NextDNS and iCloud Private Relay (macOS and iOS)
There are a lot of posts/conversations here about this subject but I haven't seen any definitive answer on how NextDNS does or does not work in conjunction with Apple's Private Relay service. I have set up two devices (all on the most current versions of either macOS or iOS as of the posting of this question):
- On macOS (using Safari), with my NextDNS profile installed and Private Relay OFF, I see the following message on a my NextDNS dashboard: "This device is not using NextDNS.
This device is currently using ”UUNET” as DNS resolver." - On macOS (using Safari), with my NextDNS profile installed and Private Relay ON, I see the following message on a my NextDNS dashboard: "This device is not using NextDNS.
This device is currently using ”Cloudflare” as DNS resolver.." I suppose this is correct? - On iOS (with a Profile installed), if Private Relay is ON, the NextDNS dashboard indicates that NextDNS is not being used
- On iOS (with a Profile installed), if Private Relay is OFF, everything seems to be working as it is supposed to and the NextDNS dashboard signals green - that NextDNS is being used.
It is difficult to tell whether NextDNS and Private Relay can or should be used together. Do you have definitive guidelines that provide specific information on exactly how to use NextDNS properly in an Apple environment using a Profile? Perhaps Profiles are not the best way to go. Would downloading the apps to each Apple OS be a better approach? I'm trying to understand the most appropriate way to use the service. Thank you for any guidance you can provide. - Steve.
12 replies
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I second this bug. NextDNS profiles used to work perfectly with iCloud Private Relay; so that only the Safari with iCloud Private Relay would show as not using NextDNS and all other cases would use NextDNS. Now, NextDNS never works in any case unless I use third party software like Adguard to enforce NextDNS, and iCloud Private Relay now does not work under any case.
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@steve.15 Have you verified your DNS IP addresses in Network preferences?
@anon.3 Concerning AdGuard and iCloud Private Relay... https://adguard.com/kb/adguard-for-mac/solving-problems/icloud-private-relay/
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They do work together without any issue, and it's simpler than you might think to get the dashboard to say you are using NextDNS. You need the NextDNS profile installed and active on the current network and when you load the NextDNS dashboard you have to let it see your IP address by hitting "reload and show IP address" in the Safari address bar (macOS) or page settings (iOS).
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So they can work together, but you have to change every device, correct? Previously, I used NextDNS to block stuff on my entire network by adding it to my router.
Now, it does work, but I have to manage every device to make it work, correct? There's no way to blanket block stuff from the router if a new device joins my network while using Private Relay? -
Thanks, @will_tisdale. That's what I thought. I understand the technology, but this is a bummer. I used to use NextDNS to block stuff on my network so my kids and their friends couldn't access it here.
Apple's Private Relay now messes it all up and makes NextDNS another subscription that I won't be paying for.
Content aside
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