Hello, I’m new to pihole and have tried looking for a solution, but I think my set up is a bit too unusual for any of the usual suggestions…
My setup
I have an old iMac (Model 11,3 from Mid 2010) running macOS Monterey (via Open Core Legacy Project/OCLP). To be able to run docker, I have to use a VM (Virtual Box running Debian Server). Everything is installed and working.
Ambition
What I’d really like is a failsafe/fallback option, that I can either trigger myself, or ideally to work automatically, so if the iMac isn’t on (or if I’ve dual booted into windows for example) I’m still able to access the internet (using the regular ISP DSN settings).
Doesn’t work
• The most common solution I’ve seen is to run a second pihole, on another device. (Unfortunately without going into detail, I simply can’t afford… well anything, even a cheap 2nd hand Raspberry Pi etc.)
• I was hoping to be able to set up an automation on macOS or iOS shortcut, that would (do something to the effect of) log into my router, change DNS settings to point to/away from pihole, save. But this seems to be too complicated/ not possible with the Virgin Media Hub 5 (router provided by ISP). Have looked into an open source project that looks into this particular router, but it doesn’t look like the DNS settings are exposed.
• Setting up 2 DNS servers also doesn’t sounds reliable, as I believe it can still use the ISPs DSN, even when the pihole is available.
Does anyone please have any ideas for how I can solve this?
(Without having to manually login to router and change settings each time). Would be super grateful for any ideas! Am also more than happy to explain any other details about my setup or answer any other questions about this.
Source: r/pihole · by /u/CaptinDuckington