Yandex DNS

What Yandex DNS is

Yandex DNS directs DNS requests to Yandex servers and filters access to adult-only and dangerous websites. It offers Basic, Safe, and Family modes, with different levels of protection. Safe mode blocks dangerous sites using a database of infected websites that Yandex updates daily. Yandex also says it blocks sites with malicious code that may steal data or trick visitors into paid subscriptions, and interrupts botnet communications with controlling servers using information from partners. Family mode blocks adult websites and ads and removes adult content from Yandex search results.

Yandex DNS provides DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS endpoints for its modes, including Android Private DNS support. Setup guidance covers computers, mobile devices, and home networks, with guides for Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers. The Windows guide says DoH is available only in Windows 11. Yandex states that its DNS servers are available 99.99% of the time. The service is free and intended for personal, noncommercial use; other use requires Yandex’s prior written consent. Its terms allow automatic, anonymous collection of device type and model, operating system type, visited domain names, usage statistics, and technical information. Yandex DNS does not manage website DNS records.

Who it suits

Yandex DNS suits people who want DNS filtering on computers, phones, or a home network, with mode options for general, dangerous-site, or family filtering. It is intended for personal, noncommercial use, and its setup guides cover Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers.

Limits

Yandex DNS is provided for personal, noncommercial use; other use requires Yandex’s prior written consent. The Windows setup guide limits DoH availability to Windows 11.

Getting started

1. Visit https://dns.yandex.com/.
2. Choose Basic, Safe, or Family mode.
3. Open the setup guide for your device or router.
4. Configure the corresponding Yandex DNS endpoint; use Android Private DNS where supported.
5. For Windows DoH, use Windows 11.

Verdict

Choose Yandex DNS if you want free DNS filtering with separate Safe and Family modes and setup options for devices or routers. Look elsewhere if you need a service to manage website DNS records or need DoH on Windows before Windows 11.