Complete OpenDNS Setup Walkthrough

What This Tutorial Covers

OpenDNS (now part of Cisco Umbrella) offers free DNS-based content filtering that's easy to set up and works across all devices on your network. This tutorial walks you through both the simple FamilyShield option (no account needed) and the customizable Home account (free, requires registration). By the end, you'll have network-level filtering protecting your family.

🎯 Option 1: OpenDNS FamilyShield (Simple)

Best for: Quick setup, no customization needed, family-friendly defaults

What FamilyShield Blocks (Pre-Configured)

• Adult content (pornography)
• Tasteless content
• Proxy/anonymizer sites
• Phishing and malware sites

FamilyShield DNS Addresses

Quick Setup (Router Level - Protects Whole Network)

1. Open web browser, type router IP address: 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1
2. Log in with admin username/password (check router sticker if unknown)
3. Find DNS settings (usually under: Internet, WAN, Network, or DHCP Settings)
4. Change DNS servers to:
   • Primary: 208.67.222.123
   • Secondary: 208.67.220.123
5. Save settings and restart router
6. Restart devices or disconnect/reconnect from WiFi

Test It's Working

1. Visit welcome.opendns.com - Should say "Welcome! You are using OpenDNS"
2. Try visiting a test blocked site (OpenDNS will show block page)

Done! That's it for FamilyShield. For customization, continue to Option 2.

🎯 Option 2: OpenDNS Home (Customizable, Free)

Best for: Want to customize filtering, view statistics, manage multiple locations

Step 1: Create Free OpenDNS Home Account

1. Go to signup.opendns.com/homefree/
2. Enter your email address
3. Create a password (save this!)
4. Agree to terms and click "Create My Account"
5. Check email for verification link
6. Click verification link to confirm

Step 2: Add Your Network

1. After logging in, you'll be at the Dashboard
2. Click "Add this network" button
3. OpenDNS will auto-detect your public IP address
4. Give your network a name (e.g., "Home" or "Family WiFi")
5. Click "Add Network"

Step 3: Configure Router DNS

Now configure your router to use OpenDNS servers (NOT FamilyShield addresses this time):

1. Access your router admin panel (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
2. Find DNS settings
3. Change to:
   • Primary: 208.67.222.222
   • Secondary: 208.67.220.220
4. Save and restart router

Step 4: Verify Connection

1. Back in OpenDNS Dashboard, click your network name
2. Look for green "Active" status
3. Visit welcome.opendns.com to confirm

⚙️ Customizing Filtering (OpenDNS Home)

Step 5: Choose Filtering Level

1. In Dashboard, click "Settings" tab
2. Click "Web Content Filtering"
3. Choose a preset level:
   • None: Security only (blocks malware/phishing, no content filtering)
   • Low: Blocks mature content
   • Moderate: Blocks mature content and some other categories
   • High: Blocks extensive categories including social media, video sharing
   • Custom: Choose exactly what to block (recommended)

Step 6: Customize Categories (Recommended Approach)

1. Select "Custom" filtering level
2. Scroll through 65+ categories
3. Check categories you want to BLOCK. Common recommendations:
   • ✅ Pornography
   • ✅ Sexuality
   • ✅ Tasteless
   • ✅ Nudity
   • ✅ Lingerie/Swimsuit
   • ✅ Proxy/Anonymizer
   • ✅ Adware
   • ✅ Phishing
   • Consider: Gambling, Social Networking, Video Sharing (depends on your needs)
4. Click "Apply" at bottom of page

Step 7: Manage Individual Domains

Block or allow specific websites beyond category filtering:

To Block Specific Site:

1. Settings → "Manage Individual Domains"
2. Under "Always Block," enter domain (e.g., example.com)
3. Click "Add Domain"

To Allow Specific Site (Override Filtering):

1. Under "Never Block," enter domain
2. Click "Add Domain"
3. Useful if filtering blocks legitimate site

📊 Viewing Statistics & Reports

What You Can See

• Total Requests: Number of DNS lookups
• Unique Domains: How many different sites accessed
• Blocked Domains: What was filtered
• Top Domains: Most visited sites
• Block Categories: Which categories triggered most blocks
• Requests Over Time: Graph showing usage patterns

Accessing Stats

1. Dashboard → Click your network name
2. Click "Stats" tab
3. Choose time range (Last hour, Today, Last 7 days, Last 30 days)
4. Review blocked requests to see what's being filtered

What Stats Tell You

• Lots of blocked pornography requests? Someone's testing the limits
• Proxy site blocks? Someone trying to bypass filtering
• Legitimate sites being blocked? Add to "Never Block" list
• High usage at night? Adjust schedule or have conversation

🔄 Dynamic IP Address Updater

If your home IP address changes, OpenDNS needs to know your new IP. Options:

Option A: Built-in Router Support (Easiest)

Some routers have OpenDNS Dynamic DNS built in:

1. Check your router settings for "Dynamic DNS" or "DDNS"
2. Select "OpenDNS" as provider
3. Enter your OpenDNS username and password
4. Router will automatically update your IP

Option B: OpenDNS Dynamic IP Client (Windows/Mac)

1. Download from OpenDNS support site
2. Install on a computer that's always on
3. Enter your OpenDNS credentials
4. Client runs in background, updates IP automatically

Option C: Manual Check (Not Recommended)

1. OpenDNS Dashboard → Settings → "Update Network"
2. Manually click when you notice filtering stopped working
3. Only viable if IP rarely changes

📱 Device-Level Setup (For Mobile Protection)

Router-level DNS only works on your home network. Configure devices for protection when away:

iPhone/iPad (iOS)

1. Settings → WiFi
2. Tap (i) next to your network
3. Scroll to "Configure DNS"
4. Tap "Manual"
5. Remove existing DNS servers
6. Add Server: 208.67.222.222
7. Add Server: 208.67.220.220
8. Tap "Save"

Note: Must repeat for cellular data and each WiFi network

Android

1. Settings → Network & Internet (or Connections)
2. WiFi → Long-press your network → Modify Network
3. Advanced Options → IP Settings: Static
4. DNS 1: 208.67.222.222
5. DNS 2: 208.67.220.220
6. Save

Android 9+ Alternative (Private DNS):

• Settings → Network & Internet → Private DNS
• Select "Private DNS provider hostname"
• Enter: family-filter.opendns.com (for FamilyShield)
• This works on cellular too!

❓ Troubleshooting Common Issues

💡 Pro Tips & Advanced Features

Multiple Locations

• Add multiple networks (home, vacation home, office)
• Each can have different filtering settings
• Track usage at each location separately

Custom Block Page

• Settings → "Customization"
• Add custom message to block page
• Useful: "This content doesn't align with our family values. If you think this is a mistake, talk to Dad/Mom."

Filtering Schedule (Paid Feature)

OpenDNS Home VIP ($20/year) adds scheduling:

• Different filtering levels at different times
• Example: Lighter filtering during school hours, heavier in evening
• Bedtime internet shutdown

Email Reports (Paid Feature)

• Weekly or monthly usage reports sent to email
• Convenient alternative to logging in

📋 Quick Reference Card