Pi-hole
Block ads and trackers across your entire home network with a DNS-level ad blocker.
Open the official app on pi-hole.net
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Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Pi-hole?
Pi-hole is an open-source network-wide ad blocker that intercepts and blocks advertisements at the DNS level. By acting as a centralized DNS server, it prevents devices on a network from resolving domain names associated with ad servers, effectively blocking ads across all connected devices. This tool is primarily used by network administrators, households, and small businesses to eliminate intrusive ads, reduce bandwidth consumption, and improve overall network performance. It addresses the problem of fragmented ad-blocking solutions that require individual configuration on each device, offering a unified approach to ad mitigation. Pi-hole's lightweight design and compatibility with various operating systems make it accessible for users with technical expertise or those seeking to enhance their network's privacy and efficiency.
How it works
Pi-hole is a DNS-based ad blocker that operates by intercepting domain name requests and blocking access to known ad-serving domains. It is designed to block ads across all devices connected to a network, including computers, smartphones, smart TVs, and IoT devices. The primary purpose of Pi-hole is to provide, network-wide ad blocking without requiring individual configuration on each device. It also serves as a privacy tool by preventing devices from leaking DNS queries to external servers. Pi-hole blocks ads at the DNS level, preventing ads from loading in browsers, apps, and embedded content. It supports integration with a VPN for ad blocking on mobile devices and can block in-app advertisements by intercepting DNS requests. Additionally, it provides analytics to track blocked ads and network activity.
How to use it
- 1Install a supported operating system (e.g., Ubuntu) or use a Docker container. 2. Run the automated Pi-hole installer to configure the DNS server and blocklists. 3. Set your router’s DHCP settings to assign Pi-hole as the default DNS server for all devices. 4. Optionally pair Pi-hole with a VPN to extend ad blocking to mobile networks. Practical tips: Use the Pi-hole web interface to manage blocklists and monitor network activity. For advanced users, Docker deployment offers flexibility in resource allocation.
What it can do
- network-wide ad blocker
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://github.com/pi-hole/pi-hole
- license: CC-BY-NC-SA — free to use
- privacy: Self-hosted — you control your data
Limitations
- Relies on DNS interception, which may not block ads in all applications or protocols.
- Requires manual configuration of DNS settings on each device or router.
- Limited real-time updates to blocklists, potentially allowing new ad domains to bypass filters.
- Does not block browser extensions or ads that bypass DNS-level interception.
- Privacy risks if DNS logs are not encrypted or anonymized.
Understanding the result
Block ads and trackers across your entire home network with a DNS-level ad blocker.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (MIT).
- Built with
- (pi-hole/pi-hole)
- License
- MIT
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with pi-hole/pi-hole. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- MIT
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- CC-BY-NC-SA License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
What is Pi-hole and how does it block ads?
Pi-hole is a network-wide ad blocker that intercepts DNS requests and blocks access to ad-serving domains. When a device on the network attempts to load an ad, Pi-hole prevents the domain from resolving, stopping the ad from loading. This works across all devices connected to the network, including browsers, apps, and IoT devices.
How does Pi-hole differ from browser extensions like uBlock Origin?
Pi-hole operates at the DNS level, blocking ads before they reach devices, while browser extensions like uBlock Origin filter content after it has loaded. Pi-hole provides network-wide protection without requiring individual configuration on each device, whereas browser extensions are limited to the specific browser and device they are installed on.
How do I set up Pi-hole on my home network?
First, install Pi-hole on a Raspberry Pi or a server running Ubuntu. Use the automated installer to set up the DNS server and blocklists. Next, configure your router to assign Pi-hole as the default DNS server for all devices. Finally, ensure all devices on the network use Pi-hole as their DNS resolver, either through DHCP or manual settings.
What are the advantages of using Pi-hole over alternatives like OpenDNS?
Pi-hole offers greater customization, allowing users to manage blocklists, whitelist domains, and monitor network activity through its web interface. Unlike OpenDNS, which is a hosted service, Pi-hole runs locally, giving users full control over their network’s ad-blocking rules and data privacy.
How do I troubleshoot if Pi-hole isn’t blocking ads?
Check that Pi-hole is correctly configured as the DNS server on all devices. Verify that the blocklists are up to date and that no whitelisted domains are interfering. Ensure the Pi-hole server is reachable on the network and that no firewall rules are blocking DNS traffic. Use the Pi-hole web interface to review query logs and identify unresolved domains.