Apps can get blacklisted when certificate validation checks succeed and identify issues with how an app is signed or distributed. This commonly affects enterprise-signed or sideloaded apps, causing them to stop opening or show verification errors.
Using an anti-revoke DNS configuration correctly can significantly reduce these issues when paired with proper installation and usage habits.
Enterprise Certificates Explained
Enterprise certificates are designed by Apple for internal app distribution within organizations. They allow companies to deploy apps to employees without publishing them on the App Store.
However, when these certificates are used outside their intended scope, they become more sensitive to validation checks.
How Enterprise Certificates Work
- Apps signed with an enterprise certificate rely on Apple’s certificate trust system
- Apple periodically checks whether the certificate is still valid
- If Apple detects misuse or policy violations, the certificate can be revoked
- Once revoked, all apps signed with that certificate stop opening immediately
Why Apps Get Blacklisted
Apps are blacklisted mainly due to certificate validation checks performed by Apple’s servers. When a certificate is flagged or revoked, all apps using it are affected immediately.
Other common reasons include:
- Network exposure during app installation
- Restarting or updating the device without proper DNS protection
- Using the wrong DNS variant during installation
- Enabling multiple DNS configuration profiles at the same time
These actions can unintentionally allow certificate checks to pass.
How Anti-Revoke DNS Helps
Anti-revoke DNS profiles work by blocking Apple’s certificate validation servers, reducing the ability for background checks to verify and revoke certificates.
Benefits include:
- Reduced background validation requests
- Lower risk of sudden app revokes
- Improved app stability when used correctly
Anti-revoke DNS does not bypass systems permanently, but it limits exposure when used responsibly.
DNS Configuration Profiles (Quick Overview)
madNS Config Profile
Blocks Apple’s Certificate Servers and offers optional features like Ad Blocking and OTA Update Blocking.
Pros
- Supports VPNs, Feather, Apple Relay, Push Notifications, and ChatGPT
- Highly privacy-focused
Cons
- None
CFDNS Config Profile
Blocks Apple’s Certificate Servers and includes an optional OTA Update Blocker.
Pros
- Supports VPNs and Feather
- Privacy oriented
Cons
- None
WSF Config Profile
Focused purely on privacy while blocking Apple’s Certificate Servers. Includes an optional OTA Update Blocker.
Pros
- Very privacy-focused
Cons
- No VPN support
- No Feather support
- No Apple Relay
- No Push Notifications
- No ChatGPT support
What Do the Codes Mean in DNS Profiles?
- UB – Blocks Apple OTA Updates
- AB – Blocks Ads and Trackers
- INSTALL ONLY – Used only during app installation (switch back after installing)
Best Practices to Avoid Blacklist
To reduce the risk of apps being blacklisted:
- Use INSTALL ONLY DNS variant only while installing apps
- Open the app once after installation, then switch DNS variants
- Never disable the DNS configuration profile
- Avoid enabling more than one DNS profile at the same time
- Use Airplane Mode when switching DNS profiles
- Avoid restarting or updating the device while DNS protection is active
- Do not install multiple apps in a short span of time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do apps suddenly stop opening?
This usually happens when certificate validation succeeds and the certificate is revoked, affecting all apps signed with it.
Does anti-revoke DNS make apps permanent?
No. Anti-revoke DNS helps reduce risk but does not guarantee permanent availability.
Which DNS profile should I choose?
madNS for maximum compatibility
CFDNS for balanced privacy and VPN support
WSF for strict privacy with limited features
What is INSTALL ONLY used for?
INSTALL ONLY should be enabled only during installation and switched back afterward.
Can I disable the DNS profile after installation?
No. Disabling DNS protection increases the risk of revokes.
Is it safe to enable multiple DNS profiles?
No. Multiple DNS profiles can cause conflicts and reduce effectiveness.
Do system updates affect app availability?
Yes. OTA updates can trigger certificate checks, which is why some profiles include UB (Update Blocking).
Final Thoughts
Apps don’t get blacklisted randomly — they are affected when certificate checks succeed.
Anti-revoke DNS works by reducing exposure to those checks, and when combined with correct installation practices, it greatly improves app reliability.
