> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.islandrouter.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.islandrouter.com/island-router-cli-2.3.2/commands/ip-global-context/ip-dns-local-only.md).

# ip dns local-only

Determines whether the DNS server intercepts all recursive DNS requests or only those directed at the Island.

## Syntax

```
[no] ip dns local-only off|on
```

## Syntax Description

<table><thead><tr><th width="203">Keyword</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><code>no</code></td><td>(Optional) Reset the command to its default value.</td></tr><tr><td><code>off</code></td><td>Intercept all recursive DNS requests passing through the Island.</td></tr><tr><td><code>on</code></td><td>Respond only to DNS requests addressed to the Island.</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Defaults

All recursive DNS requests passing through the Island are intercepted by default.

## Usage Guidelines

By default, Island intercepts all recursive DNS requests it sees and resolves them locally, even if the request was sent to a different DNS server. This improves DNS lookup speed and allows Island to perform filtering at the DNS level.

In some circumstances, it may not be desirable to intercept DNS requests directed at another DNS server. Enabling the local-only option causes Island to pass these requests on to the targeted server.

Note that Island will never intercept and respond to DNS over HTTPS (DoH) requests targeted to another server. Users wishing to force all DNS reqeusts to be handled by Island may wish to block access to external DoH servers using Island's filtering capabilities. Refer to the Island Router app documentation for more information.

## Examples

```
ip dns local-only off
```

## Related Commands


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.islandrouter.com/island-router-cli-2.3.2/commands/ip-global-context/ip-dns-local-only.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.