What is 1.1.1.1?

By Techie Teacher On Jul 1, 2024

1.1.1.1, a free DNS resolver provided by Cloudflare and the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), aims to accelerate and secure your internet searches. However, its effectiveness may vary for different users, and there are concerns about its data usage.

What is 1.1.1.1?

Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 product serves as a DNS resolver, a tool you likely interact with numerous times daily.

When you enter a website like www.example.com in your browser, your computer needs a DNS resolver to convert this human-readable address into a numerical IP address necessary for connection.

Typically, your internet service provider selects your DNS resolver, but you can opt for a different one by configuring your settings or downloading an app. Cloudflare hopes users will choose 1.1.1.1.

Using 1.1.1.1 offers several advantages:

Resolving queries: Like any DNS resolver, 1.1.1.1 translates your user-friendly address into the numeric version, facilitating access to the desired website.
Concealing queries: With 1.1.1.1, your internet service provider cannot track your browsing activity.
VPN incompatibility: While 1.1.1.1 enhances privacy, it doesn’t offer complete protection. For example, on public WiFi, hackers may intercept your data. While a VPN can help, you can’t use it simultaneously with 1.1.1.1. You must choose one.

To try 1.1.1.1, follow Cloudflare’s instructions for installation on your Mac or PC. You can also find the app in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for mobile devices.

Pros & Cons of DNS 1.1.1.1

Should you transition from your current DNS provider to Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1? Let’s explore the potential advantages and drawbacks to help you make an informed choice.

Cloudflare highlights several benefits associated with 1.1.1.1:

Security: By implementing query name minimization, Cloudflare only includes necessary information to resolve your queries, discarding surplus data.
Privacy: The company retains logs for a mere 24 hours before erasing them entirely.
Speed: Cloudflare asserts that 1.1.1.1 stands as the swiftest DNS resolver, which could alleviate frustrations stemming from slow website loading times.

Yet, there are some downsides to consider:

Overconfidence: While 1.1.1.1 offers security features, it is not impervious to breaches. Users should remain vigilant as their data could still be vulnerable to hacking attempts.
Poor performance: Some users have encountered issues with their internet service providers blocking access to 1.1.1.1, resulting in connectivity problems rather than enhanced browsing speeds.
Research involvement: Cloudflare developed 1.1.1.1 in collaboration with APNIC to aid in DNS system research. While using 1.1.1.1 contributes to this effort, some individuals may feel uneasy about sharing even anonymized data for such projects.

Before making a decision, carefully weigh these factors to determine if transitioning to 1.1.1.1 aligns with your needs and concerns.

How to set up 1.1.1.1

Cloudflare DNS is compatible with both computers and mobile devices.

For setting up 1.1.1.1 on a Windows computer:

Click on the Start menu, then go to Control Panel.
Navigate to Network and Internet, then select Change Adapter Settings.
Right-click on your WiFi network and choose Properties.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 and click Properties.
Note down any existing DNS server entries and select Use the Following DNS Server Addresses.
Replace the existing addresses with the 1.1.1.1 DNS addresses.
Click OK and restart your computer.

For setting up 1.1.1.1 on Mac computers:

Open System Preferences and click on the Network icon.
Select your current WiFi connection and click Advanced.
Go to the DNS tab.
Note down any existing DNS server entries.
Replace the current addresses with 1.1.1.1.
Click OK and restart your computer.

To set up 1.1.1.1 on Android phones:

Go to the Google Play Store and search for “1.1.1.1: Faster Internet.”
Download and install the app.
Launch the app and toggle the WARP button to Connected.
Follow the prompts to install the VPN profile.

For setting up 1.1.1.1 on iOS devices:

Go to the App Store and search for “1.1.1.1: Faster Internet.”
Download and install the app.
Launch the app, agree to the terms of service, and install the VPN profile.
Toggle the WARP button to Connected.

FAQ’s

What is 1.1.1.1?

1.1.1.1 is a DNS resolver provided by Cloudflare and APNIC, designed to accelerate and secure internet searches by converting human-readable website addresses into numerical IP addresses necessary for connection.

What are the advantages of using 1.1.1.1?

Using 1.1.1.1 offers several benefits, including enhanced security through query name minimization, improved privacy with logs purged every 24 hours, and potentially faster website loading times.

Does 1.1.1.1 offer complete protection?

While 1.1.1.1 enhances privacy and security, it’s not impervious to breaches. Users should remain cautious as their data could still be vulnerable to hacking attempts, especially on public WiFi networks.

Are there any drawbacks to using 1.1.1.1?

Some users have reported issues with internet service providers blocking access to 1.1.1.1, leading to connectivity problems. Additionally, concerns exist regarding participation in DNS system research and sharing anonymized data for such projects.

How can I set up 1.1.1.1 on my devices?

Instructions for setting up 1.1.1.1 are provided for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. These involve accessing network settings and replacing existing DNS server addresses with the 1.1.1.1 addresses, followed by restarting the device.

Can I use 1.1.1.1 alongside a VPN?

No, you cannot use 1.1.1.1 simultaneously with a VPN. Users must choose one service over the other due to compatibility issues.

Where can I find the 1.1.1.1 app for mobile devices?

The 1.1.1.1 app is available for download from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for iOS and Android devices, respectively. Simply search for “1.1.1.1: Faster Internet” to find and install the app.

Conclusion

Considering the potential benefits and drawbacks outlined, the decision to switch to Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 DNS resolver requires careful consideration. While it offers enhanced security, privacy, and potentially faster browsing speeds, users should remain cautious about potential overconfidence in its protection capabilities and the possibility of encountering connectivity issues. Furthermore, the involvement in DNS system research may raise concerns for some users regarding data sharing. Ultimately, individuals must weigh these factors against their specific needs and concerns before deciding whether transitioning to 1.1.1.1 aligns with their internet usage requirements and privacy preferences.