Enforce DNS on iPhone
How to Enforce DNS Settings on an iPhone
Enforcing and protecting DNS settings on an iPhone is a solid way to ensure content filtering can't be disabled.
If you've connected your iPhone to a DNS Content Policy or an internet filter that uses DNS, chances are you've considered whether it's possible to enforce and protect these DNS settings.
For the best possible setup (that can't be disabled), here's what you'll need to do:
If set up correctly, your iPhone's DNS settings can't be changed or removed.
Step 1: Enable Supervised Mode
On a standard iPhone, DNS settings can always be disabled by using the Settings app. Supervised iPhones, on the other hand, remove the Settings app's ability to manage DNS settings like this:
Supervised mode is an advanced alternative to Screen Time or parental controls that relies on specialized Device Config Files being installed on your device. These Config Files can be customized to add DNS settings to that device.
Config Files installed this way are significantly more difficult to remove than an App Locker. This is why Supervised mode is the best option if you're self-managing as an adult.
Step 2: Customize and Enforce DNS Settings Using a Device Config File
Some content filters have multiple ways to connect an iPhone, and some might even have Config Files you can download and install on your iPhone directly.
For example, Tech Lockdown members can easily protect DNS Settings on their iPhone by using our Apple Config Generator .
Step 3: Prevent VPNs from potentially overriding your iPhone's DNS Settings
VPNs could set their own DNS settings that might override ones set by a Device Config File, so it's important to block VPNs on the iPhone . You can use supervised mode to prevent new VPNs from being added.
You could also install a protected VPN profile that:
- Connects your iPhone to your content filter
- Works in combination with your DNS settings
- Can't be deleted from your iPhone
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Supervised Mode?
Supervised mode is best suited if you're trying to:
- Manage your own iPhone
- Prevent restrictions from being disabled
Supervised app blocking is a much more powerful alternative to App Locks or parental controls.
Can DNS be added to a standard iPhone?
DNS can be added to both supervised and standard iPhones using Config Files.
However, on standard iPhones:
- DNS Settings can always be ignored using the Settings app
- The Config File used to add DNS can always be removed
Can I use Screen Time or parental controls to enforce DNS Settings?
In most cases, you cannot.
You may be able to restrict new VPN apps from being installed, but this usually disables app updates.
See our dedicated guide for parental controls on iPhone for more information.