Router Setup
Router setup can cover every device on your network, but router support is mixed. Many home routers only accept plain DNS IP addresses. Advanced firewalls and custom firmware can do more.
At a glance
Best for
Homes or small offices that want one setting to cover many devices.
Protocol
Plain DNS by default, DoT or DoH where supported
Coverage
Network-wide
Setup time
5 to 10 minutes
Main input
51.24.7.1
Router Setup stays focused on the shortest accurate path for this platform.
Guide summary
Important
Do not assume your router supports encrypted DNS just because it supports custom DNS. Many mainstream home routers only let you set IP addresses.
Before you start
Check 01
You need access to your router or firewall admin screen.
Check 02
Know whether your device supports plain DNS only, DoT, or custom DoH templates.
Use the right field for the right input.
URL fields need the full DoH URL. Hostname fields need the DoT hostname only. IP fields need the raw address only.
IPv4 DNS
51.24.7.1
Works on the widest range of routers.
IPv6 DNS
2a05:d01c:b4a:2900:945c:1a85:e537:cf80
Use if your router and ISP support IPv6.
DoT hostname
dns.easyhns.com
Use only on routers or firewalls that explicitly support DNS over TLS.
DoH URL
https://dns.easyhns.com/dns-query
Use only on gear that explicitly supports custom DNS over HTTPS templates.
Short steps, no filler.
Follow the route in order, then verify the active DNS setting before changing another layer.
Step 01
Find the DNS settings in your router
Open the router app or admin page and search for Internet, WAN, DHCP, or DNS settings. The exact label changes by brand.
Step 02
Choose the simplest supported method
If your router only accepts IP addresses, use 51.24.7.1 as the primary DNS server. Add 2a05:d01c:b4a:2900:945c:1a85:e537:cf80 only if your network already uses IPv6 cleanly.
Step 03
Use encrypted DNS only where the platform clearly supports it
For DoT-capable routers or firewalls, enter dns.easyhns.com as the secure hostname. For custom DoH-capable platforms, use https://dns.easyhns.com/dns-query.
Step 04
Save and renew clients
Save the router settings, then reconnect client devices or renew DHCP leases so they pick up the new DNS path.
How to verify
Test from two different devices on the network, not just one browser on one machine.
If only some devices resolve Handshake domains, they may still be using manually configured DNS or a VPN.
Troubleshooting
Google Nest and Google Wifi support changing DNS server IPs in the Google Home app, but this is still a plain DNS flow rather than DoH or DoT.
Platforms like OpenWrt, pfSense, and OPNsense can support encrypted upstream DNS, but the exact path is more advanced and should match that platform's own documentation.
If a smart TV or console still fails, reboot it after changing router DNS so it requests fresh network settings.
Important note about Handshake website security warnings
Using Easy HNS gives you convenient access to Handshake domains, but standard browsers may still show security warnings for some Handshake websites.
Why? Because most mainstream browsers do not natively validate Handshake trust and DANE/TLSA in the same way they validate the conventional HTTPS web.
As a result:
- some Handshake websites may load over HTTP;
- some may show a browser warning or missing secure indicator;
- this is often a browser trust-model limitation, not automatically proof that the website is malicious.
If you want a stronger Handshake-native browsing experience with DANE/TLSA support, use Fingertip for desktop.
Using a VPN?
Easy HNS still works well with VPNs, but browser Secure DNS can override router or system DNS, and some VPN apps force their own resolver. Use 51.24.7.1 only in IP fields, use https://dns.easyhns.com/dns-query only in DoH fields, and verify which layer is actually winning.
Setup guide
Advanced
Exact Easy HNS endpoints for manual clients, custom templates, scripts, and infrastructure tooling.
Protocol
DoH, DoT, plain DNS
Scope
Varies
Time
Depends on platform
Setup guide
Android
Use Android Private DNS with the Easy HNS hostname for the simplest system-wide setup.
Protocol
DoT
Scope
System-wide
Time
1 minute
Setup guide
Apple
Use the Easy HNS profile on iPhone, iPad, or Mac for the smoothest Apple setup path.
Protocol
DoH via Apple DNS profile
Scope
System-wide
Time
2 to 3 minutes