How to Fix “This network is blocking encrypted DNS traffic” Error. Most of the time, iPhones are very good at connecting to the correct networks, keeping the internet running smoothly, and protecting your personal information. So what if you connect to a new WiFi network and it prompts you with a “Privacy Warning”? When you tap on the information icon, you’ll usually get one of two explanations:
- This network’s private WiFi address is disabled.
- This network is preventing encrypted DNS traffic from passing through.
The second alternative is far more widespread and concerning. You may be revealing your traffic and jeopardising your privacy. So don’t worry, there are quick and easy solutions to this problem. Let’s look at how to quickly handle privacy warning WiFi concerns.
What is DNS traffic?
When you receive an error message stating that the “network is preventing encrypted DNS traffic,” you may wonder what DNS stands for. DNS stands for domain name system, and it functions similarly to a phone book on the internet. A DNS server converts human-friendly URLs such as apple.com into actual IP addresses that computers use.
Because most default DNS servers are owned by ISPs (internet service providers), they have a vested interest in monitoring your traffic and determining which URLs you are attempting to resolve. They can, however, only do so if your traffic is not encrypted.
What does “This network is blocking encrypted DNS traffic” mean?
Privacy-conscious corporations like Apple are attempting to make online browsing more private and safe for everyone by adopting features that disguise your IP address, disable third-party trackers, and more.
Because some ISPs earn from selling your DNS traffic to marketing organisations, they strive to prevent them from spying on you by blocking DNS encryption. As a result, iOS shows a network-blocking warning message.
How to Fix “This network is blocking encrypted DNS traffic” Error?
There are numerous potential solutions to privacy warning WiFi concerns, ranging from rebooting your devices to updating security measures to configuring a VPN. Let’s take them one at a time.
Method #1. Restart your iPhone and Router
Restarting your iPhone, as is often the case with bugs and small issues, usually resolves this error. You can also use this method to reset your network hardware.
Method #2. Forget and reconnect to the WiFi network
If the issue isn’t with your device, it could be with your WiFi network. Instead of merely turning on and off your WiFi, you should forget the network and reconnect to it.
On an iPhone, follow these steps:
- Go to Wi-Fi Settings.
- Choose the information icon.
- Forget About This Network
- To reconnect, select the network again and enter the credentials.
After that, locate your network and reconnect to it.
Method #3. Update your router settings
Keeping your phone’s and router’s software and firmware up to date can help resolve a lot of random bugs & make them more stable overall. Simply go to your router’s settings and look for the firmware upgrade option. Simply go to Settings General Software Update on your iPhone.
Method #4. Change your router’s admin password
In rare circumstances, updating your router’s admin password can alleviate privacy warnings such as DNS encryption being banned. Now go to your router’s admin settings and change the password from there.
Method #5. Disable Network Monitoring Apps
Some routers include traffic analyzers that track the websites you visit. You may have also previously installed third-party traffic analyzers. Turning them off may cause the privacy warning message to vanish.
Method #6. Download a management app for your router brand
You could also hunt for an iOS administration app for your router’s brand. It should be noted that this feature is not available on all router brands.
Method #7. Use a VPN Service
If you’re still concerned about your privacy, you can use an iPhone VPN to encrypt your network traffic and maintain a private network connection. If you need more recommendations, check out our overview of the best VPNs for iPhones.
A VPN router, on the other hand, can give you and other devices a secure, encrypted connection. We’ve also compiled a list of the top VPN routers that you may use.
Method #8. Use the WPA3 security protocol
You may verify whether your WiFi is using an up-to-date security protocol while logged into your router’s admin panel.
Many devices also support the WPA3 security protocol, which you should try to enable. You can usually do it in the access point or advanced security sections. WPA2/WPA3 protocols will also operate effectively while still supporting older devices.
Conclusion
Many individuals are alarmed when they see the “Network is obstructing encrypted DNS traffic” message and for good cause. Nobody wants their privacy or security to be jeopardised.
Yet, the problem can occur regardless of the network you are using. There are some fast remedies you can try to get rid of the problem. Yet, if you want true privacy, you should use a VPN.
