How to remove OpenDNS (Removal Guide)

OpenDNS is a company based in San Francisco, California that provides a free and paid internet navigation structure, as well as web security solutions for families, schools, governmental organizations, and businesses of all sizes. OpenDNS claims that their services increase the speed of navigating websites and prevent unintended access to phishing and malware sites as well as to any web content that you configure to be restricted, but this is not likely.

OpenDNS is not a necessity and may not add any realistic value or safety to a computer. A first-person IP or other third-party IP addresses provided free by Google, etc. should be used over OpenDNS IP addresses to avoid potentially unwanted situations, including browser redirects to their search engines and websites. OpenDNS is known to cause unwanted browser redirects to sponsored webpages and advertisements.

OpenDNS claims no responsibility for third party links they provide, which contradicts the meaning of internet safety. You can read more about this in the OpenDNS privacy policy below.

OpenDNS is known to block or restrict access to multiple websites, including harmless and safe websites. When OpenDNS blocks access to a website the prompted webpage warning reads: “Phising Site Blocked – Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to get you to provide personal information under false pretenses.” Note, in the image below we attempt to access a legitimate software company’s website, which OpenDNS wrongfully blocked.

OpenDNS redirects web searches to their OpenDNS search engine called “OpenDNS Guide” (guide.opendns.com). Often these searches are filled with third party advertisements.

OpenDNS IP addresses are often used to repair computer systems and allow access to the internet. OpenDNS may be on your system due to previously repairing DNS settings on your computer, from infections such as DNS changer malware.

How to remove OpenDNS (Windows)

1. Click the internet connectivity icon on the taskbar, and click “Open Network and Sharing Center” or navigate to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.

2. Under “View your active networks” click the option provided for “Connections”, this may either be “Local Area Connection” (if connection is wired), or “Wireless Connections”.

3. The “Local Area Connection Status” window pops up, click “Properties”. (Please note this window will detail if IPv4 and IPv6 settings are in use)

4. Double click “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” (or highlight and click properties) to open the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window.

5. Under the “General” tab where it says “Use the following DNS server addresses:” remove the OpenDNS IP addresses (common OpenDNS addresses are 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220).

6. Now select Obtain DNS server address automatically.

This will erase the OpenDNS DNS server IP address from your system and your computer and internet browser will function normally.

How to remove OpenDNS (Mac)

1. Navigate to: System Preferences > Network > Advanced > DNS

2. Under DNS you will see various IP addresses. Remove the OpenDNS IP addresses – you’ll recognize them as they start with 208 and will be something something similar to 208.67.222.222 or 208.67.220.220.

3. Remove the OpenDNS IP address by pressing the minus (-) button at the bottom.

4. You will be left with your own original IP address will will now be grayed out. Don’t worry, just add it again by pressing the plus (+) button and typing it in.