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What the reported Pi-hole experiment found
In a September 8, 2026, XDA Developers article, Samir Makwana described running Pi-hole on a Raspberry Pi 4, directing an LG C2 television to use it, and watching the query log. He reported seeing the TV make requests to services and other destinations. Those are observations attributed to Makwana’s account, not an independently replicated test or a finding about every smart TV.
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The useful distinction is between what the log directly shows and what someone might infer from it. A DNS entry means a client asked to resolve a domain. It does not, on its own, show what data was sent afterward, establish that a connection succeeded, or explain the purpose of the request. A lookup could relate to ordinary service operation, telemetry, advertising, content delivery, or another function; the domain name alone may not settle which.
Can Pi-hole monitor without blocking?
Yes. Pi-hole has separate controls for DNS query logging and DNS blocking. Its configuration documentation describes queryLogging for logging DNS queries and replies separately from whether blocking is active. You can therefore leave query logging on and turn blocking off while observing requests.
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That setup makes Pi-hole an observer of DNS activity routed through it—not a complete network monitor. The log contains DNS requests and replies, not the contents of later connections, including encrypted traffic.
What must be true for the TV to appear in the log?
The TV’s DNS lookups need to pass through Pi-hole. Pi-hole’s post-install guidance explains that clients must use Pi-hole as their DNS server for the network configuration to apply. If the TV uses another resolver, uses encrypted DNS outside the observed path, or otherwise bypasses Pi-hole, its requests may not appear. The reported account does not establish how the LG C2’s DNS settings were configured or whether any lookups bypassed Pi-hole.
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The Raspberry Pi 4 was the host in Makwana’s account, not a requirement established by the story. The important condition for observing a device is that its DNS traffic reaches Pi-hole; the specific host hardware is not what makes the log representative of all the device’s activity.
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- Make the TV use Pi-hole for DNS. Configure the network so the TV’s DNS lookups go to Pi-hole. Pi-hole’s post-install documentation covers client setup: Post-install.
- Keep query logging enabled. Pi-hole’s configuration documentation describes the query-logging control: Configuration.
- Leave DNS blocking disabled. Query logging and blocking are separate controls, so observing requests does not require blocking domains.
- Check the query log while using the TV. Note which requests appear and when. Treat domain names as leads for investigation, not proof of the data sent or the request’s purpose.
- Stop retaining detailed history when you are done. Choose a privacy setting appropriate to your household and observation needs.
What the query log cannot establish
- It is not a record of every connection. It reports DNS activity handled by Pi-hole, not all network events or traffic that uses another route.
- It does not show payload contents. A domain lookup does not reveal the precise information exchanged in a later connection.
- It does not prove intent. A hostname alone cannot establish whether a request serves telemetry, advertising, playback, routine operation, or another purpose.
- It is not a universal TV finding. Makwana’s account concerns one LG C2 and one reported setup. It cannot establish behavior across manufacturers, models, regions, firmware versions, or network configurations.
Consider household privacy before keeping DNS history
Detailed DNS logs can expose which household devices requested particular domains and when. Pi-hole’s privacy-level documentation describes options that hide domain or client information; its most anonymous level disables query-log and long-term database logging. More privacy means less detail available for investigating past requests. If you only need a short observation, limit detailed logging to that period where practical, then choose a less revealing setting or disable history.
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- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
- More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
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- 1080p resolution - View your favorite movies, shows and games in full high definition.
- Alexa voice control - The Alexa Voice Remote lets you easily control your entertainment, search across apps, switch inputs, and more using just your voice. Press and hold the voice button and ask Alexa to easily find, launch, and control content, and even switch to cable.
- Access thousands of shows with Fire TV - Watch over 1.5 million streaming movies and TV episodes with access to thousands of channels, apps and Alexa skills, including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN+, Sling TV, Paramount+, and other services right from this TV.*
- DTS Virtual-X Sound - An immersive sound format creates a three-dimensional sound experience with your TV’s speakers.
- Supports HDMI ARC - Sends audio directly from the HDMI jack to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver, removing the need for an extra cable.
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