Pi-hole on Raspberry Pi: Step-by-Step Installation and Configuration Guide
Jun 23,2025
What is Pi-hole?
Pi-hole is a powerful network-wide ad blocker that enhances privacy and performance across all connected devices. What is Pi-hole?Pi-hole is a network-wide DNS-based ad blocker that acts as a filtering layer between connected devices and the internet. Originally designed for small-scale networks like homes or small offices, Pi-hole intercepts DNS queries from any device on the local network and selectively blocks requests to known ad-serving and tracking domains.
By operating at the network level, Pi-hole eliminates the need for browser-based ad blockers and provides consistent filtering across all connected devices — including smartphones, smart TVs, and IoT endpoints — without additional software installation.
How Does Pi-hole Work?
Pi-hole functions as a local DNS sinkhole. When a device on your network tries to resolve a domain name (e.g., loading a website or displaying an ad), that DNS request is sent to the Pi-hole instead of a public DNS resolver. The Pi-hole then compares the requested domain against its internal blocklists — which contain thousands of known ad, tracker, and malware domains.
• If the domain is on the blocklist: When a requested domain matches an entry in the blocklist, Pi-hole responds with a non-routable address (such as 0.0.0.0) or its own IP, effectively intercepting the query and preventing the client from establishing a connection to the target server.
• If the domain is not on the blocklist: Pi-hole forwards the request to an upstream DNS server (e.g., Google DNS, Cloudflare, or a custom recursive DNS like Unbound) and returns the valid response to the client.
In addition to DNS filtering, Pi-hole includes a web-based dashboard for monitoring network traffic, analyzing query patterns, and fine-tuning filtering rules. It can also optionally serve as a DHCP server, which is especially useful in networks where the main router lacks granular DNS controls.
By handling DNS centrally, Pi-hole delivers ad blocking and domain filtering across all devices — including those where traditional browser-based blockers can't be used — making it a valuable tool in both consumer and professional IoT environments.
Benefits of Using Raspberry Pi for Pi-hole
• ✔ Flexible Network Integration
Thanks to its Ethernet port and optional Wi-Fi capabilities, the Raspberry Pi can seamlessly integrate into existing LAN topologies. When assigned a static IP in a typical Raspberry Pi network setup, it can act as a reliable DNS resolver for all local devices, including IoT endpoints that may not support local DNS configuration.
• ✔ Centralized Ad and Tracker Blocking
By intercepting DNS queries at the network level, Pi-hole on a Raspberry Pi can block ads on home network setups as well as professional IoT deployments — including smart TVs, voice assistants, and appliances that typically do not support browser-based ad blockers. This enhances network hygiene and improves performance,making it a reliable DNS ad blocker for various use cases.
• ✔ Affordable and Accessible Hardware
The Raspberry Pi offers exceptional value with powerful capabilities at a low price point. Check out our [Raspberry Pi Boards & Accessories](https://www.sunfounder.com/collections/raspberry-pi) for compatible modules and gear.
This enables organizations or individuals to implement enterprise-grade network filtering features without significant capital expenditure, promoting broader adoption in schools, SMBs, and decentralized IoT deployments.
Use Cases and Extensions
Smart Home Edge Security Layer:
In smart home networks, Pi-hole serves as one of the essential smart home privacy tools by blocking known malicious domains and reducing outbound connections from smart appliances and hubs. Combined with firewalls or intrusion detection tools, it contributes to a multi-tiered security architecture.
Family-Safe and Educational Browsing:
By customizing blocklists or integrating with filtering tools, Pi-hole can restrict access to inappropriate or distracting websites. This is ideal for:
• Home networks with children or teenagers
• Schools and libraries using Raspberry Pi as a local DNS server
• Devices shared among multiple users in learning environments
IoT Device Privacy and Behavior Control:
Many IoT devices communicate continuously with external servers for updates, telemetry, or analytics. Pi-hole helps:
• Detect unusual or excessive DNS queries from specific devices
• Block telemetry or data exfiltration domains
• Reduce dependency on cloud platforms by enforcing local-only DNS resolution
This level of control supports more transparent and secure IoT deployments and is a key takeaway in any Pi-hole Raspberry Pi tutorial.
System Requirements
Raspberry Pi Model: Raspberry Pi 4, or 5 is recommended.
Operating System: Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit preferred).
Storage: Minimum 16 GB microSD card (Class 10).
Networking: Wired Ethernet is recommended for low-latency, always-on DNS service. Wi-Fi is supported but may introduce variability in latency-sensitive applications.
UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for enhanced resilience in industrial or remote deployments
Installing Pi-hole on Raspberry Pi
For details, refer to the [Pi-hole official install script]
For a quick and reliable Pi-hole installation, use the official script:
curl -sSL https://install.pi-hole.net | bash
Pi-hole installation on a Raspberry Pi is simple and efficient, even for beginners.
Includes built-in DNS server (FTL), web dashboard (via lighttpd), and configuration tools,forming a complete DNS ad blocker package.
1. Static IP Configuration: Complete Guide to [Set Static IP on Raspberry Pi]
2. Network Interface Selection: Choose your primary interface (typically eth0 for Ethernet).
3. Upstream DNS Provider: Select from providers like Cloudflare, Google DNS, Quad9, or specify a custom one.
4. Blocklists: Use default lists or add custom sources later.
5. Privacy Mode and Logging: Adjust the level of query logging and data retention based on your privacy needs during Pi-hole configuration
6. Complete Installation and Access the Admin Panel : Refer to the [Pi-hole Dashboard Overview] for admin panel functions.
7. Your Pi-hole admin panel URL (usually http://<pi-ip-address>/admin)
A randomly generated web interface password (save it!) To set or reset the password later:
pihole -a -p
ConfiguNetwork Devices for Pi-hole
Raspberry Pi DNS server setup is a key part of maximizing Pi-hole’s effectiveness. Setting Pi-hole as DNS server on your router (recommended)
Configure your router’s DHCP or DNS settings to designate the Raspberry Pi’s IP address (running Pi-hole) as the default DNS resolver. This ensures that all connected devices automatically route their DNS queries through Pi-hole for centralized filtering.
Manually setting Pi-hole as DNS on individual devices
Manually set Pi-hole as the DNS server on individual devices for selective filtering or testing purposes.
DHCP server configuration with Pi-hole (optional)
Accessible via the web interface or:
pihole -a enabledhcp
Exploring Pi-hole’s Web Interface
Accessing the Pi-hole Admin Dashboard
To open the web interface:
1. Navigate to:
http://<raspberry_pi_ip_address>/admin
2. Log in using the password generated during installation.
If you need to reset it, use:
pihole -a -p
Key Features of the Web Interface
1. Query Log Viewer
• View live and historical DNS queries made by all devices on the network.
• Each entry includes:
• Timestamp
• Requested domain
• Client IP or hostname
• Status (Blocked, Permitted, Cached)
2. Dashboard Statistics
• A visual summary of DNS activity, including:
• Total queries handled
• Percentage blocked
• Top allowed and blocked domains
• Most active clients
3. Blacklist and Whitelist Management
• Directly add or remove domains from:
• Blacklist (to force block access)
• Whitelist (to override blocklists and allow access)
• Supports exact domain matching and regex-based rules.
• Ideal for resolving false positives or customizing access policies for specific environments or devices.
4. Group Management for Clients
• Create and assign clients (based on IP or MAC address) to custom filter groups.
• Enables differentiated filtering:
• Stricter policies for guests or public kiosks
• Relaxed rules for developer machines or admin devices
• Essential in mixed-use networks with diverse security or privacy requirements.
Troubleshooting Common Issues in Pi-hole on Raspberry Pi
1. Pi-hole Not Blocking Ads – Common Misconfigurations
If ads are still visible after installing Pi-hole, it often stems from one of the following issues:
• Devices are not using Pi-hole as their DNS resolver
Ensure your router or client devices point to the Raspberry Pi’s IP address as their primary DNS server to enable network-wide ad blocking.
• For network-wide blocking, configure this in your router’s DHCP/DNS settings.
• For testing, manually assign the DNS on a single device.
• DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS bypassing Pi-hole
Some browsers (e.g., Firefox, Chrome) or operating systems may use encrypted DNS, bypassing local resolvers.
• Disable DoH in browser settings or enforce network-wide DNS redirection via firewall rulesas part of your Pi-hole configuration strategy.
• Blocklists are empty or ineffective
Verify that Pi-hole has downloaded active blocklists. Use:
pihole -g
to manually update the blocklist gravity database.
2. DNS Resolution Failures and Network Connectivity
If clients can’t access websites or experience dropped connections:
• Check Pi-hole's own connectivity
Confirm your Pi has a working internet connection:
If you're unfamiliar with pinging IPs, see [How to Use Ping] for command-line examples.
ping 1.1.1.1
ping google.com
• Misconfigured static IP or DNS loop
If Pi-hole is pointing to itself without proper upstream resolution, DNS queries may fail.
• Revisit your upstream DNS settings Pi-hole web interface to ensure proper resolution behavior.
• Restart DNS service to refresh behavior:
pihole restartdns
3. Updating Blocklists and Pi-hole Software
• Refreshing Blocklists
After your Pi-hole installation, it’s important to regularly refresh your blocklists.Sometimes domains change or lists become outdated. Update them with:
pihole -g
• Updating Pi-hole to the Latest Version
Keep Pi-hole and its components up to date for bug fixes and performance improvements best practice often emphasized in any Pi-hole Raspberry Pi tutorial:
pihole -up
• Check version status
The web interface or CLI will inform you if components (Core, FTL, Web) are outdated.
Conclusion
Network-wide ad blocking using Raspberry Pi and Pi-hole is a powerful approach to improving online experience and digital security.Setting up Pi-hole on a Raspberry Pi is a powerful yet accessible way to take control of your network’s DNS traffic, eliminate intrusive ads, and enhance online privacy across all connected devices. Whether you're managing a smart home, securing IoT deployments, or simply seeking a faster, cleaner browsing experience, Pi-hole delivers robust functionality with minimal hardware requirements. With its flexible configuration options and active community support, Raspberry Pi Pi-hole is an ideal solution for anyone looking to build a smarter, more secure network from the ground up.
