Network-wide ad blocking with Pi-hole

What is Pi-hole?

Pi-hole is a network-wide ad blocker that runs on a Raspberry Pi (or other Linux systems). Unlike browser extensions that only block ads in your web browser, Pi-hole operates at the DNS level, filtering ad requests before they even reach your devices.

Once configured, Pi-hole blocks ads, trackers, malware domains, and phishing sites for every device on your network—phones, tablets, smart TVs, computers, and IoT devices—without installing software on each one.

Why use Pi-hole?

Network-wide protection

Instead of installing browser plugins or software on each device, install Pi-hole once and your entire network is protected. Every device that uses your network's DNS server benefits automatically.

Block in-app advertisements

Pi-hole blocks ads in places browser extensions can't reach: mobile apps, smart TVs, streaming devices, and embedded web views. Network-level blocking works regardless of the device, operating system, or application.

Improve network performance

Ads are blocked before they're downloaded, reducing bandwidth usage and speeding up page load times. Your network feels faster because devices aren't wasting time downloading ad content and tracking scripts.

Enhanced privacy

Pi-hole blocks tracking domains, preventing companies from following your browsing activity across websites. You gain more control over your online privacy without complex privacy tools on each device.

Monitor and control

Pi-hole's web interface shows real-time statistics: total queries, blocked queries, top domains, and per-device activity. You can see which devices are making the most requests and which domains are being blocked.

How it works

Pi-hole works by acting as your network's DNS server. When a device on your network requests a domain name (like example.com), Pi-hole checks if that domain is on its blocklist:

• If the domain is legitimate: Pi-hole forwards the request to an upstream DNS server (like Google DNS or Cloudflare) and returns the IP address to your device
• If the domain is an ad or tracker: Pi-hole blocks the request and returns a "domain not found" response, preventing the ad from loading

This happens transparently—devices don't know they're being filtered. They simply never see the blocked content.

Pi-hole maintains blocklists of known advertising and tracking domains (millions of entries). You can add custom blocklists, whitelist trusted domains, or create your own filtering rules.

Setup overview

Setting up Pi-hole involves four main steps:

1. Prepare your Raspberry Pi: Install Raspberry Pi OS on your Pi
2. Install Pi-hole: Run the Pi-hole installer, which configures the DNS server and web interface
3. Configure your network: Set Pi-hole as your DNS server in your router settings or on individual devices
4. Customize (optional): Add blocklists, whitelist domains, and adjust settings via the web interface

The Raspberry Pi Foundation provides a detailed tutorial for setting up Pi-hole, and Vilros offers kits that include a manual to guide you through the process.

What you need

To run Pi-hole, you need:

• Raspberry Pi: Any model works, but Pi 4, Pi 5, or Pi Zero 2 W are recommended for reliability and performance
• Power supply: Use the correct power supply for your Pi model
• MicroSD card: 16GB or larger with Raspberry Pi OS installed
• Ethernet connection: Wired Ethernet is more reliable than Wi-Fi for DNS services, though Wi-Fi can work
• Keyboard, mouse, and monitor (for initial setup): Required to configure the Pi before it runs headless

Vilros offers Pi-hole kits for the Raspberry Pi 4, Pi 5, and Pi Zero W that include all necessary hardware plus a setup guide.