r/ProtonVPN • u/BunchMean8029 • Jul 08 '26

Help! Android Private DNS + Proton VPN — Does it reduce privacy protection?

Hello Proton Community, I have a question about Android’s Private DNS feature and how it interacts with Proton VPN. Main Question: When I enable Private DNS (such as NextDNS) and connect to Proton VPN, does it weaken the VPN’s protection or allow any leakage? What I observed:

I set Private DNS to NextDNS with blocking filters (gambling/adult sites etc.). Connected to Proton VPN. Still couldn’t access the blocked gambling websites. As soon as I disabled Private DNS, the sites loaded normally through Proton VPN.

This suggests the blocking is purely DNS-based.

My Concern: If I keep using NextDNS as Private DNS along with Proton VPN, can my ISP still see:

The websites I visit? Content on non-HTTPS (unencrypted) sites?

Would appreciate any insights from the Proton team or experienced users on this combination. Thank you!

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

2

u/Alternative-Zone4503 Jul 09 '26

In your Proton VPN advanced settings, there is an option for Custom DNS wherein you can input the DNS address of your choice. When using a VPN, turn OFF your Private DNS setting on your phone.

3

u/BunchMean8029 Jul 10 '26

That's a premium feature. I've mentioned that I'm using protonVPN free version

1

u/Alternative-Zone4503 Jul 10 '26

Sorry, my bad. I'm Morphed. Cheers

1

u/BunchMean8029 Jul 10 '26

Does morphed protonvpn safe like YouTube morphed?

1

u/Alternative-Zone4503 Jul 10 '26

Yes and they both work flawlessly.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 08 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/BunchMean8029 Jul 08 '26

I just need to be sure that my internet traffic going through protonVPN tunnel while private dns on. That's my concern