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Overview

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

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Syntax

mullvad dns <SUBCOMMAND>

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Subcommands

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get

Display current DNS settings: 
mullvad dns get

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set

Configure DNS servers: 
mullvad dns set <MODE>

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Set Modes

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default

Use Mullvad’s default DNS servers with optional content blocking: 
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.

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custom

Use custom DNS servers: 
mullvad dns set custom <SERVER>...
Arguments:
  • <SERVER>... - One or more IP addresses of DNS resolvers

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Examples

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View Current DNS Settings

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

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Use Default DNS

Default DNS without blocking: 
mullvad dns set default
Output: 
Updated DNS settings

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Enable Content Blocking

Block ads and trackers: 
mullvad dns set default --block-ads --block-trackers
Block malware: 
mullvad dns set default --block-malware
Block multiple categories: 
mullvad dns set default --block-ads --block-trackers --block-malware --block-adult-content
Block everything: 
mullvad dns set default \
  --block-ads \
  --block-trackers \
  --block-malware \
  --block-adult-content \
  --block-gambling \
  --block-social-media

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Use Custom DNS Servers

Single DNS server: 
mullvad dns set custom 1.1.1.1
Multiple DNS servers: 
mullvad dns set custom 1.1.1.1 8.8.8.8
IPv6 DNS servers: 
mullvad dns set custom 2606:4700:4700::1111 2001:4860:4860::8888
Mixed IPv4 and IPv6: 
mullvad dns set custom 1.1.1.1 2606:4700:4700::1111
Output: 
Updated DNS settings

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Content Blocking Categories

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Ads

Blocks domains commonly used for advertising and sponsored content. Example blocked domains:
  • Ad networks
  • Ad servers
  • Sponsored content providers

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Trackers

Blocks domains used for user tracking and analytics. Example blocked domains:
  • Analytics platforms
  • Tracking pixels
  • Fingerprinting services

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Malware

Blocks domains known to distribute malware or participate in malicious activities. Example blocked domains:
  • Malware distribution sites
  • Phishing domains
  • Command and control servers

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Adult Content

Blocks domains hosting adult/NSFW content.

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Gambling

Blocks online gambling and betting sites.

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Social Media

Blocks popular social media platforms. Example blocked domains:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter/X
  • Instagram
  • TikTok

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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.
  • tunnel - Configure other tunnel options
  • connect - Connect with current DNS settings
  • status - View connection status

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Exit Status

CodeDescription
0DNS settings updated successfully
1Invalid DNS server or configuration failed

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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)

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Source Reference

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

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