Since iOS 14, Apple has supported encrypted DNS, which in a nutshell makes it much harder for snoopers on the same Wi-Fi network as you to see the domain names of the websites you are visiting.

settings
Because Apple's mobile operating system supports domain name encryption, sometimes you might see a warning that the Wi-Fi network you're connected to is blocking encrypted DNS traffic.

This privacy warning appears in the information screen for a Wi-Fi network in Settings -> Wi-Fi. (You can get to this screen by tapping on the circled 'i' next to a listed network).

If you see the warning message, don't panic -- it's actually normal behavior if the network you're connected to doesn’t meet the security standards recommended by Apple.

Given that there are many different Wi-Fi routers and network setups, it's difficult to offer the specific steps involved in changing settings for your particular situation to make the warning message go away. That said, some users have found one of the following actions to work for them:

  • Restart your iOS device.
  • Opt to Forget This Network on your iOS device, then reconnect.
  • Restart your Wi-Fi router.
  • Make sure your router's firmware is up-to-date.

If you're comfortable digging into the settings on your Wi-Fi router using an app or a browser, Apple maintains a support article called "Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points" that's worth referencing. If you set up your router in alignment with Apple's recommendations, you shouldn’t see the encrypted DNS warning message on your iOS device again.

Popular Stories

imac video apple feature

Apple Unveils First New Products of 2026

Monday January 26, 2026 1:55 pm PST by
Apple today introduced its first two physical products of 2026: a second-generation AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop for the Apple Watch. Read our coverage of each announcement to learn more:Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More Apple Introduces New Black Unity Apple Watch BandBoth the new AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided...
iPhone 5s

iPhone 5s Gets New Software Update 13 Years After Launch

Monday January 26, 2026 3:56 pm PST by
Alongside iOS 26.2.1, Apple today released an updated version of iOS 12 for devices that are still running that operating system update, eight years after the software was first released. iOS 12.5.8 is available for the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6, meaning Apple is continuing to support these devices for 13 and 12 years after launch, respectively. The iPhone 5s came out in September 2013,...
Apple Creator Studio

Apple's Next Launch is Today

Tuesday January 27, 2026 2:39 pm PST by
Update: Apple Creator Studio is now available. Apple Creator Studio launches this Wednesday, January 28. The all-in-one subscription provides access to the Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage apps, with U.S. pricing set at $12.99 per month or $129 per year. A subscription to Apple Creator Studio also unlocks "intelligent features" and "premium...
Apple Logo Black

Apple Just Made Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever After Beats

Thursday January 29, 2026 10:07 am PST by
Apple today confirmed to Reuters that it has acquired Q.ai, an Israeli startup that is working on artificial intelligence technology for audio. Apple paid close to $2 billion for Q.ai, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone and audio brand Beats in 2014. Q.ai has...
Second Generation AirTag Feature

Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More

Monday January 26, 2026 6:07 am PST by
Apple today introduced the second-generation AirTag, with key features including longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker. For those who are not familiar, the AirTag is a small accessory that you can attach to your backpack, keys, or other items. Then, you can track the location of those items in the Find My app on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and iCloud.com. The new...