How to Install dnsmasq on macOS

dnsmasq is a simple DNS management tool that offers several useful features, such as DHCP service and network booting. This tutorial will guide you through the steps to install dnsmasq on macOS.

Step 1: Download dnsmasq

To download dnsmasq, visit the following website: http://www.thekelleys.org.uk/dnsmasq/doc.html

Once on the website, locate the download link and click on it to download the file to your local computer.

Step 2: Install dnsmasq

After downloading dnsmasq, follow the steps below to install it on your macOS-powered device:

1. Open the Terminal app on your Mac.
2. Navigate to the directory where dnsmasq was downloaded to. For instance, if it was downloaded to the Downloads directory, type the following command: cd ~/Downloads
3. Use the following command to unpack the downloaded archive: tar -xvf dnsmasq-*.tar.gz
4. Navigate to the extracted directory. Type the following command: cd dnsmasq-*
5. Run the following command to install the tool:
   • sudo make install - this command installs dnsmasq to the standard locations
   • sudo PREFIX=$HOME/usr/local make install - this command installs dnsmasq to the ~/usr/local directory

Once the installation is complete, you can run the dnsmasq command from the terminal to start using the tool.

Step 3: Configure dnsmasq

To configure dnsmasq, you will need to create a configuration file. This can be done by creating a new file in the /etc directory. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Open the Terminal app on your Mac.
2. Navigate to the /etc directory. Type the following command: cd /etc
3. Use any text editor to create a new file called dnsmasq.conf.
4. In the dnsmasq.conf file, add the following lines to configure the tool:

   interface=wlan0
   dhcp-range=192.168.1.100,192.168.1.150,12h
   dhcp-option=option:router,192.168.1.1
   

   Note: Replace wlan0 with the interface name you wish to use.
5. Save the dnsmasq.conf file.
6. Start dnsmasq by running the following command: sudo dnsmasq.

Conclusion

With dnsmasq, you can manage your DNS and DHCP services in a simple, efficient way on your macOS-powered device. Follow the steps outlined in this tutorial to get started.

If you want to self-host in an easy, hands free way, need an external IP address, or simply want your data in your own hands, give IPv6.rs a try!

Alternatively, for the best virtual desktop, try Shells!