> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/mullvad/mullvadvpn-app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# mullvad dns

> Configure DNS servers and content blocking

## Overview

The `mullvad dns` command manages DNS configuration including Mullvad's default DNS with content blocking or custom DNS servers.

## Syntax

```bash theme={null}
mullvad dns <SUBCOMMAND>
```

## Subcommands

### get

Display current DNS settings:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad dns get
```

### set

Configure DNS servers:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad dns set <MODE>
```

## Set Modes

### default

Use Mullvad's default DNS servers with optional content blocking:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad dns set default [OPTIONS]
```

**Options:**

* `--block-ads` - Block domains known for advertising
* `--block-trackers` - Block domains known for tracking
* `--block-malware` - Block domains known for malware
* `--block-adult-content` - Block domains with adult content
* `--block-gambling` - Block domains known for gambling
* `--block-social-media` - Block social media domains

All blocking options are disabled by default. Enable any combination by specifying the flags.

### custom

Use custom DNS servers:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad dns set custom <SERVER>...
```

**Arguments:**

* `<SERVER>...` - One or more IP addresses of DNS resolvers

## Examples

### View Current DNS Settings

```bash theme={null}
mullvad dns get
```

With default DNS:

```
Custom DNS: no
Block ads: false
Block trackers: false
Block malware: false
Block adult content: false
Block gambling: false
Block social media: false
```

With custom DNS:

```
Custom DNS: yes
Servers:
1.1.1.1
8.8.8.8
```

### Use Default DNS

Default DNS without blocking:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad dns set default
```

Output:

```
Updated DNS settings
```

### Enable Content Blocking

Block ads and trackers:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad dns set default --block-ads --block-trackers
```

Block malware:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad dns set default --block-malware
```

Block multiple categories:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad dns set default --block-ads --block-trackers --block-malware --block-adult-content
```

Block everything:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad dns set default \
  --block-ads \
  --block-trackers \
  --block-malware \
  --block-adult-content \
  --block-gambling \
  --block-social-media
```

### Use Custom DNS Servers

Single DNS server:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad dns set custom 1.1.1.1
```

Multiple DNS servers:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad dns set custom 1.1.1.1 8.8.8.8
```

IPv6 DNS servers:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad dns set custom 2606:4700:4700::1111 2001:4860:4860::8888
```

Mixed IPv4 and IPv6:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad dns set custom 1.1.1.1 2606:4700:4700::1111
```

Output:

```
Updated DNS settings
```

## Content Blocking Categories

### Ads

Blocks domains commonly used for advertising and sponsored content.

**Example blocked domains:**

* Ad networks
* Ad servers
* Sponsored content providers

### Trackers

Blocks domains used for user tracking and analytics.

**Example blocked domains:**

* Analytics platforms
* Tracking pixels
* Fingerprinting services

### Malware

Blocks domains known to distribute malware or participate in malicious activities.

**Example blocked domains:**

* Malware distribution sites
* Phishing domains
* Command and control servers

### Adult Content

Blocks domains hosting adult/NSFW content.

### Gambling

Blocks online gambling and betting sites.

### Social Media

Blocks popular social media platforms.

**Example blocked domains:**

* Facebook
* Twitter/X
* Instagram
* TikTok

## DNS Modes

There are two DNS modes:

1. **Default** - Uses Mullvad's DNS servers with optional content blocking
2. **Custom** - Uses your specified DNS servers (no content blocking available)

When using custom DNS, content blocking options are unavailable.

## Related Commands

* [tunnel](/cli/commands/tunnel) - Configure other tunnel options
* [connect](/cli/commands/connect) - Connect with current DNS settings
* [status](/cli/commands/status) - View connection status

## Exit Status

| Code | Description                                |
| ---- | ------------------------------------------ |
| 0    | DNS settings updated successfully          |
| 1    | Invalid DNS server or configuration failed |

## Notes

* DNS changes take effect on the next connection (reconnect if already connected)
* Custom DNS servers must be valid IP addresses
* Content blocking only works with Mullvad's default DNS
* Both IPv4 and IPv6 DNS servers are supported
* Multiple DNS servers provide redundancy
* Content blocking is implemented at the DNS level (domain blocking)

## Source Reference

Implementation: `mullvad-cli/src/cmds/dns.rs`