Solved: How to Run Pi-Hole With Google WiFi?

Yes, setting up Pi-Hole with Google WiFi can indeed enhance your network by blocking unwanted ads at the DNS level. Here’s a guided step-by-step process to set it up:

Prerequisites:

• Raspberry Pi: Any model with network access (via Ethernet or WiFi).
• MicroSD Card: At least 8GB.
• Power Supply: For your Raspberry Pi.
• Google WiFi.
• Computer: To perform setup tasks.
• MicroSD Card Reader: To flash the OS to the SD card.

Step 1: Set Up the Raspberry Pi

• Install Raspberry Pi OS: Download the “Lite” version of Raspberry Pi OS and use software like BalenaEtcher to flash it to your MicroSD card.
• Enable SSH: Place an empty file named “ssh” (without any extension) in the boot directory of the SD card.
• Connect to WiFi: If you’re using WiFi, create a file named “wpa_supplicant.conf” in the boot directory and add the following (replace with your details):
  ctrl_interface=DIR=/var/run/wpa_supplicant GROUP=netdev
update_config=1
country=YOUR_COUNTRY_CODEnetwork={
ssid="YOUR_WIFI_SSID"
psk="YOUR_WIFI_PASSWORD"
}
• Power Up: Insert the MicroSD card into the Raspberry Pi, connect it to power, and let it boot up.

Step 2: SSH Into the Raspberry Pi

• Locate IP Address: Find the Raspberry Pi’s IP address via the Google Home app under connected devices.
• SSH Connection: Using an SSH client (like PuTTY for Windows), SSH into the Raspberry Pi using pi as the username and raspberry as the password.

Step 3: Install Pi-Hole

• Update the Pi:
  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

• Install Pi-Hole: Execute the following command and proceed with the setup:
  curl -sSL https://install.pi-hole.net | bash

• Pi-Hole Configuration: Follow the on-screen instructions to configure Pi-Hole according to your network. Note down the admin password provided at the end.

Step 4: Configure Google WiFi

• Open Google Home App: Navigate to the Google WiFi settings.
• Network & General: Go to “Network & General” > “Advanced networking” > “DNS”.
• Custom DNS: Choose “Custom” and enter the IP address of the Raspberry Pi running Pi-Hole.
• Save: Confirm and save the DNS settings.

Step 5: Validate the Setup

• Access Pi-Hole Admin: In a web browser, go to http://[Raspberry_Pi_IP_Address]/admin/ to access the Pi-Hole admin console.
• Sign In: Use the password obtained at the end of the Pi-Hole setup.
• Ensure Functionality: Validate that it’s blocking ads and DNS queries are being processed by checking the dashboard for logs and statistics.
• Testing: Browse the internet on a device connected to your network and validate that ads are being blocked.

Note:

• Pi-Hole’s DHCP (Optional): If you wish to see individual device statistics in Pi-Hole, you’d need to disable DHCP in Google WiFi and enable it in Pi-Hole, as Google WiFi does not support individualized DNS settings per device. Be cautious with this step, as incorrect DHCP settings can cause network issues.
• Updates: Regularly update Pi-Hole and keep an eye on the blocklists to ensure optimal performance and security.

And voila! You’ve set up Pi-Hole with Google WiFi, providing your network with a robust ad-blocking solution. Feel free to explore the Pi-Hole admin console to discover more about its functionalities, customize blocklists, and monitor your network’s ad-blocking stats!