rethinkdns /
app
RethinkDNS is an open-source Android firewall, DNS client, and network monitor that blocks trackers and secures system-wide internet requests.
Overview
RethinkDNS is a security utility for Android, acting as a local firewall, DNS resolver, and network monitor. By routing system traffic through a local VPN interface, it enables users to block tracking domains, view real-time application connectivity logs, and enforce strict per-app internet connection permissions without requiring system root privileges.
It features comprehensive support for modern secure DNS protocols (such as DNS-over-HTTPS, DNS-over-TLS, and DNS-over-QUIC), allowing users to bypass localized internet filters while encrypting lookup requests. The firewall interface is highly granular, allowing you to isolate background apps or block domains globally using blocklists. The primary trade-off is that because it operates via the Android local VPN interface, you cannot run RethinkDNS simultaneously with standard commercial VPN apps unless configured in specialized wireguard profiles. For privacy-conscious mobile users, RethinkDNS provides control over device connectivity.
Key topics
- rethinkdns
- android-firewall
- dns-over-https
- ad-blocker
- privacy-app
Getting started
Installation steps vary depending on how a project is packaged, so the most reliable source is always the official README. As a starting point:
How it compares
Here is how this project sits alongside a few other tools in the same category:
Questions about this project
- What is app?
- RethinkDNS is a security utility for Android, acting as a local firewall, DNS resolver, and network monitor. By routing system traffic through a local VPN interface, it enables users to block tracking domains, view real-time application connectivity logs, and enforce strict per-app internet connection permissions without requiring system root privileges.
- What license does app use?
- GPL-3.0
- How popular is app on GitHub?
- app has roughly 8.9k stars and 750 forks on GitHub as of the latest data.
- Is app actively maintained?
- This repository has been updated recently, which is generally a good sign of active maintenance.
- What language is app written in?
- app is written primarily in Kotlin, Go.
Repository info
| Owner | rethinkdns |
|---|---|
| Primary language | Kotlin, Go |
| License | GPL-3.0 |
| Created | July 16, 2026 |
| Last updated | July 16, 2026 |