How can I keep my DNS active while using a VPN? I’ve noticed that sometimes when I connect to my VPN, my DNS settings get overridden or disabled. What’s the proper way to make both work together?
It’s not a stupid question! Many VPNs automatically override your DNS to protect your privacy, routing everything through their own DNS servers. But if you want to keep your original DNS active, you could either manually configure DNS in your network settings or use a split-tunnel VPN that only directs certain traffic through the VPN.
Depending on your VPN client, you might need to disable DNS leak protection if you want to use your ISP’s DNS. However, be aware that this comes with a privacy risk—your browsing might become visible to your ISP again. If privacy isn’t a big concern, it’s not a bad option.
Why would you even want to do that? If you care about security, always let the VPN handle your DNS. Otherwise, you’re just defeating the whole purpose of using a VPN
You can also try manual DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). Set them up in your router or device settings, so your traffic stays consistent even when the VPN is connected. Some VPNs allow you to specify custom DNS servers directly in the app.
Another option is to look for VPN providers that support split DNS—that way, some traffic can go through the VPN’s DNS and the rest through your preferred DNS server. This setup is common for businesses using corporate VPNs.