Mozilla has announced the release of DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) support for Firefox on Android, expanding its privacy-first DNS resolution technology to mobile users.
Coinciding with the launch of Firefox 143 for Android, this update also includes major performance enhancements that make encrypted DNS nearly as fast as traditional DNS.
The latest rollout builds upon Mozilla's previous deployments of DoH on desktop platforms, which began in 2020. According to Mozilla, DoH lookups in Firefox are now 61% faster for the 75th percentile of users compared to earlier this year, thanks to its technical collaboration with Akamai.
With this week's update, Android users can enable DoH by selecting the “Increased Protection” setting in Firefox. While the feature is currently opt-in, Mozilla is conducting performance testing with its DoH partners and plans to enable it by default in select regions if it meets expected speed benchmarks.
Mozilla describes the new mobile rollout as a continuation of its goal to make encrypted DNS widely accessible without sacrificing user experience. DNS queries, often the first step in connecting to any website, have traditionally been transmitted in plaintext, allowing ISPs and network operators to observe users' browsing behavior. By encrypting DNS traffic via HTTPS, DoH thwarts surveillance and manipulation at the network level, enhancing privacy even on insecure Wi-Fi networks.
The Firefox browser, maintained by the Mozilla Foundation, holds a longstanding reputation for championing privacy and open web standards. While its global market share is modest compared to browsers like Chrome or Safari, Firefox remains an influential player in promoting security-forward features such as Enhanced Tracking Protection, container tabs, and now, widespread encrypted DNS.
Underpinning Firefox's DoH implementation is Mozilla's Trusted Recursive Resolver (TRR) program. This framework requires DNS providers to meet strict privacy and transparency standards before being integrated into the browser. These requirements are backed by legally binding contracts that ensure resolvers cannot log or monetize user data, reinforcing Mozilla's privacy commitments.
Android users can start using encrypted DNS in Firefox 143 by navigating to Settings → Privacy & Security → DNS over HTTPS, then selecting “Increased Protection.” For those using Firefox on desktop, DoH is already enabled by default in several regions, with similar configuration options available for users in other locales.
While DoH significantly enhances privacy, users seeking even more robust protections may consider pairing it with a reputable VPN or using Firefox's “Strict” DoH mode, which blocks all DNS traffic that isn't encrypted.
Leave a Reply