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🚀 Stop Ads FOREVER! Install Pi-Hole the EASY, Docker & Advanced Way

Deploy network-wide ad blocking the easy way (ZimaOS), the flexible way (Docker), or the granular way (DietPi). Includes extra blocklists, router setup, quick test steps, and recommended hardware.

Pi-hole is a powerful tool that blocks ads and trackers for every device on your home network. Below are three different install methods: easiest with ZimaOS, flexible with Docker, or advanced with DietPi. After setup, don’t skip the Extra Blocklists section — this will supercharge your ad blocking.

1️⃣ ZimaOS (Easiest Method)

  1. Log in to your ZimaOS dashboard.
  2. Open the App Store, search for Pi-hole, then click Install.
  3. Click Open, and log in with the default password: CasaOS.
  4. Pi-hole will start with the default blocklist. You’ll add more later.

Access Pi-hole at: http://<your-zimaos-ip>/admin

2️⃣ Docker (Flexible, Copy-Paste Setup)

This method works on any Linux server with Docker installed. It maps host ports 8087 → 80 (web) and 8443 → 443 (SSL). DNS runs on 53/tcp and 53/udp.

# Remove any old Pi-holesudo docker rm -f pihole 2>/dev/nullsudo rm -rf ~/docker/containers/pihole# Create folders (fish-shell friendly whoami)sudo mkdir -p ~/docker/containers/pihole/{etc-pihole,etc-dnsmasq.d}sudo chown -R (whoami):(whoami) ~/docker/containers/pihole# Run Pi-hole containersudo docker run -d \  --name pihole \  --hostname pihole \  --cap-add=NET_ADMIN \  -p 8087:80 -p 8443:443 \  -p 53:53/tcp -p 53:53/udp \  -v ~/docker/containers/pihole/etc-pihole:/etc/pihole \  -v ~/docker/containers/pihole/etc-dnsmasq.d:/etc/dnsmasq.d \  -e TZ="America/Chicago" \  -e WEBPASSWORD="ChangeMe" \  -e DNSMASQ_LISTENING=all \  -e PIHOLE_DNS_1=1.1.1.1 \  -e PIHOLE_DNS_2=208.67.220.220 \  --restart unless-stopped \  pihole/pihole:latest# Change the admin password latersudo docker exec pihole pihole setpassword 'NewPasswordHere'

Access Pi-hole at: http://<your-server-ip>:8087/admin

3️⃣ DietPi (Granular Control for Advanced Users)

  1. Download and install DietPi (BIOS/UEFI installer image). Boot and log in with: root / dietpi. You’ll be asked to change the password.
  2. Set a static IP address (Ethernet recommended). Disable IPv6 if not needed. Optional: create a swap file for stability.
  3. Run dietpi-software, select Pi-hole (and optional: Fail2ban, RAMlog), then install.
  4. Pi-hole will generate an admin password. If you forget it, reset anytime with:
sudo pihole setpassword

Access Pi-hole at: http://<your-dietpi-ip>:8489/admin

🔧 Point Your Network to Pi-hole

To make all devices use Pi-hole automatically:

  1. Log in to your router’s admin page.
  2. Find LAN / DHCP Settings.
  3. Set the DNS server to your Pi-hole’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.136).
  4. Save and reboot your devices, or renew DHCP leases, so they start using Pi-hole.

🧰 Extra Blocklists (Stronger Ad Blocking)

Boost your protection by adding community-maintained blocklists. Here’s how:

  1. Log in to Pi-hole’s web dashboard.
  2. Go to Group Management → Adlists.
  3. Copy each of the URLs below and paste them into the Address field one at a time, then click Add.

📋 Recommended Blocklists (easy copy & paste):

✅ After adding, go to Tools → Update Gravity to download and activate the new blocklists.

✅ Quick Test

  1. On any client device, manually set DNS to your Pi-hole IP (or wait if router is already set).
  2. Visit a news or blog site that usually has ads.
  3. Open the Pi-hole Query Log. You should see green = allowed and red = blocked entries in real time.
  4. If something breaks (e.g., a site doesn’t load), whitelist it from the Pi-hole dashboard.

💡 Tips & Tricks

  • Run Pi-hole on Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi for faster, more reliable DNS.
  • Use Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) or OpenDNS as your upstream servers for speed and privacy.
  • Phones and tablets will use less battery since ads won’t download in the background.
  • Pair Pi-hole with a VPN (WireGuard, Tailscale, or Headscale) to block ads even when away from home.

💻 Recommended Hardware

If you want a smooth Pi-hole or homelab setup, here are some solid hardware picks that balance price and performance:

⚡ 2.5GbE Switches

⚡ Mini PCs (Great for Pi-hole or Small Servers)

💡 These systems have plenty of power for Pi-hole, Docker, and light server workloads. If you’re running multiple services, go for the Beelink EQ14 or ME Mini NAS for extra storage and memory.

🚀 Wrap-Up

Pick the install method that matches your skill level: ZimaOS for one-click setup, Docker for portability and flexibility, or DietPi for complete control. Add the extra blocklists, set your router’s DNS, and enjoy faster, ad-free browsing across your entire network.