Mullvad, public encrypted DNS servers to shut down
Original: Shutting down our public encrypted DNS
Why This Matters
Signals a trend of privacy-focused companies consolidating DNS infrastructure around specialized nonprofit providers like Quad9.
Mullvad VPN announced it will shut down its public encrypted DNS (DoH) servers, which have operated since 2022, and will financially sponsor Quad9 instead. Users must migrate before November 2, 2026. Mullvad Browser will automatically switch to Quad9.
Mullvad VPN announced on September 3, 2026 that it will discontinue its public encrypted DNS (DoH) servers, originally launched in 2022, and redirect those resources toward financially sponsoring the Quad9 Foundation instead.
The company explained that while the servers were unnecessary for Mullvad VPN users — whose traffic is already encrypted via the VPN's internal DNS — they served two external purposes: providing a default DoH resolver for Mullvad Browser users not connected to the VPN, and offering a free public DNS service to anyone seeking to protect their queries from ISP visibility.
Mullvad stated that 'running a privacy-focused public DNS service is a highly specialized undertaking,' and described Quad9 as 'the undisputed leader in the field,' concluding that supporting Quad9 financially was preferable to duplicating its efforts.
Users who have manually configured Mullvad DoH servers must migrate before November 2, 2026, using Quad9's own setup guides. Mullvad Browser users on default or ad-blocking DoH settings will be migrated to Quad9 automatically. iOS and macOS profiles using Mullvad DoH will stop working and must be replaced with Quad9 equivalents.