How to Set Up Cloudflare DNS on IoT Devices (Raspberry Pi, Home Assistant, etc.)

Setting up Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) on IoT devices like Raspberry Pi, Home Assistant, and other smart home systems can enhance network speed, improve security, and protect your privacy.

Step-by-step guide to setting up Cloudflare DNS on IoT devices for faster and more secure connectivity.

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Why Use Cloudflare DNS on IoT Devices?

✅ Faster Internet Performance – Cloudflare’s DNS is one of the fastest in the world. ✅ Increased Privacy – Prevents ISPs from tracking your data. ✅ Enhanced Security – Blocks malicious domains and phishing attempts. ✅ Better IoT Device Stability – Reduces network interruptions and improves device response times.

Cloudflare DNS Addresses:

• IPv4:
• Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
• Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1
• IPv6:
• Preferred DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1111
• Alternate DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1001

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Method 1: Setting Up Cloudflare DNS on Raspberry Pi (Raspbian / Raspberry Pi OS)

Step 1: Edit the DHCP Configuration

1. Open a terminal on your Raspberry Pi.
2. Edit the DHCP configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/dhcpcd.conf

3. Add the following lines at the end of the file:

static domain_name_servers=1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1

4. Save the file (Ctrl + X, then Y, then Enter).
5. Restart the Raspberry Pi to apply changes:

sudo reboot

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Method 2: Setting Up Cloudflare DNS on Home Assistant OS

Step 1: Access Home Assistant Terminal

1. Open Home Assistant in your web browser.
2. Navigate to Supervisor > System > Host.
3. Click Change under IPv4 DNS Servers.

Step 2: Enter Cloudflare DNS

• Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
• Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1

1. Click Save and restart your Home Assistant system.

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Method 3: Setting Up Cloudflare DNS on Other IoT Devices

For smart home devices like Google Nest, Amazon Echo, Smart Plugs, and Security Cameras, DNS settings cannot be changed directly on the device. Instead, configure Cloudflare DNS on your router to apply it to all IoT devices.

How to Change DNS on Your Router:

1. Open your router settings (192.168.1.1 in a browser).
2. Navigate to Network Settings > DNS Configuration.
3. Replace the existing DNS with:

• Primary: 1.1.1.1
• Secondary: 1.0.0.1

1. Save changes and restart your router.

This ensures all connected IoT devices use Cloudflare DNS automatically.

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How to Verify Cloudflare DNS is Working

1. On Raspberry Pi, run:

nslookup google.com

If Cloudflare DNS is working, you’ll see 1.1.1.1 as the resolver.

2. For Home Assistant, check Supervisor > System > Host > DNS to confirm.
3. For general IoT devices, test internet speed and stability improvements.

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Conclusion

Using Cloudflare DNS on IoT devices like Raspberry Pi, Home Assistant, and smart home gadgets enhances security, speeds up connectivity, and improves network reliability. If your device doesn’t support manual DNS changes, configuring it on your router is the best alternative.

Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or need further assistance!