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Mullvad shuts DNS servers, sponsors Quad9
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Mullvad VPN shuts its public encrypted DNS servers on Nov 2, 2026, and sponsors Quad9. Users who manually configured the service must migrate before the cutoff.
Background
Mullvad VPN has operated public DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) servers since 2022 as a free privacy service. The company now says running such infrastructure duplicates work already done by the Quad9 Foundation, a nonprofit privacy-focused DNS provider, and requires specialized expertise. Mullvad will instead financially support Quad9, and points users to Quad9's migration guides.
How it unfolded
- 2022Mullvad launched its public encrypted DNS servers as a free service.
- Nov 27, 2025Mullvad shut down its search proxy Leta.
- 2025Mullvad enabled quantum-resistant WireGuard by default across all platforms.
- Sep 3, 2026Mullvad announced it will shut down its public DNS servers and sponsor Quad9.
- Nov 2, 2026Mullvad's public DNS servers will be shut down; manual users must switch before this date.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Mullvad says its public DNS servers are unnecessary for VPN users and that backing Quad9 avoids duplicating work.
- Analysts
- TechRadar calls the move 'surprising but practical,' noting it will be invisible to most Mullvad subscribers.
Still unverified
Financial details of Mullvad's sponsorship of Quad9 have not been disclosed; TechRadar has requested comment.