Get Started with Pi-hole: A Quick and Easy Guide

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Okay, here’s a very detailed (approximately 5000-word) guide to getting started with Pi-hole. I’ve structured it to be as comprehensive as possible, covering everything from the basics to advanced configuration and troubleshooting.

Get Started with Pi-hole: A Quick and Easy Guide (But We’ll Go Deep!)

This guide isn’t just quick and easy; it’s thorough. We’ll cover the basics, but also delve into the underlying mechanisms, advanced configurations, and troubleshooting steps to make you a Pi-hole power user.

Table of Contents:

  1. Introduction: What is Pi-hole and Why Should You Use It?

    • The Problem: Ads, Trackers, and Network Clutter
    • The Solution: Pi-hole as a Network-Wide Ad Blocker
    • Benefits of Using Pi-hole
    • Limitations of Pi-hole
    • Is Pi-hole Right for You?

  2. Hardware and Software Requirements

    • Choosing a Raspberry Pi (or Alternative Hardware)
      • Raspberry Pi Models and Considerations
      • Alternative Single-Board Computers (SBCs)
      • Virtual Machines and Docker
    • Operating System: Raspberry Pi OS (and Alternatives)
    • Power Supply and Accessories
    • Network Connectivity (Wired vs. Wireless)
    • SD Card Considerations (Size and Speed)

  3. Installation: Setting Up Your Pi-hole

    • Step 1: Flashing the Operating System
      • Using Raspberry Pi Imager
      • Using Etcher (Alternative Imager)
      • Configuring Wi-Fi (if applicable) before booting
    • Step 2: Initial Raspberry Pi Setup (Headless or with a Monitor)
      • Connecting via SSH (Headless Setup)
      • Using a Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse
      • Changing the Default Password
      • Updating the System
    • Step 3: Installing Pi-hole
      • The One-Step Automated Install Script
      • Manual Installation (for Advanced Users)
      • Installation Options and Prompts
      • Choosing an Upstream DNS Provider
    • Step 4: Setting a Static IP Address for Your Pi-hole
      • Why a Static IP is Crucial
      • Configuring a Static IP on Raspberry Pi OS
        • Using dhcpcd.conf
        • Using Network Manager (if applicable)
    • Step 5: Accessing the Pi-hole Web Interface

  4. Configuring Your Network to Use Pi-hole

    • Option 1: Configuring Pi-hole as Your DHCP Server
      • The Easiest Approach (for Most Users)
      • Disabling DHCP on Your Router
      • Enabling DHCP on Pi-hole
    • Option 2: Setting Pi-hole as Your DNS Server on Your Router
      • Finding Your Router’s DNS Settings
      • Entering the Pi-hole’s IP Address
      • Considerations for Dual-Stack (IPv4 and IPv6) Networks
    • Option 3: Manually Configuring DNS on Individual Devices
      • Windows
      • macOS
      • iOS
      • Android
      • Other Devices

  5. Understanding the Pi-hole Web Interface

    • Dashboard Overview
      • Total Queries
      • Queries Blocked
      • Percentage Blocked
      • Domains on Blocklist
      • Top Clients
      • Top Blocked Domains
    • Query Log: Real-time DNS Monitoring
    • Long-Term Data (Gravity)
      • Viewing Historical Data
      • Understanding the Graphs
    • Whitelist: Allowing Specific Domains
    • Blacklist: Blocking Specific Domains
      • Using Wildcards
    • Group Management (for advanced configurations)
    • Disable Blocking: Temporarily Bypassing Pi-hole
    • Settings
      • System
      • DNS
        • Upstream DNS Servers (Choosing and Testing)
        • Conditional Forwarding
        • DNSSEC
        • Rate Limiting
      • DHCP (if enabled)
      • API/Web Interface
      • Privacy Levels
      • Teleporter (Backup and Restore)

  6. Maintaining and Updating Pi-hole

    • Updating Pi-hole
      • Using the Web Interface
      • Using the Command Line (pihole -up)
    • Updating the Operating System
    • Backing Up and Restoring Pi-hole Configuration (Teleporter)
    • Monitoring System Resources (CPU, Memory, Disk Space)

  7. Troubleshooting Common Issues

    • Pi-hole Not Blocking Ads
      • DNS Configuration Issues
      • Browser Caching
      • Device-Specific Ad Blockers
      • IPv6 Leaks
    • Websites Not Loading
      • Whitelisting Domains
      • Checking the Query Log
      • Upstream DNS Server Problems
    • Pi-hole Web Interface Not Accessible
      • Network Connectivity Issues
      • Service Status (pihole-FTL)
      • Firewall Issues
    • DHCP Issues (if Pi-hole is the DHCP server)
      • IP Address Conflicts
      • DHCP Lease Time
    • Slow Internet Speeds
      • Underpowered Hardware
      • Network Congestion
      • Upstream DNS Server Latency

  8. Advanced Pi-hole Configuration

    • Using Custom Blocklists
      • Finding and Adding Blocklists
      • Managing Blocklists Effectively
    • Setting Up DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or DNS-over-TLS (DoT)
      • Using Cloudflared
      • Using Unbound
    • Creating Custom DNS Records (Local DNS)
    • Using Pi-hole with a VPN
      • VPN Client on the Pi-hole Device
      • VPN Router with Pi-hole as DNS
    • Integrating Pi-hole with Home Automation Systems
    • Using Pi-hole with Docker

  9. Security Considerations

    • Change Default Password
    • Use a Strong Password
    • Keep Pi-Hole Updated
    • Limit Access to the Web Interface
    • Consider a Firewall
    • Regularly Audit the Query Log
    • Beware of Phishing Attacks

  10. Conclusion: Enjoying a Cleaner, Faster, and More Private Network

1. Introduction: What is Pi-hole and Why Should You Use It?

The Problem: Ads, Trackers, and Network Clutter

The modern internet is awash in advertisements and tracking technologies. Every website you visit, every app you use, is likely collecting data about your browsing habits, location, and device information. This data is used for targeted advertising, profiling, and sometimes even sold to third parties. Beyond the privacy implications, these ads and trackers:

  • Slow down your browsing: Ads consume bandwidth and processing power, leading to longer page load times.
  • Clutter your screen: Pop-ups, banners, and video ads disrupt your browsing experience.
  • Drain battery life: On mobile devices, ads can significantly reduce battery life.
  • Increase data usage: Ads can consume a significant portion of your mobile data plan.
  • Pose security risks: Malvertising (malicious advertising) can deliver malware to your devices.

The Solution: Pi-hole as a Network-Wide Ad Blocker

Pi-hole is a network-level ad blocker. It acts as a DNS (Domain Name System) sinkhole, preventing your devices from connecting to known ad-serving and tracking domains. Here’s how it works:

  1. DNS Resolution: When you type a website address (e.g., www.example.com) into your browser, your device sends a DNS query to a DNS server to translate that human-readable address into a numerical IP address (e.g., 192.0.2.1). This IP address is necessary for your device to connect to the website’s server.
  2. Pi-hole Intercepts: Instead of sending DNS queries directly to your ISP’s DNS server (or a public DNS server like Google’s), your devices send them to the Pi-hole.
  3. Blacklist Check: Pi-hole checks the requested domain against its blocklists (lists of known ad-serving and tracking domains).
  4. Blocking or Forwarding:
    • If the domain is on the blocklist: Pi-hole returns a non-routable IP address (usually 0.0.0.0). This prevents your device from connecting to the ad server, effectively blocking the ad.
    • If the domain is not on the blocklist: Pi-hole forwards the DNS query to an upstream DNS server (which you configure during setup, such as Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, or OpenDNS). The upstream server resolves the domain name, and Pi-hole returns the correct IP address to your device.

Benefits of Using Pi-hole

  • Network-wide ad blocking: Blocks ads on all devices on your network, including computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and IoT devices, without needing to install software on each device.
  • Improved browsing speed: By blocking ads and trackers, websites load faster.
  • Reduced bandwidth usage: Less data is downloaded, saving you money on mobile data plans and potentially improving overall network performance.
  • Enhanced privacy: Reduces the amount of tracking data collected about your browsing habits.
  • Protection from malvertising: Blocks connections to known malicious ad servers.
  • Customization: Allows you to whitelist (allow) specific domains and blacklist (block) others.
  • Detailed statistics: Provides insights into your network traffic, including the number of queries blocked and the most frequently blocked domains.
  • Open-source and free: Pi-hole is free to use and open-source, meaning its code is publicly available for review and modification.

Limitations of Pi-hole

  • Doesn’t block all ads: Some ads are served from the same domain as the website content, making them difficult for Pi-hole to block without breaking the website. Examples include YouTube ads and some ads on social media platforms.
  • Requires some technical setup: While the installation process is relatively straightforward, it does require some basic technical knowledge.
  • Potential for website breakage: Aggressive blocklists can sometimes block legitimate content. You may need to whitelist specific domains to fix broken websites.
  • Doesn’t provide VPN-level privacy: Pi-hole blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level, but it doesn’t encrypt your traffic or hide your IP address like a VPN does.

Is Pi-hole Right for You?

Pi-hole is a great solution for anyone who wants to:

  • Improve their browsing experience by blocking ads and trackers.
  • Enhance their network privacy.
  • Reduce bandwidth usage.
  • Gain more control over their network traffic.

If you’re comfortable with basic command-line operations and network concepts, Pi-hole is a relatively easy project to set up. Even if you’re not a tech expert, this guide will walk you through every step.

2. Hardware and Software Requirements

Before you begin, you’ll need the necessary hardware and software.

Choosing a Raspberry Pi (or Alternative Hardware)

Pi-hole is designed to run on a Raspberry Pi, a small, low-power, single-board computer. However, it can also run on other hardware.

  • Raspberry Pi Models and Considerations:

    • Raspberry Pi Zero W: The most affordable option. It has built-in Wi-Fi, but its limited processing power may be a bottleneck for large networks or heavy usage. Suitable for smaller home networks.
    • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+: A good balance of price and performance. Has built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet. A solid choice for most home networks.
    • Raspberry Pi 4 Model B: The most powerful Raspberry Pi. Available with varying amounts of RAM (1GB, 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB). Recommended for larger networks, heavy usage, or if you plan to run other services alongside Pi-hole. The 2GB model is generally sufficient for Pi-hole.
    • Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W: A significant upgrade over the original Zero W, with a much faster processor. A great option for those wanting a small, low-power, and affordable Pi-hole.

    Considerations:

    • Processing Power: The more devices on your network and the more DNS queries Pi-hole has to handle, the more processing power you’ll need.
    • RAM: Pi-hole itself doesn’t require much RAM, but having more RAM can be beneficial if you’re using large blocklists or running other services.
    • Connectivity: Choose a model with the connectivity options you need (Wi-Fi and/or Ethernet).

  • Alternative Single-Board Computers (SBCs):

    • ODROID: A range of SBCs that offer more processing power than Raspberry Pis.
    • NanoPi: Another popular SBC option.
    • Orange Pi: A budget-friendly SBC.

    If you choose an alternative SBC, make sure it’s compatible with a Debian-based Linux distribution (like Raspberry Pi OS).

  • Virtual Machines and Docker:

    • Virtual Machine (VM): You can run Pi-hole in a virtual machine on your existing computer (using software like VirtualBox or VMware). This is a good option for testing or if you don’t want to dedicate a separate device to Pi-hole.
    • Docker: Pi-hole can be run in a Docker container, which provides a lightweight and isolated environment. This is a good option for more advanced users who are familiar with Docker.

Operating System: Raspberry Pi OS (and Alternatives)

The recommended operating system for Pi-hole is Raspberry Pi OS (formerly known as Raspbian), a Debian-based Linux distribution optimized for Raspberry Pi hardware.

  • Raspberry Pi OS Lite: This is the recommended version for Pi-hole. It’s a minimal version of Raspberry Pi OS without a graphical desktop environment, which reduces resource usage.
  • Raspberry Pi OS with Desktop: You can use the full version with a desktop environment, but it’s not necessary for Pi-hole and will consume more resources.

Alternative Operating Systems:

  • DietPi: A lightweight Debian-based distribution that’s even more minimal than Raspberry Pi OS Lite. A good option for resource-constrained devices.
  • Ubuntu Server: A popular server operating system that can also be used for Pi-hole.

Power Supply and Accessories

  • Power Supply: Use a high-quality power supply that meets the requirements of your Raspberry Pi model. A poor-quality power supply can cause instability and data corruption. The official Raspberry Pi power supply is recommended.
  • MicroSD Card: You’ll need a microSD card to store the operating system and Pi-hole data.
    • Size: A minimum of 8GB is recommended, but 16GB or 32GB is preferable.
    • Speed: Choose a Class 10 or UHS-I microSD card for optimal performance. A faster card will improve boot times and overall responsiveness.
    • Endurance: Consider a “High Endurance” microSD card designed for continuous write operations, as Pi-hole constantly writes DNS query logs.
  • Ethernet Cable (Optional): A wired Ethernet connection is recommended for stability and performance. If you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure you have a strong and reliable signal.
  • Case (Optional): A case can protect your Raspberry Pi from dust and damage.
  • Keyboard, Mouse, and Monitor (Optional): These are only needed for the initial setup if you’re not using a headless (no monitor) configuration.

Network Connectivity (Wired vs. Wireless)

  • Wired (Ethernet): The most reliable and recommended option. Provides a stable and fast connection.
  • Wireless (Wi-Fi): Can be used, but make sure you have a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal. Wi-Fi is more susceptible to interference and may result in slower performance.

SD Card Considerations (Size and Speed)

As mentioned above, the size and speed of your SD card are important. A slow or small SD card can significantly impact the performance of your Pi-hole. A “High Endurance” card is highly recommended due to the constant writing of DNS logs.

3. Installation: Setting Up Your Pi-hole

Now for the fun part – installing Pi-hole! We’ll cover the most common and recommended methods.

Step 1: Flashing the Operating System

This involves writing the Raspberry Pi OS image to your microSD card.

  • Using Raspberry Pi Imager:

    1. Download Raspberry Pi Imager: Download the Raspberry Pi Imager from the official Raspberry Pi website (https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/).
    2. Choose OS: Select “Raspberry Pi OS (other)” and then “Raspberry Pi OS Lite (32-bit)” or “Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit)” depending on your Pi model and preference. (64-bit is recommended for Pi 3 and 4 models if supported by your Pi model).
    3. Choose Storage: Select your microSD card from the list. Be absolutely sure you’ve selected the correct drive, as this process will erase all data on the selected drive.
    4. Write: Click the “Write” button. This process may take several minutes.
    5. Verification: The Imager will verify the written data.
    6. Enable SSH: Before ejecting, click the gear icon (settings) in the Raspberry Pi Imager. Enable SSH and set a password. You can also pre-configure Wi-Fi here by entering your SSID and password. This is essential for headless setup.

  • Using Etcher (Alternative Imager):

    1. Download Etcher: Download Etcher from https://www.balena.io/etcher/.
    2. Select Image: Click “Flash from file” and select the downloaded Raspberry Pi OS image file.
    3. Select Target: Select your microSD card. Double-check that you’ve selected the correct drive.
    4. Flash: Click “Flash!” to start the process.

  • Configuring Wi-Fi (if applicable) before booting:

    If you’re using Wi-Fi and didn’t configure it in the Raspberry Pi Imager, you can create a wpa_supplicant.conf file on the boot partition of the SD card after flashing. This file will configure Wi-Fi when the Raspberry Pi first boots.

    1. Open the boot partition: After flashing, the boot partition of the SD card should be visible on your computer.
    2. Create wpa_supplicant.conf: Create a new text file named wpa_supplicant.conf (no .txt extension) in the root directory of the boot partition.

    3. Add Wi-Fi credentials: Open the file in a text editor and add the following, replacing your_country_code, your_wifi_ssid, and your_wifi_password with your actual information:

      “`
      country=your_country_code
      ctrl_interface=DIR=/var/run/wpa_supplicant GROUP=netdev
      update_config=1

      network={
      ssid=”your_wifi_ssid”
      psk=”your_wifi_password”
      }
      ``
      * **      your_country_code:** Use the two-letter ISO code for your country (e.g., US, GB, DE).
      * **      your_wifi_ssid:** The name of your Wi-Fi network.
      * **      your_wifi_password:** The password for your Wi-Fi network.
      4. **Enable SSH (Headless):** Create an empty file named      ssh` (no extension) in the boot partition. This enables SSH access on first boot.

Step 2: Initial Raspberry Pi Setup (Headless or with a Monitor)

  • Connecting via SSH (Headless Setup):

    1. Insert the microSD card: Insert the microSD card into your Raspberry Pi.
    2. Connect to power: Connect the power supply to your Raspberry Pi.
    3. Find the IP address: You’ll need to find the IP address assigned to your Raspberry Pi by your router. You can usually find this in your router’s web interface (look for a list of connected devices). Alternatively, you can use a network scanning tool like nmap (if you’re familiar with it) or a mobile app like “Fing”.

    4. Connect via SSH: Open a terminal (on Linux or macOS) or use an SSH client like PuTTY (on Windows). Connect to the Raspberry Pi using the following command (replace 192.168.1.xxx with your Raspberry Pi’s IP address):

      bash
      ssh [email protected]
      If you set a custom username during the imaging process, use that instead of pi.
      5. Enter the password: You’ll be prompted for the password. The default password is raspberry (unless you changed it during the imaging process).

  • Using a Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse:

    1. Connect peripherals: Connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to your Raspberry Pi.
    2. Insert the microSD card: Insert the microSD card into your Raspberry Pi.
    3. Connect to power: Connect the power supply to your Raspberry Pi.
    4. Boot up: The Raspberry Pi will boot into Raspberry Pi OS.
    5. Login: You’ll be prompted to log in. The default username is pi, and the default password is raspberry.

  • Changing the Default Password:

    This is extremely important for security. Whether you’re using SSH or a direct connection, change the default password immediately.

    1. Open a terminal: If you’re using a monitor and keyboard, open a terminal window.

    2. Run passwd: Type the following command and press Enter:

      bash
      passwd
      3. Enter the current password: You’ll be prompted for the current password (raspberry).
      4. Enter a new password: Enter your desired new password (twice for confirmation). Choose a strong password that’s difficult to guess.

  • Updating the System:

    It’s important to update the system software to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes.

    1. Update the package list:

      bash
      sudo apt update
      2. Upgrade installed packages:

      bash
      sudo apt full-upgrade
      You may be prompted to confirm the upgrade. Type y and press Enter.

    2. Reboot (if necessary): Some updates may require a reboot.

      bash
      sudo reboot

Step 3: Installing Pi-hole

  • The One-Step Automated Install Script:

    This is the easiest and recommended method for most users.

    1. Run the install script: In the terminal, run the following command:

      bash
      curl -sSL https://install.pi-hole.net | bash
      This command downloads the Pi-hole installation script and executes it.

  • Manual Installation (for Advanced Users):

    This method is only recommended for users who are comfortable with the command line and have specific configuration needs. The automated install script handles most scenarios correctly. If you really want to do a manual install, refer to the official Pi-hole documentation for detailed instructions. It essentially involves cloning the GitHub repository and running the setup scripts manually.

  • Installation Options and Prompts:

    The installation script will guide you through a series of prompts. Here’s what you’ll need to know:

    • Static IP Address: The installer will warn you that a static IP address is required. We’ll configure this in the next step. For now, just acknowledge the warning.
    • Upstream DNS Provider: You’ll be asked to choose an upstream DNS provider. This is the DNS server that Pi-hole will use to resolve domains that are not on its blocklists. Popular options include:
      • Google (ECS): Google’s public DNS servers (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). Generally fast and reliable. ECS (EDNS Client Subnet) sends part of your IP address to help with content delivery.
      • Cloudflare (ECS): Cloudflare’s public DNS servers (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). Focuses on privacy and speed.
      • OpenDNS: Another popular public DNS provider.
      • Quad9: A security-focused DNS provider that blocks known malicious domains.
      • Custom: Allows you to specify your own upstream DNS servers.
    • Blocklists: The installer will ask you which blocklists you want to use. The default blocklists are generally sufficient for most users.
    • IPv4 and IPv6: Choose whether you want to block ads over IPv4, IPv6, or both. If you’re not sure, select both.
    • Web Admin Interface: Choose whether you want to install the web admin interface (recommended).
    • Web Server: Choose lighttpd (the recommended web server).
    • Log Queries: Choose whether you want to log queries. Logging is useful for troubleshooting and monitoring, but it can impact performance and storage space on resource-constrained devices.

    • Privacy Mode: Choose your desired privacy level (this affects the level of detail shown in the logs and web interface).

    • Installation Complete: Once the installation is complete, you’ll see a summary screen with important information, including:

      • Pi-hole IP Address: The IP address of your Pi-hole (which will be static soon).
      • Web Interface URL: The URL to access the Pi-hole web interface (e.g., http://pi.hole/admin or http://<your_pihole_ip>/admin).
      • Web Interface Password: The randomly generated password for the web interface. Write this password down! You can change it later.

Step 4: Setting a Static IP Address for Your Pi-hole

A static IP address is crucial for Pi-hole to function correctly. If your Pi-hole’s IP address changes (which can happen with DHCP), your devices will no longer be able to use it as their DNS server.

  • Why a Static IP is Crucial:

    • Reliability: Devices on your network need to consistently reach the Pi-Hole at the same IP address.
    • DNS Resolution: If the Pi-Hole’s IP changes, DNS lookups will fail, and devices won’t be able to access websites.

  • Configuring a Static IP on Raspberry Pi OS:
    There are two primary ways to configure a static IP address:

    • Using dhcpcd.conf (Recommended Method):
      This is the preferred method for Raspberry Pi OS, as it’s the standard way to configure network interfaces.

      1. Open dhcpcd.conf:
        bash
        sudo nano /etc/dhcpcd.conf

      2. Add Static IP Configuration:
        Scroll to the end of the file and add the following lines, replacing the example values with your actual network information:

        interface eth0 # Or wlan0 for Wi-Fi
        static ip_address=192.168.1.10/24
        static routers=192.168.1.1
        static domain_name_servers=192.168.1.1

        • interface eth0 (or wlan0): Specifies the network interface to configure. Use eth0 for a wired connection and wlan0 for Wi-Fi.
        • static ip_address=192.168.1.10/24: Sets the static IP address for your Pi-hole.
          • 192.168.1.10: Choose an IP address within your router’s subnet but outside of the DHCP range (the range of IP addresses your router automatically assigns). You can usually find this information in your router’s web interface. .10 is just an example; choose an unused address.
          • /24: This is the subnet mask. /24 is equivalent to 255.255.255.0 and is the most common subnet mask for home networks.
        • static routers=192.168.1.1: Sets the IP address of your router (the default gateway).
        • static domain_name_servers=192.168.1.1: Sets the DNS server. In this case we are setting it to our router. Pi-Hole will be our primary DNS, but setting this to the router is a good fallback.
          3. Save and Exit: Press Ctrl+O to save the file, then Enter to confirm, and Ctrl+X to exit nano.
          4. Reboot:
          bash
          sudo reboot
          5. Verify: After rebooting, verify your static IP using ip addr.

    • Using Network Manager (if applicable):

      Some newer versions of Raspberry Pi OS may use Network Manager to manage network connections. If dhcpcd.conf doesn’t seem to be working, you might need to use Network Manager. The easiest way to configure a static IP with Network Manager is to use the nmtui (Network Manager Text User Interface) command:

      1. Run nmtui:

      sudo nmtui
      2. Edit a connection: Select “Edit a connection” and press Enter.
      3. Choose your interface: Select your Ethernet or Wi-Fi interface and press Enter.
      4. Configure IPv4: Change “Automatic” to “Manual”.
      5. Add IP Address: Enter your desired static IP address, subnet mask (e.g., /24), gateway (your router’s IP address), and DNS server (your router’s IP address).
      6. Activate the connection: Go back to the main menu, select “Activate a connection,” and choose your interface.
      7. Reboot:

      bash
      sudo reboot

Step 5: Accessing the Pi-hole Web Interface

Now that Pi-hole is installed and configured with a static IP address, you can access its web interface:

  1. Open a web browser: Open a web browser on any device on your network.
  2. Enter the URL: Enter the Pi-hole web interface URL in the address bar. This will be either:
    • http://pi.hole/admin (if your network supports local DNS resolution)
    • http://<your_pihole_ip>/admin (replace <your_pihole_ip> with the static IP address you assigned to your Pi-hole).
  3. Login: You’ll be prompted for the web interface password. Enter the password that was displayed at the end of the Pi-hole installation process (or the password you set if you changed it).

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed and configured Pi-hole. Now, let’s configure your network to use it.

4. Configuring Your Network to Use Pi-hole

There are three main ways to configure your devices to use Pi-hole:

Option 1: Configuring Pi-hole as Your DHCP Server (Recommended)

This is the easiest and most comprehensive approach for most home networks. Pi-hole takes over the role of assigning IP addresses to your devices, ensuring that they all use Pi-hole for DNS resolution.

  • The Easiest Approach (for Most Users): This method ensures all devices on the network automatically use Pi-hole without manual configuration.
  • Disabling DHCP on Your Router:
    1. Access your router’s web interface: Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). You may need to log in with your router’s username and password.
    2. Find the DHCP settings: Look for a section called “DHCP,” “LAN Setup,” “Network Settings,” or something similar. The exact location and wording will vary depending on your router model.
    3. Disable DHCP server: Find the option to disable the DHCP server and enable it. There may be a checkbox, a dropdown menu, or a button to disable it.
    4. Save settings: Save the changes to your router’s configuration. Your router may reboot.
  • Enabling DHCP on Pi-hole:
    1. Access the Pi-hole web interface: Go to http://pi.hole/admin or http://<your_pihole_ip>/admin.
    2. Go to Settings > DHCP: Click on the “Settings” tab, then select the “DHCP” tab.
    3. Enable DHCP server: Check the box that says “DHCP server enabled.”
    4. Configure DHCP settings:
      • Range of IP addresses to hand out: The default settings are a good place to start. The starting range should be above your Pi-hole’s static IP but within your subnet, and leaving a reasonable amount of addresses unused above this range is a good practice.
      • Router (gateway) IP address: Enter your router’s IP address.
      • Lease Time: The default lease time is usually fine (24h is common).
    5. Save settings: Click the “Save” button at the bottom of the page.
    6. Reboot Devices (or Renew DHCP Lease): For changes to take effect, your devices will need to renew their DHCP leases. The easiest way to do this is to reboot them. Alternatively, you can manually renew the DHCP lease on each device (the method varies depending on the operating system).

Option 2: Setting Pi-hole as Your DNS Server on Your Router

This method involves configuring your router to use Pi-hole as its primary DNS server. All devices that obtain their network settings from the router (via DHCP) will automatically use Pi-hole.

  • Finding Your Router’s DNS Settings:
    1. Access your router’s web interface: Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address.
    2. Find the DNS settings: Look for a section called “DNS,” “Internet Setup,” “WAN Setup,” or something similar. The location varies by router model. It might be in the same general area as DHCP settings (LAN), or it might be in a separate section related to your internet connection (WAN).
  • Entering the Pi-hole’s IP Address:

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