Why You Need This VPN + Custom DNS Setup
If you’re trying to sideload apps on iOS and want to stay safe using VPN along with a custom DNS setup like CFDNS, this blog is for you.
Apple’s latest security updates are stricter than ever. Even with DNS spoofing or anti-revoke profiles, apps get blacklisted— all because:
Your VPN overrides your DNS configuration, exposing your device to Apple’s servers.
To stop this, you need to properly configure your VPN setup for Custom DNS, especially when using Cloudflare Gateway via WSF’s CFDNS links.
The Problem: DNS Leaks Caused by VPNs
When you use a VPN — especially a free or poorly-configured one — it silently replaces your device’s DNS settings with its own. Most of these VPNs:
- Don’t support encrypted DNS over HTTPS (DoH)
- Use public or internal unencrypted DNS servers
- Bypass your manual Cloudflare DNS profile
- Expose your device to Apple’s certificate verification
Even VPNs with “Split Tunneling” still leak DNS unless explicitly configured to allow DoH passthrough — and very few VPNs support this.
This is exactly why VPN setup for Custom DNS is not optional — it’s essential.
How CFDNS Solves It – If Configured Correctly
CFDNS is a custom Cloudflare Gateway configuration created by WSF. It uses DNS over HTTPS (DoH) to block Apple’s verification domains and prevent your sideloaded apps from being blacklisted.
But here’s the catch:
CFDNS will not work if your VPN doesn’t allow custom DNS input or DoH passthrough.
That means if you want to use VPN + CFDNS, you must use a VPN that supports custom DNS — and input the correct DoH URL manually.
How to Use VPN with Custom DNS – Step by Step
Here’s the correct way to set up VPN and DNS so your sideloaded apps stay protected:
1. Choose a VPN That Supports Custom DNS or DoH
Not all VPNs are compatible. Your VPN must allow:
- Custom DNS server input
- OR DNS over HTTPS passthrough
- AND must not override your system DNS
Avoid free VPNs unless confirmed compatible.
2. Add the CFDNS DoH URL Manually
In your VPN app or system settings:
- Find DNS settings
- Paste the CFDNS URL (listed below)
- Save and reconnect your VPN
- Double-check with a DNS leak test
Compatible VPNs for CFDNS
| VPN | Custom DNS Input | DoH Support | Free Version | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mullvad VPN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Best Overall |
| ProtonVPN | ✅ Yes (Paid) | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Paid Only |
| Surfshark | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Stable |
| Octahide | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 🟡 Manual Setup Needed |
If your VPN doesn’t offer DNS customization, your CFDNS config will be bypassed, and apps may get blacklisted.
CFDNS Profiles You Can Use Today
WSF has released multiple DoH URLs based on different sideloading scenarios:
1. CFDNS Normal Profile
- Use for everyday app usage
- Blocks Apple revoke domains
- DoH URL:
https://4ma0yugkgu.cloudflare-gateway.com/dns-query
2. CFDNS + UB (Ultra Block)
- Heavier blocking; may break some services
- DoH URL:
https://32ev95ur21.cloudflare-gateway.com/dns-query
3. CFDNS Install-Only
- Use only during app install
- Switch to normal afterward
- DoH URL:
https://vyvzdkmx6w.cloudflare-gateway.com/dns-query
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why is my CFDNS config not working with VPN?
Your VPN is likely overriding the DNS settings. Unless it supports custom DNS or DoH passthrough, CFDNS will not take effect.
Q. Can I use a free VPN?
Most free VPNs don’t support DNS control. It’s better to use a paid VPN with DNS configuration support like Mullvad or Surfshark.
Q. How do I know if my VPN is leaking DNS?
Run a DNS leak test. If you see DNS servers that aren’t Cloudflare (like ISP or VPN DNS), you have a leak.
Q. Is WSF config enough without VPN?
Yes — if you’re not using a VPN, WSF profiles usually work fine. But once you turn on a VPN, everything changes unless configured properly.
Final Thoughts
This blog is for users who want to use VPN + custom DNS (like CFDNS) and still enjoy sideloading without getting their apps blacklisted.
Most tutorials show you how to sideload, but few explain why your apps break after using a VPN.
With this correct VPN setup for Custom DNS, you now know how to:
- Prevent DNS leaks
- Bypass Apple’s revocation checks
- Keep your sideloaded apps working
- Use WSF’s CFDNS safely — even with VPNs
Choose the right VPN. Apply the right DoH URL. Test for leaks. That’s the formula.
