Can I Use pfSense As A DNS Server​?

If you’ve ever wanted more control over your network or simply wished for faster, safer DNS resolution, pfSense might be the tool you’re looking for. pfSense is an open-source firewall and router platform known for its flexibility and reliability. But beyond firewalls and routing, pfSense also doubles as a powerful DNS server.

DNS (Domain Name System) is the unsung hero of every network; it translates human-friendly domain names into IP addresses that devices understand. Running your own DNS server allows for faster responses, greater privacy, and better network control.

So, can I use pfSense as a DNS server? Absolutely. If you’re managing a small office, a home lab, or a larger network, pfSense lets you handle DNS resolution in-house. In this article, we’ll explain how that works, step-by-step.

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What Is DNS Server Functions?

Before diving into configurations, it’s important to understand what a DNS server actually does. Every time you type a website address like example.com, your device contacts a DNS server to resolve that name into an IP address. Without DNS, you’d need to remember strings of numbers to visit any website.

When using pfSense as a DNS server, you’re essentially putting this translation service inside your own network. That means faster responses, reduced reliance on third-party DNS providers, and more control over how domain names are handled.

In pfSense, this functionality is powered by two key components:

1. DNS Resolver – A modern, caching server that looks up names directly from the internet’s root servers.
   
2. DNS Forwarder – A lightweight service that sends DNS queries to upstream DNS providers (like Google or Cloudflare) without resolving them directly.

The DNS features in pfSense can be customized under pfSense DNS settings, where you choose which service to use, configure upstream servers, and set overrides. With the right setup, your entire network can rely on pfSense for secure and responsive DNS resolution.

pfSense DNS Resolver

The pfSense DNS Resolver is the default and most robust DNS service included in pfSense. It’s built on Unbound, a powerful and secure DNS resolver that can work in both resolver and forwarder modes.

In resolver mode, it doesn’t just forward queries, it performs the full DNS lookup process itself, starting from the root DNS servers down to the authoritative servers. This reduces dependency on third-party DNS services and enhances privacy and reliability. It also caches results, so repeated queries are answered almost instantly.

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How to Configure the DNS Resolver in pfSense:

1. Navigate to Services > DNS Resolver.
2. Check Enable to turn it on.
3. Leave the default port 53 unless you have a specific need to change it.
4. Optionally, enable DNS over TLS for encrypted DNS lookups.
5. Leave DNSSEC enabled (it’s on by default) to protect against forged DNS responses.
6. Bind it to the right network interfaces (usually LAN).
7. Save and apply changes.

This setup is ideal for most networks. It improves performance, enhances security, and keeps your DNS lookups private.

What If the DNS Resolver Isn’t Working?

If you run into issues where DNS queries fail, it may be due to:

• Conflicts with the DNS Forwarder service (make sure it’s disabled).
• Incorrect interface bindings.
• Firewall rules blocking port 53 or 853.
• Misconfigured upstream servers.

In those cases, restart the resolver service and check logs under Status > System Logs > Resolver to pinpoint the issue.

This addresses the common keyword concern: “pfSense DNS resolver not working.”

pfSense DNS Forwarder

While the DNS Resolver is the default and preferred option, pfSense DNS Forwarder is still available, especially useful for those with simpler DNS needs or legacy systems.

The forwarder (based on dnsmasq) works by relaying all DNS queries to upstream servers like Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) instead of resolving them directly. It also supports basic caching, which helps reduce latency for repeated queries. However, unlike the Resolver, it doesn’t perform full DNS lookups or support DNSSEC natively.

When Should You Use DNS Forwarder Instead?

• In networks where upstream DNS control is preferred or required.
  
• When using static DNS servers across multiple VLANs.
  
• If certain devices only work with dnsmasq-style forwarding.
  
• For administrators who want simpler DNS behavior without dealing with root lookups.
  

How to Enable the DNS Forwarder:

1. Go to Services > DNS Forwarder.
2. Check the Enable box.
3. Optionally define custom domain overrides or static entries.
4. Save and apply.

Important: You cannot run the DNS Forwarder and DNS Resolver at the same time. If the resolver is active, you must disable it before enabling the forwarder.

So while the forwarder gets the job done, most users benefit more from the features and performance of the DNS Resolver, unless a specific setup demands the forwarder’s simplicity.

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DNS Resolver vs Forwarder: Which Should You Use?

Choosing between the pfSense DNS Resolver and the pfSense DNS Forwarder depends on your network’s needs. Both services handle DNS queries, but they differ in how they operate and what they offer.

Here’s a clear breakdown:

Feature	DNS Resolver	DNS Forwarder
Root DNS Querying	Yes	No
Caching	Yes	Yes
DNSSEC Support	Yes	No
DNS over TLS Support	Yes	No
Performance	Higher (direct resolution)	Lower (relies on upstream)
Ease of Use	Moderate	Simple
Use Case	Security-focused networks	Simpler/legacy setups

Our Recommendation:

Use the DNS Resolver if:

• You want faster DNS resolution after initial queries (due to caching).
  
• You care about privacy and security (thanks to DNSSEC and DNS over TLS).
  
• You want to reduce external dependency on third-party DNS services.

Use the DNS Forwarder if:

• You’re working with legacy equipment or software that requires it.
  
• You prefer upstream control or centralized DNS filtering.
  
• You need minimal configuration and simplicity.

For most users, especially in home labs, startups, or small businesses, the DNS Resolver is the smarter long-term option. It’s more secure, self-reliant, and better aligned with modern networking standards.

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pfSense as a DNS Server Example

Let’s walk through a real-world scenario that shows how you can use pfSense as a DNS server in a small business or home network.

Situation:

You’re running a small office with 15 devices, laptops, desktops, VoIP phones, and a couple of local servers. You want to:

• Improve DNS speed.
• Reduce dependency on external DNS services.
• Resolve local hostnames like printer.local or server01.local.
• Add security and visibility to your DNS traffic.

Solution:

Set up pfSense as your DNS Resolver.

Step-by-Step Setup:

1. Enable DNS Resolver

Go to Services > DNS Resolver, check “Enable,” and leave it listening on port 53.

2. Enable Local Hostname Resolution
   Still under DNS Resolver settings, check:
   
   • Register DHCP leases in the DNS Resolver
   • Register DHCP static mappings

This ensures devices that get IPs via DHCP can be reached by their hostnames on the network.

3. This satisfies the “pfSense resolve local hostnames” goal.
   
4. Set Up DHCP to Use pfSense for DNS

Go to Services > DHCP Server > LAN and ensure “DNS servers” points to pfSense’s own IP address (usually 192.168.1.1).

5. Use DNS over TLS (Optional but Recommended)

In DNS Resolver settings, enable DNS over TLS and enter upstream secure servers like:

• 1.1.1.1@853 (Cloudflare)
  
• 9.9.9.9@853 (Quad9)
  

6. Disable DNS Server Override

Under System > General Setup, uncheck “Allow DNS server list to be overridden by DHCP/PPP on WAN.”

This directly applies the keyword: “pfSense DNS server Override.”

Result:

Now, every device in your network uses pfSense for DNS resolution. Queries are cached, resolved securely, and local hostnames work out of the box. No more relying on external DNS servers for every lookup.

This is a practical “pfSense as a DNS server example” that shows the power of running your own DNS setup.

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Advanced DNS Configuration in pfSense

Once the basics are up and running, pfSense allows for deeper customization to match more complex network needs. Let’s look at two powerful features that enhance control over your DNS infrastructure: DNS Server Override and local hostname resolution.

A. DNS Server Override

Under System > General Setup, pfSense includes a checkbox labeled “Allow DNS server list to be overridden by DHCP/PPP on WAN.”

When enabled, this setting pulls in DNS servers automatically from your WAN provider (usually your ISP). While convenient, it can undermine your intended DNS strategy, especially if you’ve configured specific upstream servers or enabled DNS over TLS.

Recommendation:

• Disable this option if you want full control over which DNS servers your network uses.
  
• Use static entries under the “DNS Servers” field to define your preferred upstream resolvers.

This aligns directly with the keyword: “pfSense DNS server Override.”

Resolving Local Hostnames

pfSense can automatically resolve the hostnames of devices within your network, even if you don’t run a dedicated DNS server.

Here’s how:

1. Go to Services > DNS Resolver.
   
2. Enable:
   
   • Register DHCP leases in the DNS Resolver
     
   • Register DHCP static mappings
     
3. Ensure your DHCP server (under Services > DHCP Server) hands out pfSense’s LAN IP as the primary DNS server.

With this configuration, devices like laptop01.local or printer.local become accessible by name, not just IP address.

This fulfills the keyword: “pfSense resolve local hostnames.”

These features give you more precise control over your network’s DNS behavior. If you want to enforce DNS privacy, improve name resolution, or maintain consistent settings across devices, pfSense has the tools to make it happen.

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Troubleshooting DNS Issues in pfSense

Even with a well-configured setup, DNS issues can still pop up. If you find that devices aren’t resolving domains or local hostnames are unreachable, here are common problems and how to fix them.

DNS Resolver Not Working

This is a frequent issue and usually tied to one of the following:

• Conflict with DNS Forwarder:

pfSense doesn’t allow both Resolver and Forwarder to run simultaneously. If the DNS Resolver isn’t responding, double-check that the Forwarder is disabled under Services > DNS Forwarder.

• Incorrect Interface Bindings:

In DNS Resolver settings, make sure the resolver is listening on the LAN or other relevant interfaces, not just WAN or localhost.

• Blocked Ports (53 or 853):

If you’re using DNS over TLS, port 853 must be open for outbound traffic. Also, ensure port 53 isn’t blocked by firewall rules for LAN clients trying to reach pfSense.

• Upstream Server Issues:

If your resolver is forwarding queries and the upstream DNS servers are down or unreachable, domain resolution will fail.

These are all relevant to the keyword “pfSense DNS resolver not working.”

Local Hostnames Not Resolving

If local device names like nas.local aren’t working:

• Confirm that DHCP registration in the DNS Resolver is enabled.
  
• Check that the devices received IP addresses via DHCP.
  
• Ensure no conflicting DNS settings are pushed by your DHCP server (e.g., Google DNS instead of pfSense).

General Debugging Tips

• Use tools like nslookup, dig, or ping from a client machine.
  
• From the pfSense dashboard, check logs:
  
  • Status > System Logs > Resolver
    
  • Status > System Logs > DHCP
    
• Restart the DNS Resolver under Status > Services if needed.

Fixing DNS issues often comes down to double-checking settings and making sure services aren’t clashing. The flexibility of pfSense means you can usually pinpoint and resolve DNS issues without needing external help.

Conclusion

The answer is a confident yes, pfSense is more than capable of acting as your network’s DNS server, and in many cases, it should. If you’re a home user looking for privacy and speed or a small business aiming for more control and stability, pfSense offers the flexibility to handle it all.

With the pfSense DNS Resolver, you get modern DNS features like DNSSEC, caching, and DNS over TLS. If your needs are simpler or compatibility is a concern, the pfSense DNS Forwarder remains a valid option. You can resolve local hostnames, override upstream DNS behavior, and manage everything centrally from the pfSense interface.

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