Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

What is Alternate DNS?

Alternate DNS is a free, global Domain Name System (DNS) resolution service, that you can use as an alternative to your current DNS provider.

How does Alternate DNS block ads?

Alternate DNS maintains a regularly updated database of known ad serving domain names. When a website you visit requests anything from a known ad server, Alternate DNS sends a null response blocking ads before they even touch your network.

Can I use Alternate DNS to host my domain name or website?

No. Alternate DNS is not an authoritative nameserver or hosting service.

Are there any cross-product dependencies with Alternate DNS?

Alternate DNS is an independent service.

Does Alternate DNS offer the ability to block or filter out unwanted sites?

Yes! In addition to blocking unwanted ads, we maintain a malware & phishing block list.

USE AND SUPPORT

I am using another DNS service now. Can I also use Alternate DNS?

Yes. You can set Alternate DNS to be your primary or secondary DNS resolver, along with your current DNS resolver. Please remember that operating systems treat DNS resolvers differently: some will only use your primary DNS resolver and use the secondary in case the primary one fails, while others will round-robin among each of the resolvers.

Is Alternate DNS suitable for all types of Internet-enabled devices?

Yes. Alternate DNS can be used on any standards-compliant network device. If you find any situation where Alternate DNS does not work well, please let us know.

Can I run Alternate DNS on my office computer?

Some offices have private networks that allow you to access domains that you can't access outside of work. Using Alternate DNS might limit your access to these private domains. Please check your IT department's policy before using Alternate DNS on your office computer.

In which countries is Alternate DNS available?

It is available to Internet users around the world, though your experience may vary greatly based on your specific location.

Does Alternate DNS work with all ISPs?

Alternate DNS should work with most ISPs, assuming you have access to change your network DNS settings.

Does it matter in what order I specify the IP addresses?

No, the order does not matter. Either IP can be your primary or secondary name server.

How can I get support from the Alternate DNS team?

You may do so by visiting our contact us page.

PRIVACY

What is your policy on logging?

Alternate DNS's DNS service collects non-personally-identifying information such as the date and time of each DNS request and the domain name requested.

Alternate DNS also collects potentially personally-identifying information like Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of website visitors and IP addresses from which DNS requests are made. For its DNS services, Alternate DNS is storing IP addresses temporarily to monitor and improve our quality of service.

In addition, we may combine non-personally-identifiable information with personally-identifiable information in a manner that enables us to attribute website and DNS service usage to an individual customer's computer or network.

Other than to its employees, Alternate DNS discloses potentially personally-identifying and personally-identifying information only when required to do so by law or court order.

We do not share or sell any query data to 3rd parties.