How to Set Up CleanBrowsing's Free DNS Filters

Step 1: Choose Your Filter

CleanBrowsing provides three free DNS filters. Each builds on the previous one, adding more protection. Choose the filter that matches your needs:

Which Filter Should You Choose?

• Security Filter: Best for users who just want malware and phishing protection without any content filtering. Good for businesses that only need threat protection.
• Adult Filter: Best for blocking explicit/adult content while keeping everything else accessible. Good for workplaces and shared networks.
• Family Filter: The most protective option. Blocks adult content, enforces SafeSearch on Google/Bing/YouTube, and blocks mixed-content sites. Recommended for families with children.

Step 2: Configure Your DNS Settings

Once you have chosen your filter, configure your DNS settings. You can do this on your router (protects all devices) or on individual devices.

On Your Router (Recommended)

Configuring DNS on your router protects every device on your network automatically. Find the DNS settings in your router's admin panel and enter the primary and secondary DNS IPs for your chosen filter. See our router-specific guides.

On Windows

• Open Settings → Network & Internet → Change adapter options
• Right-click your connection → Properties
• Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties
• Select "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter your filter's IPs

On Mac

• Open System Preferences → Network
• Select your connection → Advanced → DNS
• Click + to add your filter's DNS IPs

On Mobile

• iOS: Settings → Wi-Fi → tap your network → Configure DNS → Manual → add filter IPs
• Android 9+: Settings → Network → Private DNS → enter family-filter-dns.cleanbrowsing.org (or adult-filter-dns / security-filter-dns)

Step 3: Verify It's Working

After configuring DNS, verify that CleanBrowsing is active and filtering correctly.

Quick Browser Test

Visit dnsleaktest.com and run a standard test. Your DNS servers should show CleanBrowsing IPs (185.228.168.x or 185.228.169.x).

Functional Test

Try accessing a site that should be blocked by your filter. If you are using the Family filter, adult sites should return a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

What You Get for Free

• No registration required: Just point your DNS and it works.
• No tracking: CleanBrowsing does not log or sell your DNS queries.
• No query limits: Unlimited DNS queries at no cost.
• Encrypted DNS supported: DoH and DoT are available for all free filters.
• Available to everyone: Individuals, small government orgs, and non-profits can use the free filters.

For more detailed verification steps, see our DNS verification guide. If you need custom filtering, reporting, or per-device controls, see our Free vs Paid comparison.