How to Enable Secure DNS in Google Chrome

This article explains how to manage secure DNS in Google Chrome for 2026. This feature is also called DNS over HTTPS.

Google Chrome is a popular web browser. It uses the same engine as Microsoft Edge. They work in almost the same way.

Why do this? Using secure DNS hides your website requests from prying eyes. It adds a layer of privacy to your internet connection.

What happens when done? Your browser will encrypt the way it looks up website addresses, making your browsing history harder to track.

Enable/Disable DNS Over HTTPS in Chrome

You can change these settings directly in your browser. Here is how:

1. Open the Google Chrome browser.
2. Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
3. Select Settings.

1. Click Privacy and security on the left sidebar.

1. Click the Security tile.

1. Find Use secure DNS under the Advanced section.
2. Toggle the switch to On or Off.
3. To choose a specific provider, click Choose another provider. You can pick from a list or type in a custom address.

Enable / Disable Secure DNS in Chrome using Group Policy

For advanced users or office computers, using the Group Policy Editor is safer than the Registry Editor. You need the latest Chrome ADMX templates installed.

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Google > Google Chrome.
3. Find the policy named Configure the DNS-over-HTTPS mode.
4. Double-click it and select Enabled.
5. In the Options box, choose off, automatic, or secure from the dropdown menu.
6. Click Apply and OK.

Enable / Disable Secure DNS in Chrome using the Registry

If you cannot use Group Policy, you can use the Registry Editor. First, open the Windows Registry.

Remember to back up your registry your registry before making changes, or create a System Restore point as a precaution.

Go to this path:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome

If the folders do not exist, right-click the parent folder, select New > Key, and name them Google and Chrome.

1. Right-click in the right pane.
2. Select New > String Value.
3. Name it DnsOverHttpsMode.
4. Double-click it and set the value to:
   • off: Disables secure DNS.
   • automatic: Uses secure DNS if available.
   • secure: Always uses secure DNS.

You may need to restart your computer for these changes to work. This post helps you manage a DnsOverHttpsTemplates for your network.

Reference: Chrome Enterprise Policy

Conclusion

Managing secure DNS helps keep your data private. Remember these points:

• Options: Choose “automatic” for the best balance or “secure” for maximum privacy.
• Restoring: Delete the registry entry or set the policy to “Not Configured” to go back to default settings.
• Conflicts: Be aware that local registry edits may be overridden by domain-level group policies set by your IT administrator. If your settings are grayed out, a company policy is likely in charge.
• Reboot: Always restart Chrome or your computer if settings do not take effect immediately.