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How-To Guides

Privacy Setup Guides

Free ways to actually improve your privacy. No subscription required.

Set Up Encrypted DNS with Cloudflare 1.1.1.1

Encrypt your DNS queries so your ISP can't see which websites you visit. Takes about two minutes to set up.

Visit 1.1.1.1 Official Site

Windows

  1. Download the 1.1.1.1 app from Cloudflare's website
  2. Install and run the application
  3. Click "Install" to enable encrypted DNS
  4. Verify the connection shows "Protected" in green

macOS

  1. Download the 1.1.1.1 app from the Mac App Store
  2. Install and open the application
  3. Click "Install" to enable encrypted DNS
  4. Enter your password when prompted

iOS

  1. Download the 1.1.1.1 app from the App Store
  2. Open Settings and tap on "1.1.1.1"
  3. Toggle "Connection Protection" on
  4. Approve the configuration profile

Android

  1. Download the 1.1.1.1 app from Google Play
  2. Open the app and tap "Install"
  3. Grant the necessary permissions
  4. Enable "Connection Protection"

Configure DNS Over HTTPS in Your Browser

Another way to encrypt DNS, using settings already built into your browser.

Chrome

  1. Open Chrome settings (chrome://settings/security)
  2. Search for "DNS" in the settings search bar
  3. Under "Security", find "Secure DNS"
  4. Select "With" and choose "Google" or another provider from the dropdown
  5. Learn more: Google DNS over HTTPS

Firefox

  1. Open Firefox settings (about:preferences#privacy)
  2. Scroll down to "Network Settings"
  3. Click "Settings" button
  4. Check "Enable DNS over HTTPS"
  5. Choose a provider or use the default (Cloudflare recommended)
  6. Learn more: Mozilla DNS over HTTPS guide

Safari (macOS)

  1. Go to Safari → Settings → Privacy
  2. Look for "Manage Website Data" and related privacy options
  3. Enable HTTPS-only mode when available
  4. Learn more: Apple Safari Privacy guide

Enable Enhanced Privacy in Firefox

Firefox has good privacy settings built in. Here's how to turn them on.

Download Firefox
  1. Open Firefox and go to Settings
  2. Navigate to "Privacy & Security"
  3. Under "Enhanced Tracking Protection", select "Strict"
  4. Check "DNS over HTTPS" and choose a provider
  5. Enable "HTTPS-Only Mode" in all windows
  6. Under "Cookies and Site Data", select "Block all third-party cookies"
  7. Uncheck "Send websites a 'Do Not Track' signal" (it's ineffective)
  8. Learn more: Enhanced Tracking Protection guide

Use Privacy-Focused Search Engines

Google tracks everything you search. These alternatives don't.

DuckDuckGo

  • No tracking or user profiling
  • Built-in tracker blocking
  • Available as browser extension and mobile app
  • Set as default search in your browser settings
  • Visit DuckDuckGo

Brave Search

Startpage

  • Anonymous Google search results
  • No tracking or recording of searches
  • Customizable search settings
  • Available in multiple languages
  • Visit Startpage

Secure Your Mobile Device

Your phone tracks you more than your computer. Here's how to limit that.

iOS Privacy Settings

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security
  2. Turn off "Location Services" for apps that don't need it
  3. Review "Tracking" and disable "Allow Apps to Request to Track"
  4. Enable "App Privacy Report" to monitor app behavior
  5. Use "Hide My Email" for sign-ups when possible
  6. Enable "Private Wi-Fi Address" for networks
  7. Learn more: Apple Privacy & Security guide

Android Privacy Settings

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy
  2. Disable "Location" when not needed
  3. Review app permissions regularly
  4. Enable "Private DNS" with a provider like dns.google
  5. Use "Incognito" mode in Chrome for sensitive browsing
  6. Consider using Firefox Focus for private browsing
  7. Learn more: Android Privacy controls

Browser Extensions Worth Using

A few extensions that block trackers without breaking websites or slowing things down.

uBlock Origin

The best ad blocker. Lightweight, configurable, and works on Firefox, Chrome, and most other browsers.

Download uBlock Origin

Privacy Badger

Made by the EFF. Learns which trackers follow you across sites and blocks them automatically.

Download Privacy Badger

HTTPS Everywhere

Forces HTTPS connections when available. Most browsers do this by default now, so you may not need it anymore.

Learn about HTTPS Everywhere

Decentraleyes

Serves common JavaScript libraries locally instead of fetching them from CDNs that track you.

Download Decentraleyes

Remember: Privacy is a Process, Not a Product

These guides use tools you already have or can get for free. You don't need perfect anonymity. Just reduce the amount of data you're giving away for no reason. Start with whatever seems easiest and go from there.