, and cellular settings.
Step 1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
Step 2. Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings
Step 3. Enter your passcode and confirm
You’ll have to reconnect to all your Wi-Fi networks, but this is a clean slate that can resolve deeper conflicts.
5. Manually Configure DNS Servers
Override your default DNS with privacy-respecting providers.
Step 1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
Step 2. Tap the (i) next to your connected network
Step 3. Tap Configure DNS > Manual
Step 4. Delete any existing entries
Step 5. Add: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google)
This ensures your device uses encrypted-friendly DNS, avoiding the ISP or router’s settings.
6. Enable WPA3 on Your Router (If Supported)
Apple may flag your network as “not secure” if it uses older security protocols.
- Login to your router’s admin page (as in Step 3)
- Navigate to Wireless Settings > Security
- Select WPA3-Personal or WPA2/WPA3 Mixed Mode, if available
- Save and reboot the router
Not all routers support WPA3. If yours doesn’t, consider upgrading to a newer model.
7. Use BearVPN to Encrypt All DNS Traffic
BearVPN is a lightweight, free VPN designed with privacy as its core focus. It offers a true zero-log policy, backed by RAM-only infrastructure and privacy-friendly jurisdiction. With one-click IP switching, it provides seamless global internet access and a user-friendly experience. When you connect to BearVPN, all your internet traffic—including DNS requests—is sent through an encrypted VPN tunnel. This prevents your network from seeing or tampering with your DNS traffic.
Key Features:
- Strict No-Logs Policy: No user browsing logs are recorded to ensure full online privacy.
- 1000+ Global Servers: Over a thousand high-speed servers in 50+ countries for seamless switching.
- Top-Tier Encryption: Industry-leading protocols for secure data transmission.
- High-Speed Connectivity: Intelligent routing for smooth streaming, downloading, and gaming.
How it helps:
- Hides DNS queries from your ISP, public Wi-Fi, or local network
- Stops network-level DNS blocks or hijacking
- Maintains full privacy across all apps and websites
Steps to Use BearVPN to Encrypt All DNS Traffic
Step 1. Download BearVPN from the official website.
Step 2. Open the app.
Step 3. Tap Connect to enable encryption
Once connected, the encrypted DNS warning will disappear. You’ll also enjoy full protection on all websites—not just those using encrypted DNS protocols.
BearVPN works on iPhone and iPad. The versions of Android, Windows, and macOS are coming soon. No manual tweaks or technical setups are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ignore the “Encrypted DNS Traffic” warning?
You could—but doing so leaves your online activity visible to the network. If you care about privacy, it’s best to resolve it.
Does Android show the same warning?
Not exactly. Android has a “Private DNS” setting that may silently fail if the network blocks it. The risk is the same: unencrypted DNS.
Will using BearVPN slow down my internet?
BearVPN is optimized for speed. While any VPN adds minor overhead, the privacy tradeoff is worth it—and performance is generally smooth for most activities.
Is it legal to use a VPN to bypass DNS restrictions?
In most countries, yes. VPNs are legal tools for privacy and security. Always comply with local laws and network policies.
Conclusion
The “This network is blocking encrypted DNS traffic” warning may seem technical, but it highlights a very real privacy issue. Your DNS requests are like a list of everything you do online—and if they’re unencrypted, they’re exposed.
While manual fixes exist, they’re not always foolproof. The easiest way to ensure private, encrypted DNS everywhere is by using a trusted VPN like BearVPN.
