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Pi-hole and DNS ad blockers: Blocking ads across the whole network

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tagsglossar, netzwerk, datenschutz

2 min read

Pi-hole and DNS ad blockers: Blocking ads across the whole network

In short: A DNS ad blocker answers requests for known ad and tracker domains with “does not exist”, so devices across the whole network do not load that content.

In more detail: When you open a page, your device asks via DNS for the IP address of every involved server, including ad and tracking services. Pi-hole and AdGuard Home run on a home server and serve as the network’s DNS server. If a domain is on a blocklist, they return an invalid answer and the device does not load the ad.

In Depth

Setting up

  1. Install Pi-hole on a Raspberry Pi, mini PC or in Docker.
  2. In the router (DHCP settings) enter the Pi-hole’s address as DNS server so all devices use it.
  3. Choose blocklists (standard lists maintained by the community).
  4. In the dashboard you see queries, blocked share and devices. Important: give the Pi-hole a fixed IP, and use a second DNS only as an emergency (which can bypass the filter though).

Advantages

Ads and trackers are missing on all devices, also on smart TVs and game consoles where you cannot install a browser blocker. Pages often load faster and less data volume is used. You can additionally set up family filters or time rules.

Limits

  • Ads from the same domain as the content (for example on YouTube) cannot be separated via DNS.
  • Apps or browsers with DNS over HTTPS bypass the local DNS server; so best block DoH providers in the network or use the server itself as DoH/DoT.
  • False positives: sometimes a page does not work until you put a domain on the allowlist.
  • On the move Pi-hole does not protect, unless you connect home via VPN.

Blocking ads on your own network is allowed in Germany. Many offerings are financed by advertising; support sites that matter to you (subscription, donation, exception). Privacy-friendly advertising without tracking is less problematic.

See also: DNS, Homelab and self-hosting, Tracking

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