Pi-Hole DNS Server Setup

 

Beginner's guide to building a Pi-Hole DNS Server

Network-wide ad blocking via your own Linux hardware

What is Pi-hole?

Pi-hole is free and open-source software that works as a network-wide ad blocker, acting as a DNS sinkhole to block unwanted content. It improves privacy and speeds up browsing by preventing ads and trackers.

Official Documentation: https://pi-hole.net/

🎬 Video Demonstration

What are the benefits of Pi-hole?

Here are the key benefits of Pi-hole:

• DNS Server Use Pi-hole as your DNS server.
• Ad Blocking: Blocks ads at the network level, preventing them from loading on any device connected to your network.
• Privacy Protection: Reduces tracking by blocking third-party cookies, analytics, and tracking domains.
• Faster Browsing: Speeds up page load times by preventing ads and unnecessary content from loading.
• Network-wide Coverage: Blocks ads across all devices (smartphones, computers, smart TVs, etc.) without needing individual app configurations.
• Reduced Bandwidth Usage: Less data is consumed since ads and unwanted content are blocked before being downloaded.
• Customizable Filters: Allows you to add custom blocklists or allow specific domains to suit your needs.
• Enhanced Security: Can block malicious domains, protecting your network from malware and phishing attempts.
• Easy Setup: Simple installation on a Raspberry Pi or other devices, with a user-friendly web interface for management.
• Free and Open Source: No cost and open for community contributions and improvements.

Who can use it?

Anyone with a home or business network can use Pi-hole, particularly those looking to enhance privacy or reduce internet clutter.

Why it must be in everyone's system or server

Pi-hole offers improved security, faster browsing, and a cleaner, ad-free experience for all devices connected to the network.

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of Docker.
• Docker must be installed on your system.
• Basic knowledge of command-line operations.
• Minimal resources (256MB RAM, 2GB storage).
• Pi-hole runs on devices like Raspberry Pi, Linux servers, or virtual machines.

Deployment Guide

Disable System DNS

sudo systemctl stop systemd-resolved
sudo systemctl disable systemd-resolved

1. Using Docker run command

docker run -d \
    --name c-pihole \
    -p 53:53/tcp -p 53:53/udp \
    -p 67:67/udp \
    -p 8080:80 \
    -v "$(pwd)/pihole/data/pihole:/etc/pihole" \
    -v "$(pwd)/pihole/data/dnsmasq.d/custom-dns.conf:/etc/dnsmasq.d/custom-dns.conf" \
    -e ServerIP="$(ip route get 8.8.8.8 | awk '{for(i=1;i<=NF;i++) if ($i=="src") print $(i+1)}')" \
    -e DNS1=8.8.8.8 \
    -e DNS2=4.2.2.2 \
    -e TZ=Asia/Kolkata \
    -e WEBPASSWORD=password \
    --restart=always \
    pihole/pihole:latest

2. Using Docker Compose

Create compose file

nano compose.yml

services:
  pihole:
    container_name: pihole
    hostname: pihole
    image: pihole/pihole:latest
    restart: unless-stopped
    # For DHCP it is recommended to remove these ports and instead add: network_mode: "host"
    cap_add:
      - NET_ADMIN # Required if you are using Pi-hole as your DHCP server, else not needed
    ports:
      - "53:53/tcp" # DNS TCP
      - "53:53/udp" # DNS UDP
      - "67:67/udp" # DNS UDP
      - "8080:80/tcp" # WEB ADMIN GUI
      #- "67:67/udp" # Only required if you are using Pi-hole as your DHCP server
    environment:
      - WEBPASSWORD=password
    volumes:
      - ${DOCKER_VOLUME_STORAGE:-/mnt/docker-volumes}/pihole/data/pihole:/etc/pihole
      - ${DOCKER_VOLUME_STORAGE:-/mnt/docker-volumes}/pihole/data/dnsmasq.d/custom-dns.conf:/etc/dnsmasq.d/custom-dns.conf

Run container

docker compose up -d

Access DNS Server

http://your_ip_or_FQDN:8080

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