Nym protects your privacy at every stage of your connection, DNS included. Here's how DNS works on the Nym network, why it's more private than a traditional VPN, and when you might customise it.
While you're connected, your DNS requests resolve through the exit server, which means DNS servers only see that Nym users as a group are resolving hostnames, never you individually, and your queries can't be linked to your real IP. That's stronger than many VPNs, which run their own DNS resolvers that could be logged, monitored, or legally compelled. Nym avoids that risk entirely: DNS never touches a centralized Nym-operated resolver.
What the app's DNS does
Nym uses DNS in two phases. Before connecting, DNS helps the app discover and reach Nym endpoints, so your DNS provider can see you're connecting to Nym, just as it would with any VPN. After connecting, every query resolves inside the encrypted Nym tunnel, so the provider can't see your real IP and your requests blend into a large pool of Nym users. (Switching DNS providers can reduce this privacy.)
Nym's default DNS providers
As of November 2025, Nym uses Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Quad9, both chosen for privacy-first policies. Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 keeps DNS logs for only 24 hours, minimizes the query information sent at each step, and is common enough that your queries blend with many others.
When to customise your DNS
You might want a custom provider for ad-blocking, family filtering, malware or phishing protection, or other DNS-based features, using services like AdGuard or NextDNS, or any resolver you trust. Different providers offer different privacy guarantees, so review a provider's policy before switching.
Using custom DNS in NymVPN
NymVPN lets you set custom DNS servers on supported devices:
- Open Settings ⚙️ in the app.
- Tap Customize DNS.
- Enter a DNS address (IPv4 or IPv6).
- Tap Add (up to 5 addresses, ordered by priority).
- Tap Save.
- Enable Use custom DNS servers.
- Disconnect and reconnect for it to take effect.
Note: custom DNS can limit Nym connectivity in some cases. Either way, Nym keeps DNS private through encrypted, mixnet-protected queries, trusted providers, no centralized handling, and no link between your real IP and your DNS activity. Questions? Contact Nym support.