Mullvad is ending the public encrypted DNS-over-HTTPS service it has operated since 2022 and will financially support Quad9 instead.
The shutdown is scheduled for November 2, 2026.
The important part is that this doesn't affect every Mullvad user equally.
If you use Mullvad VPN and simply rely on its internal DNS while connected, nothing changes. The public DNS service being retired is separate from the DNS handling built into the VPN connection.
Mullvad Browser users who kept the default DoH configuration also don't need to manually migrate. Mullvad says those users, including people using its built-in ad-blocking configuration, will be moved to Quad9 automatically.
Manual configurations are where action is required. If you've separately configured a Mullvad DoH server, you'll need to switch before November 2. Customized DoH settings in Mullvad Browser won't be overwritten automatically.
The same applies to Mullvad DoH profiles installed on iOS or macOS. Those profiles will stop working and need to be replaced with Quad9 encrypted DNS profiles.
Mullvad's reasoning is interesting too. It still sees value in having privacy-focused public DNS available, but says operating it is specialized enough that financially supporting an established provider makes more sense than maintaining duplicate infrastructure.
We mapped out which Mullvad setups migrate automatically and which need manual changes before November 2:
https://www.technadu.com/mullvad-public-dns-shutdown-moves-service-support-to-quad9/635595/
For most VPN users, then, this isn't a change to the VPN itself. It's primarily something to check if you've deliberately configured Mullvad DNS outside the VPN.
Source: r/TechNadu · by /u/technadu